Flexible working hours trial implemented during Ramadan

The head of the Civil Service Bureau has initiated a trial period to test the effectiveness of flexible working hours by designating three different start and finish times for government offices during Ramadan.

The success of this trial may lead to the permanent implementation of flexible working hours in ministries and service departments, which could eliminate disguised unemployment, reduce overcrowding in offices, address attitude issues, and alleviate traffic congestion on roads.

Dr. Issam Al-Rubaian, the Head of the Bureau, confirmed that during Ramadan, official flexible working hours from Sunday to Thursday will be four and a half hours per day, with three different start times: 9:45 am, 10:15 am, and 10:45 am. Each government agency can choose its own working hours according to their specific circumstances and nature of work, with a decision made by the competent minister or delegate taking into account the aforementioned times.

Working hours in Ramadan
1 – 9.45 am to 2.15 pm
2 – 10:15 am to 2:45 pm
3 – 10.45 am to 3.15 pm

Female citizens working in service agencies have voiced concerns about the third working period conflicting with family obligations during Ramadan.