Ministry of Labour Announces Official Ramadan Working Hours

Five-Hour Workday Set for Government Employees During Ramadan

Flexible and Remote Work Options Approved During Ramadan

Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has issued the official working schedule for the blessed month of Ramadan 1447 AH, applicable to civil units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus as well as private sector establishments.

Civil Units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus

The Ministry specified that official working hours during Ramadan will be five consecutive hours per day, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Heads of administrative units are authorized to implement flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to adjust their start and end times within a time window extending from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, according to operational requirements. In such cases, working hours will be calculated from the time of arrival to departure, in line with the internal regulations of each unit.

The Ministry also permitted the application of remote work for positions whose nature allows such arrangements, provided that workflow is not disrupted. It stipulated that no less than 50% of the total workforce must be physically present at the workplace at all times.

Private Sector Establishments

For the private sector, the Ministry stated that the working day for Muslim employees during Ramadan shall not exceed six hours per day, with a maximum of 30 working hours per week.

The Ministry encouraged private sector establishments to adopt modern work systems, including flexible schedules and remote work where feasible, in a manner that supports productivity while taking into account the spiritual atmosphere and unique character of the holy month of Ramadan.