Do non-Muslim employees get reduced Ramadan working hours in the UAE?

Under the UAE Labour Law, the two-hour daily reduction in working hours during Ramadan is tied to the month itself rather than to the employee's religion or whether they are fasting. The statutory reduction is commonly applied across the workforce, so in many companies non-Muslim and non-fasting employees also benefit from the shorter day. That said, application can vary by employer and by sector, and some workplaces apply the reduction only to fasting staff while others apply it to everyone. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation generally issues guidance for the private sector at the start of the month. Because the practical application can differ between mainland employers, free zones and specific sectors, the safest course is to check your company's HR policy and the relevant MOHRE circular for the year. If you believe the reduction is being applied in a way that breaches your rights, you can raise a complaint with MOHRE. You can also compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI if you want advice tailored to your contract and employer.