Working Hours During Ramadan in the UAE

In the UAE, employers are allowed to request their employees to work extra hours during the holy month of Ramadan. However, this is subject to specific regulations as outlined in the UAE Labour Law.

Key Points Regarding Working Hours During Ramadan

• Normal Working Hours: Generally, the maximum normal working hours for employees are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, these hours are reduced.
• Overtime Policy: Employers may ask workers to work overtime, but this is limited to a maximum of 2 hours per day. Furthermore, workers' total working hours must not exceed 144 hours every three weeks.
• Consent Requirement: If an employee is requested to work extra hours beyond what is stated in their employment contract, this can only be done with the written consent of the worker.
• Compensation for Overtime: Workers required to work overtime are entitled to a wage increase of at least 25% over their normal wage for each additional hour worked. If the overtime occurs between 10 PM and 4 AM, the increase is at least 50%.

Summary

Yes, employers can ask employees to work extra hours during Ramadan, but they must follow specific regulations, including maximum working hours, compensation rules, and obtaining consent for any work beyond the contractually agreed hours.

References: UAE Labour Law