Questions & Answers
Does Ramadan's reduced work hours include break time for fasting employees?
Dear colleagues,
Ramadan is approaching, and we have set a total of 6 working hours with a 1-hour lunch break.
One fasting employee is questioning why they should have a 1-hour lunch break, as it makes the total hours 7 instead of 6. Please advise on what the legislation says.
Thank you so much!
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for your inquiry!
According to the UAE Labour Law, during the month of Ramadan, the working hours for fasting employees are reduced to 6 hours per day.
However, the 1-hour lunch break is still applicable, as it is not considered part of the 6 working hours. This means the total working day is 6 hours, excluding the lunch break.
If you have further questions or need assistance with employee rights and company policies, please book a consultation with us for tailored legal advice.
Best regards,
Under UAE labor law, during Ramadan, the working hours for Muslim employees who are fasting should not exceed 6 hours per day.
The 1-hour break should be included within these 6 hours, not in addition to them.
You may need to adjust the schedule to comply with labor regulations.
For expert legal guidance, kindly contact us.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry regarding working hours for employees during Ramadan.
As per the UAE Labour Law, specifically under Ministerial Resolution No. 21 of 2020, the working hours during the holy month of Ramadan must be reduced by two hours per day for Muslim employees.
This means that, if your employees typically work 8 hours per day, their working hours should be reduced to 6 hours per day during Ramadan.
However, the 1-hour lunch break does not count as part of the 6 working hours. Therefore, even with the lunch break, the employee would be working a total of 7 hours (6 working hours + 1-hour break).
To address the concern raised by your fasting employee, the lunch break is separate from the working hours and does not affect the total reduction in working hours during Ramadan.
They are still entitled to a 1-hour break during their workday, which is not included in the 6 hours of actual work.
I hope this clarifies the situation. Should you need further assistance or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
In the UAE, during Ramadan, Muslim employees' standard working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day, excluding any breaks.
This means a 1-hour lunch break should not be added to this total, as doing so would result in 7 hours of work, violating labor regulations.
It is important to communicate this policy clearly and ensure compliance with local laws to avoid confusion.
Under UAE labor law, during Ramadan, the working hours for Muslim employees who are fasting should be reduced to six hours per day without any reduction in salary.
The law does not specifically require a lunch break, but if a break is included in the schedule, the total working time (including the break) should not exceed six hours for fasting employees.
If the employee is fasting and does not require a lunch break, their total working time should not exceed six hours. You may need to adjust the schedule accordingly to remain compliant with labor regulations.
To ensure full compliance with UAE labor laws and avoid any disputes, I recommend reviewing your internal policies and making necessary adjustments.
If you require further legal guidance on workplace policies during Ramadan, feel free to reach out to me on WhatsApp or phone at [-----------].
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
