The Emirate of Sharjah has officially unveiled revised working schedules for its public sector employees during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan in 2026. According to Wednesday’s announcement from the Department of Human Resources, standard working hours from Monday through Thursday will be reduced to 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM throughout the sacred month.
The anticipated commencement of Ramadan falls on either February 18 or 19, 2026, pending the official sighting of the crescent moon on February 17. This scheduling adjustment aligns with earlier directives from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, which established consistent reduced hours across federal entities.
Special provisions have been made for Friday operations, with working hours scheduled from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon. However, the regulations acknowledge necessary exceptions for employees whose specific job requirements demand alternative scheduling arrangements.
Departments operating on shift-based systems retain autonomy to determine appropriate start and end times according to their operational needs and work systems. Additionally, federal ministries and entities have been granted flexibility to implement remote working options for up to 70% of their workforce on Fridays, following established regulatory frameworks.
The announcement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to accommodating religious observances while maintaining governmental operational efficiency. Similar working hour reductions are expected to be implemented across other emirates and private sector organizations as Ramadan approaches, continuing the nation’s tradition of respecting cultural and religious practices within the workplace.