JobXDubai

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, businesses across the UAE are preparing for significant changes to their working hours. The UAE government has officially reduced working hours by two hours for private sector employees, while government workers can benefit from flexible schedules and remote work options.

Companies throughout the Emirates are implementing creative approaches to maintain productivity while respecting the religious and personal needs of their workforce during this important time.

Food Industry Adjustments

Ahmed Mahdi, owner of local food truck Atifa, explains how Ramadan transforms their business operations:

“Our hours shift significantly during this month. We tend to open later in the evening to cater to families breaking their fast. It’s about being in tune with the community.”

The changes extend beyond scheduling to menu planning as well. “We introduce special meals that are hearty and nutritious, specifically created to refuel our customers after a long day of fasting,” Ahmed says.

To support his team’s wellbeing, Ahmed has developed a thoughtful schedule. “During the day, our team has dedicated rest hours. They come in about one to two hours before iftar to prepare the food and set up the truck. This allows them to recharge and be ready for the evening rush.”

Family time remains a priority in his planning. “I’ve made a schedule that allows employees to shift their iftar times, so everyone gets a chance to break fast with their families. It’s crucial for maintaining morale and keeping the team motivated,” he adds.

With suhoor becoming their busiest period, Ahmed sometimes opts not to open during iftar. “We even take a break during Taraweeh prayers to allow our team to participate,” he shares.

HR Strategies for Ramadan

Fahima Mustafa, an HR manager at Miasee Advertising, discusses how her company is handling the reduced hours. “We recognise that our employees’ energy levels fluctuate during this month, so we’ve implemented flexible working hours. Employees can choose to start and end their shifts according to their needs, as long as they meet their targets.”

Remote work has become an important option at Miasee. “As long as the work is done, we trust our employees to manage their responsibilities from home. This flexibility allows them to balance their work and personal lives more effectively during Ramadan,” Fahima explains.

Despite the advertising industry facing higher pressure during this period due to deadlines and client expectations, Fahima emphasises that they “prioritise our employees’ well-being. By putting them first, we create an environment where they can perform at their best without compromising their health or personal commitments.”

This employee-centred approach not only builds loyalty but also enhances overall productivity, helping the company succeed even during the challenges of Ramadan.

Retail Sector Adaptations

Murad Amid, a retail store manager, highlights how shopping patterns change during Ramadan. “Foot traffic changes dramatically during this month. We see a surge in customers in the evenings, so we extend our hours accordingly.”

To address this shift in customer behaviour, Murad’s team has implemented a staggered shift system. This approach allows staff to work shorter but more frequent shifts, promoting greater collaboration among employees.

In a wonderful display of workplace solidarity, “non-Muslim employees are coming forward to take the morning shifts, which allows their Muslim colleagues to rest and prepare for iftar without the stress of work,” Murad shares.

Key Takeaway

UAE businesses across various sectors are demonstrating remarkable adaptability during Ramadan by implementing reduced hours, flexible schedules, and remote work options. These practices not only comply with government regulations but also foster employee wellbeing, maintain productivity, and strengthen workplace community—offering valuable lessons in balancing business needs with cultural and religious considerations.

Additional Reading Material

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• UAE Ramadan 2025: Private Sector Working Hours & Your Rights
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• Ramadan 2025: UAE Private Sector Working Hours Reduced | JobXDubai
• UAE Ramadan 2025: Complete Guide to Working Hours & Timing Changes