Ramadan Working Hours in Oman: What Applies to Private and Public Staff
Private-sector Muslim employees work at most 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week in Ramadan under the Labour Law. Government units get a shorter day set by the Ministry of Labour each year. How it worked in 2026 and what to expect next.
In Oman, Muslim employees in the private sector work at most 6 hours a day, or 30 hours a week, during Ramadan. That limit is written into the Labour Law, so it applies every year without a fresh announcement. Government units follow a separate schedule that the Ministry of Labour publishes before each Ramadan.
The rule in the Labour Law
Article 70 of the Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023) sets the normal limits at 8 actual working hours a day and 40 a week, with at least one hour of rest and meals, and no stretch of continuous work longer than six hours. For Muslim workers in Ramadan, the cap falls to 6 hours a day or 30 hours a week. The employer must display the working hours and rest days.
Overtime has its own rules in Articles 71 and 72. The text does not say how overtime interacts with the shorter Ramadan day, so ask the Ministry before you plan extra hours in the month.
What the Ministry announced for 2026
For Ramadan 1447 AH (February to March 2026) the Ministry of Labour announced, on 10 February 2026:
- Government (civil) units: five continuous hours, from 9am to 2pm.
- Flexible hours: heads of units could set arrival and departure times within a window of 7am to 3pm, with hours counted from arrival to departure.
- Remote work: allowed where the job suits it, as long as work was not disrupted and at least half of a unit's staff were present at all times (Times of Oman).
- Private sector: Muslim employees at no more than 6 hours a day and 30 a week, the same as the Law. The Ministry also encouraged flexible schedules and remote work where possible.
Some bodies set their own hours
The Royal Oman Police announced separate hours for its divisions in 2026: 7:30am to 12:30pm, Sunday to Thursday, with round-the-clock police stations working as usual. The ROP notice applied to Ramadan 1447 and I have not seen a 2027 version. Other organisations may set their own timings too, so check the office you deal with.
Health and heat
In March 2025 the Ministry asked employers to cut hours for physically demanding work in the sun, avoid extending shifts, and provide safe conditions, water and protective equipment. That is guidance rather than a change to the Law.
Ramadan 2027
The next Ramadan (1448 AH) is expected in early 2027, with the exact start decided by moon sighting. As of 6 November 2026 I found no Ministry schedule for it. The private-sector cap in the Labour Law will apply regardless. The government schedule is likely to be announced close to the month, as it was in 2026.
Practical checklist for employers
- Reset rosters so a Muslim employee's week does not exceed 30 hours.
- Display the revised timetable, as Article 70 requires.
- Agree with non-Muslim staff what schedule applies.
- Watch the Ministry's announcement for the government schedule if you deal with public offices.
More workplace rules are in our work and labour posts.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can I be made to work in Ramadan in Oman?
If you are a Muslim worker in the private sector, no more than 6 hours a day or 30 hours a week, under Article 70 of the Labour Law. The normal limit is 8 hours a day and 40 a week.
Does the shorter day apply to non-Muslim employees?
The Labour Law text reduces hours for Muslim workers only. Reports on the Ministry's 2026 notice do not mention non-Muslims, so ask your employer what schedule applies to you.
What were government working hours in Ramadan 2026?
Five continuous hours, 9am to 2pm, with unit heads free to set flexible arrival and departure times between 7am and 3pm.
When will the 2027 hours be announced?
The Ministry announced the 2026 hours on 10 February 2026, shortly before Ramadan began. I found no announcement for Ramadan 2027 as of 6 November 2026, so expect it nearer the month.