أسئلة وأجوبة
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your inquiry!
During Ramadan, all employees, including nursing mothers, are entitled to 6 working hours per day.
In addition, breastfeeding mothers are entitled to a 2-hour breastfeeding break, which can be taken in intervals.
It’s always advisable for the breastfeeding mother to discuss her specific needs with the employer to ensure that both the rights under the law and the work schedule are effectively balanced.
If you need more detailed assistance, feel free to reach out.
Greetings,
Dear Questioner,
In the UAE, nursing/breastfeeding mothers are entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan and beyond, as per the UAE Labour Law. Here’s what you need to know:
- During Ramadan:
Working hours are generally reduced for all employees. If you are in the private sector, the standard Ramadan work hours are 6 hours per day unless your contract states otherwise.
- For Breastfeeding Mothers:
Regardless of Ramadan, nursing mothers are entitled to additional breastfeeding breaks of up to 1 hour per day for the first 6 months after childbirth, without a salary deduction.
- Public Sector Employees:
Additional reductions may apply based on government policies.
For detailed guidance on your specific case and to ensure your rights are protected, book a consultation with us today!
Best regards,

Hello,
In the UAE, nursing mothers are entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan as per the Regulation of Labour Relations Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) and its Executive Regulations.
During Ramadan, the standard working hours are reduced by two hours for all employees, including nursing mothers.
Additionally, nursing mothers are entitled to further breaks for breastfeeding, as per Article 30 of the law, which states that a female employee is entitled to a breastfeeding break of up to one hour per day for six months from the child’s birth without any salary deduction.
In the UAE, female employees are entitled to certain benefits related to working hours during and after maternity leave.
However, there are no special regulations concerning reduced working hours for nursing or breastfeeding mothers during Ramadan beyond the standard entitlements.
The UAE Labor Law stipulates that during Ramadan, working hours for Muslim employees are reduced by two hours daily.
After returning from maternity leave, female employees are entitled to two breaks per day for breastfeeding, each lasting up to 30 minutes, totaling one hour daily. This benefit is available for six months following the return to work post-delivery.
The standard breastfeeding breaks are to be taken outside of these reduced hours. Additionally, these breaks are not applicable during Ramadan, and you might need to check with your HR as your employer might have their own policy in this regard.
If you would like to book a legal consultation with us, please do not hesitate to reach out to us through WhatsApp.
In the United Arab Emirates, breastfeeding mothers are legally entitled to flexible working hours, especially during Ramadan.
Under UAE labor law, a breastfeeding mother can request reduced working hours upon returning from leave, including during the breastfeeding period.
The maximum working hours for breastfeeding mothers are 6 hours per day, and they may be granted a break of one hour or more per day to breastfeed or attend to breastfeeding needs.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, you have the right to request that your employer reduce your working hours during the period when you need to breastfeed, especially during Ramadan, when work is typically shorter due to fasting.
It is important to inform your employer of your rights before the start of Ramadan to ensure you receive the approved hours without any legal or discriminatory consequences.
During Ramadan, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) mandates a reduction of working hours for all private sector employees.
Typically, this means a reduction of two working hours per day. Post maternity leave, there are entitlements to reduced working hours, to facilitate nursing and it will depend upon the company policy.
As per the law after returning from maternity leave and for a period not exceeding (6) six months from the date of delivery, a female Worker shall be entitled to one or two rest periods per day to breastfeed her child, provided that the duration of both periods does not exceed one hour.
If you need further clarification, you may ask us.
Hello,
Breastfeeding mothers can take an additional one-hour break for breastfeeding or expressing milk during the workday.
This one-hour break can be split into two separate periods (for example, two 30-minute breaks), depending on the employer’s policies and the mother’s preference.
Thank you for reaching out with your question!
According to UAE labor law, during Ramadan, the standard working hours for employees are reduced by two hours per day, regardless of their gender. However, for nursing or breastfeeding mothers, there are additional considerations.
Nursing mothers are entitled to an additional break of up to one hour per day for breastfeeding during the first 18 months after childbirth.
This time can be used for nursing or pumping breast milk. The break is typically in addition to the regular working hours and should be granted without a reduction in their pay.
If you need further clarification or assistance regarding this or any related matters, I would be happy to discuss your situation in more detail and help you navigate any legal complexities.
Please feel free to reach out to me on WhatsApp or by phone at [------------] to discuss this further.
Looking forward to assisting you!
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the regulations for working hours applicable to nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan. We are pleased to provide you with the following information based on current UAE labor laws:
1. Standard Ramadan Reduction:
All employees, including nursing mothers, are entitled to a reduction of two (2) working hours per day during Ramadan.
2. Additional Nursing Break:
Nursing mothers who have returned from maternity leave are entitled to an additional nursing break of up to one (1) hour per day.
3. Total Entitlement:
Combining the above provisions, nursing mothers are eligible for a total reduction of up to three (3) hours per working day during Ramadan.
It is important to note that these provisions apply to both the public and private sectors in the UAE. Employers are legally obligated to comply with these regulations to ensure the well-being of nursing mothers and to support work-life balance during this significant period.
We recommend that both employers and employees familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure full compliance and appropriate implementation.
If you require any further clarification or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
ABDUL WAHIED