Ramadan 2026 is projected to commence around February 19, pending the official moon sighting. As the holy month approaches, governments across the Gulf and other Muslim-majority nations have confirmed revised office hours and labour compliance measures.

For expatriates — particularly Indian professionals in the Gulf — and multinational corporations, understanding these country-specific working hour adjustments is critical for HR planning, payroll compliance and operational stability.

Why Working Hours Are Reduced During Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, requires Muslims to fast from dawn until sunset. To accommodate fasting employees and support wellbeing, many governments legally reduce daily or weekly working hours.

However, the structure differs across jurisdictions. Some countries enforce fixed caps under labour law, while others leave flexibility to employers.

GCC Working Hours During Ramadan 2026

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Muslim employees are limited to six working hours per day or 36 hours per week during Ramadan under labour law provisions. Public sector institutions typically adopt a strict six-hour schedule.

Private companies, especially multinational firms, must ensure scheduling compliance while managing mixed teams of Muslim and non-Muslim staff.

🇶🇦 Qatar

Qatar sets a maximum of 36 working hours per week during Ramadan. Public sector employees generally work five hours daily throughout the month.

Within regulated zones such as financial centres, fasting employees are entitled to reduced hours, usually not exceeding six hours per day.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, private-sector working hours are reduced by two hours per day for all employees, regardless of religion, under federal labour law.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation allows flexible or remote work arrangements provided total daily hours remain within the reduced limit.

Government departments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically announce shortened schedules, often operating between five to six hours daily during Ramadan.

🇧🇭 Bahrain

Bahrain limits Muslim employees to six hours per day or 36 hours per week during Ramadan. Public institutions formally adopt shortened daily schedules.

🇴🇲 Oman

Oman enforces a maximum of six working hours per day or 36 hours weekly for Muslim employees during Ramadan. Official circulars are typically issued ahead of the holy month.

🇰🇼 Kuwait

Kuwait sets a 36-hour weekly cap during Ramadan for all employees. Public sector offices usually function for six hours daily.

Southeast Asia: Employer-Led Flexibility

🇮🇩 Indonesia

Indonesia does not impose a universal reduction for private companies. However, many employers shorten daily schedules or introduce flexible hours. Government offices typically operate on reduced timings.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Malaysia does not mandate private-sector reductions nationwide. Still, many organisations adopt flexible shifts, while public departments commonly shorten workdays.

Middle East and South Asia Adjustments

🇪🇬 Egypt

Government offices in Egypt generally operate for five to six hours per day during Ramadan. Private firms often align with similar schedules.

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Public institutions in Pakistan typically function between five and six hours daily. Many private companies mirror this reduced timing, particularly in major cities.

🇹🇷 Turkey

Turkey does not legally mandate shorter hours during Ramadan. However, many employers voluntarily adjust office timings to allow earlier start and finish times.

Key Considerations for Expats and Multinational Businesses

For Indian expatriates and global firms operating in the Gulf, Ramadan requires structured workforce planning.

Important factors include:

• Compliance with revised labour caps

• Accurate overtime calculations

• Adjusted client meeting schedules

• Flexible or hybrid work models

• Managing productivity during shorter workdays

• Planning for peak evening consumer activity

In sectors such as retail, hospitality, aviation and e-commerce, Ramadan and Eid often represent high-demand periods, requiring balanced scheduling strategies.

Outlook: Operational Planning for Ramadan 2026

Ramadan 2026 will bring officially reduced working hours across the GCC and flexible adaptations in other Muslim-majority countries. While regulations vary, the shared objective is to support employee wellbeing without compromising productivity.

For HR leaders and corporate managers, early communication, compliance audits and scheduling adjustments will be essential to navigating the holy month smoothly and efficiently.