Working Hours in the Public and Private Sectors During Ramadan

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHR&SD) has stated that the public sector will work 5 hours per day during the blessed month of Ramadan 1444.

Working Hours in the Public Sector During Ramadan

Working hours in the Saudi public sector are reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan. This is true of all government offices, as well as schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

According to the Ministry, working hours for employees covered by the executive regulations for human resources in the civil service begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

Employees will be divided into three groups, each separated by an hour, with working hours as follows: the first group (first shift) from 9:30 a.m. to 14:30 a.m., the second (second shift) from 10:30 a.m. to 15:30 a.m., and the third (third shift) from 11:30 a.m. to 16:30 a.m.

Working Hours in the Private Sector During Ramadan

The private sector’s working hours will be 6 hours per day. Furthermore, as detailed below, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has implemented flexible working hours for Saudi employees during Ramadan:

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In addition to shorter working hours, many Saudi organizations offer a more flexible work schedule during Ramadan. Allowing employees to take longer breaks during the day to pray or adjusting their work schedules to allow for more time with their families in the evenings are two examples.

According to Saudi Labor Law, Ramadan working hours in Saudi Arabia are as follows: 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees. Non-Muslim employees work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.

Main Source: Saudi Expatriates