Public sector working hours for Ramadan 2024 have been announced.

Photo-Economy Middle East

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced the official working hours for the public sector during the holy month of Ramadan in 2024. According to the authority, ministries and federal agencies will operate from 9am to 2.30pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, working hours will be from 9am to 12pm. However, exceptions may be granted for employees whose work requires different hours. Additionally, the authority stated that federal government departments will permit up to 70 percent of their staff to work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan. This flexibility aims to accommodate the religious observance while ensuring continuity of government services.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, with the first day of fasting expected to fall on March 11 in 2024. The announcement of the sighting of the Shaban crescent moon on February 10 marked the beginning of the 30-day countdown to Ramadan. During this sacred month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs as an act of spiritual discipline and self-reflection. The observance of Ramadan holds significant cultural and religious importance in the UAE and across the Muslim world, fostering a sense of unity, empathy, and devotion among believers.