Normal hours and Ramadan hours
| Period | Maximum working hours (private sector) |
|---|---|
| Normal months | 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week |
| Ramadan (Muslim employees) | 6 hours a day or 36 hours a week |
These limits come from Article 98 of the Saudi Labor Law. They apply to private-sector employees covered by the Labor Law.
Employers usually announce a Ramadan schedule shortly before the month starts, for example a six-hour day from 10:00 to 16:00. The law sets the maximum hours, not the exact start and end times.
Overtime in Ramadan
Work beyond the maximum hours counts as overtime. The Labor Law requires overtime to be paid at the hourly wage plus 50% of the basic hourly wage (Article 107). Since the 2025 amendments, an employer can instead give time off in lieu, but only with the employee’s written agreement.
Government and other sectors
Government employees follow the working hours announced by the government each Ramadan, and those can differ from the private sector. Schools and universities publish their own schedules.
When is Ramadan 1448?
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, 1 Ramadan 1448 falls on Monday 8 February 2027, and Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday 9 March 2027. The official start is confirmed by sighting the crescent moon, so it can differ by a day.
See the live Ramadan and Eid countdown for the time left, or convert any date with the Hijri and Gregorian converter.