Qatar has announced reduced working hours for government employees during the Holy Month of Ramadan, according to Circular No. (1) of 2026 issued by the Cabinet’s General Secretariat following a proposal from the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau.
Under the directive, civil servants at ministries, government entities and public institutions will work five hours a day, from 9am to 2pm. Employees may arrive as late as 10am, provided they complete the full five-hour shift.
The circular also introduces remote working, allowing up to 30% of staff to work from home during Ramadan. Priority will be given to Qatari mothers and people with disabilities, without affecting operational requirements.
Meanwhile, working hours for the health and education sectors will be determined separately by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in line with the nature of their responsibilities.
