Working hours in the public sector
Find out about working hours in the public sector in the seven emirates.
In federal government entities
The UAE federal government has adopted a four and a half-day working week. Hence, employees work eight hours, from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm on Fridays.
Saturdays and Sundays are the official weekends for the federal government sector.
Note: The above work week system was announced in December 2021 and became effective from 1 January 2022.
Related link
- FAHR defines mechanisms for implementing the new workweek system in federal entities.
In local government entities
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Governments have adopted a similar work week system .
However, employees of the Government of Sharjah work four days a week; from Monday to Thursday ; 7.30 am to 3.30 pm. Official weekend in Sharjah is for three days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Sources:
- Weekend to become Saturday, Sunday and half working day on Friday in Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Government announces four and half day working week
- Circular no.14 of 2021 Regarding the New Official Work System in the Government of Ajman-2021- Department of Human Resources -Ajman
- Umm Al Quawain adopts UAE’s new workweek in local government (In Arabic) -WAM
- Ras Al Khaimah adopts UAE’s new workweek in local government-WAM
- Fujairah Government announces Saturday and Sunday as official weekend with Friday being half day.