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Ramadan 1448 AH Workforce Planning Guide

Saudi Arabia Ramadan Working Hours 2027 & Article 98

Expected Start
Monday, February 8, 2027
Expected End
Tuesday, March 9, 2027
Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal)
Wednesday, March 10, 2027

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Attendance
Leave tracking
Employee shifts
Employee records
Simple HR
No spreadsheets
Holiday calendar
Shift planning
Team management
Free first 25
Attendance
Leave tracking
Employee shifts
Employee records
Simple HR
No spreadsheets
Holiday calendar
Shift planning
Team management
Free first 25
Attendance
Leave tracking
Employee shifts
Employee records
Simple HR
No spreadsheets
Holiday calendar
Shift planning
Team management
Free first 25

Statutory Basis: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Labor Law (Royal Decree No. M/51) & MHRSD Executive Regulations — Article 98

Under Article 98 of the Saudi Labor Law, actual working hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan shall not exceed six (6) hours a day or thirty-six (36) hours a week for Muslim workers.

Does this apply to non-Muslim employees?
Article 98 of the Saudi Labor Law explicitly mentions 'Muslim workers'. However, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) encourages corporate employers to standardize work hours across teams. In practice, almost all multinational and major Saudi enterprises reduce working hours to 6 hours for all personnel regardless of faith.

Sector-by-Sector Ramadan Work Schedules

SectorStandard HoursRamadan HoursDaily ReductionRegulatory Notes
Private Sector (Muslim Workers)8 hours / day (48 hrs / week)6 hours / day (36 hrs / week)2 hours dailyStrict statutory mandate under Article 98 with no wage reductions permitted.
Civil Service / Government7 hours / day10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (5 hours / day)2 hours dailySaudi public entities operate between 10 AM and 3 PM across ministries and government departments.
Private Sector (Non-Muslim Workers)8 hours / day6 to 8 hours (Standardized to 6 in most firms)Varies by employer policyWhile Article 98 text specifies Muslim employees, the vast majority of companies apply the 6-hour schedule to all staff to prevent operational friction.

Overtime Calculations During Ramadan

Saudi Overtime Calculation (Article 107)
Formula: Normal Hourly Wage + 50% of Basic Hourly Wage
Any hour worked in excess of 6 hours in a single day during Ramadan is legally classified as overtime and must be compensated at the 150% rate.

Industry Shift Recommendations

Consulting & Corporate Offices
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (6 hours)
Aligns with government ministry operational hours, facilitating banking, government relations, and business communications.
Retail, Food & Consumer Services
Split Shift: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM & 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Accommodates midday errands and post-Tarawih night shopping surges when commercial centers experience their highest footfall.

Ramadan Working Hours FAQs (Saudi Arabia)