The UAE reduces working hours for private sector employees, noting the holy month of Ramadan in 2025. This was adjusted to help accommodate work responsibilities during the fasting period, helping reconcile both spiritual and physical needs. In this article we will be covering all the aspects related to these changes and the significance of Ramadan in Dubai along with healthy eating during this holy month.
Understanding the Reduction in Working Hours
The UAE approved private sector employees to work two hours less each day in Dubai during the month of Ramadan in Dubai, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced officially. Such initiatives are intended to help employees fulfill their religious duties while also maintaining high productivity. Working from home or adjusting working hours wherever applicable, subject to the required operational working hours maintained by the employer, is the latest update in the UAE.
Flexible timings have been formalized in the public sector by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR): 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, and on Fridays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This sets the ideal scene for government officials in the month of Ramadan, balancing the closure of public offices and the proper functioning of government at the same time.
Ramadan in Dubai: A Time of Reflection and Community
Ramadan is a cherished time in Dubai, as it is throughout the Muslim world. It is a season of fasting, prayer, contemplation, and community. For these four weeks, dawn to dusk, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking, and concentrate on spiritual growth and self-discipline. There is a notable transformation in the city during this month, as daily routines give way to more social and community – focused activities.
The pre-dawn meal, Suhoor, as well as the meal eaten at dusk, Iftar, are central to the rhythms of daily life during Ramadan. They get together with family and friends for iftar, where they break their fast, creating strong bonds of camaraderie and shared participation. Remember that many restaurants and hotels in Dubai feature Iftar buffets, and that communal tents are prepared to ensure those in need are provided meals, reflecting the charitable nature of Ramadan itself.
Healthy Eating Tips During Ramadan
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims around the world, but it is critical to keep a balanced diet throughout Ramadan to keep the body nourished and energised. Here are some Healthy Eating Tips During Ramadan to keep you healthy during the month:
- Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Have a healthy meal that will fuel you for the day. Eat simple carbohydrates like dates, fruits and juices that provide a quick source of energy. Adding protein-rich foods like eggs, dairy products or legumes, will also help keep you going throughout the day.
- Iftar (Evening Meal): It is customary for Muslims to break their fast with dates and water to restore their body energy and hydration. Next can come a light soup to warm up the stomach for the main meal. Make sure you have balanced your Iftar with lean protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, and plenty of vegetables to supply your body’s most needed vitamins and minerals.
- Hydration: It is crucial to drink enough water from Iftar to Suhoor, to avoid dehydration in the hotter climate of Dubai. Make it a goal to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
- Foods to Avoid: Deep-fried, salty, and sugar diet should be less, because it leads to health problems and increased thirst. Opt for cooking methods such as baking, grilling, or steaming meals instead.
-  Portion Control: It is tempting to feast after a day of fasting but overeating can cause discomfort and digestive problems. Such balance helps avoid the high spikes and then crash, of energy, preventing weight gain.
The Impact of Reduced Working Hours on Employee Productivity and Well-being
In the UAE, reducing working hours during Ramadan is a decision that is not only considerate of religious obligations, but also has a huge effect on employees’ well-being and productivity. When companies grant fewer working hours in the private sector, they realise the necessity to balance professional and personal responsibilities in the holy month of Ramadan.
Research shows that shorter working hours, if done correctly, increase efficiency. Being time bound, the employees are all the more result-oriented, striving to finish things in the given time with fewer distractions and delays. Such a modification minimizes exhaustion, especially in terms of those who engage in fasting, allowing them to stay aware, as a result, in their line of career. Companies that facilitate such shifts tend to see improved morale and increased loyalty from their staff.
Also, reduced working hours give workers more time to rest, pray and spend time with their families. There’s more to Ramadan than fasting, it is a month-long occasion for prayer and community. This additional time is also seen by businesses as promoting the mental and emotional well-being of their employees, fostering a similar culture of valuing professional development and even religious observance.
Conclusion
The UAE has a profound respect for Islamic culture and religion. This is evident in the laws and rules of the country as it makes it easier for Muslims to practice their religion.
