What Is Ramadan and How Does It Impact Local Teams?



Modified on: Tue, 17 Feb, 2026 at 1:16 PM

Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims around the world. It focuses on fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this time, many employees fast from sunrise to sunset and adjust their daily routines accordingly.

Because of this, governments and businesses across several countries operate on reduced or adjusted working hours during Ramadan.

This can affect employee schedules, response times, and the speed of local processes.


When Does Ramadan Happen?

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its start date changes every year. It typically lasts around 29–30 days, beginning with the sighting of the new moon.

Final dates are confirmed locally, often just one or two days in advance.


Which Countries Are Affected?

Ramadan working-hour adjustments commonly apply in:

  • United Arab Emirates

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Bahrain

  • Kuwait

  • Oman

  • Qatar

  • Turkey

  • Jordan

  • Egypt

Across these locations, it’s common for:

  • Government offices to operate shorter days

  • Private companies to reduce working hours or add flexibility

  • Employees who observe Ramadan to adjust their schedules

Exact arrangements vary by country and employer.


What to Expect During Ramadan

During Ramadan, you may notice:

  • Shorter working days for local teams

  • Slower response times from government authorities

  • Delays in official paperwork or approvals

  • Changes in employee availability, especially later in the day

While Remote People’s core operations continue as normal, local labor laws and cultural practices mean some team members will work reduced hours.

This is especially true for employees who are fasting.


How to Plan for Your Teams

To avoid disruptions, we recommend:

  • Building extra time into onboarding, payroll, and compliance timelines

  • Expecting slower turnaround on government-related processes

  • Scheduling important meetings earlier in the day when possible

  • Planning deliverables ahead of Ramadan where feasible

  • Allowing flexibility for employees observing the month

Proactive planning helps ensure smoother operations for everyone involved.

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