DUBAI: The UAE government has announced official working hours for ministries and federal authorities throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The fasting month is expected to start on April 2, but the final date has yet to be confirmed by the country’s moon-sighting committee. According to the announcement, working hours for federal entities will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Fridays. The new decision will allow staff in government bodies to enjoy flexible working hours on Fridays, while 40 percent of employees will be permitted to work remotely. The rules for working from home will oblige both employees and employers to meet certain requirements. Moreover, federal authorities must identify the jobs that can be done from home by organizing tasks and duties for employees on Fridays. The mentioned tasks must be pre-approved by direct supervisors, in coordination with heads of departments and human resources departments. The new system will help federal government entities prioritize employees who live far from their workplaces or have specific conditions that make it hard for them to travel.