Doing Business in Dubai During Ramadan: Etiquette, Hours and Entry Rules for Foreigners

During Ramadan, Dubai offices open later, close earlier and hold most meetings before midday. Decisions take more time, and the hours after iftar become a real business and social window. Visitors who plan around this rhythm get more done.

When is Ramadan and how does it affect companies in Dubai?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end around 8 March, with Eid al-Fitr following on or near 9 March. The exact dates depend on the moon sighting and can shift by a day, so build a buffer into any schedule.

Banks, developers, law firms and government offices all work shorter days. Response times grow, approvals wait longer, and the last week before Eid is usually the slowest. Eid al-Fitr brings several official days off, and few companies answer non-urgent requests during them.

What are the working hours during Ramadan?

Private sector employees work two hours less per day. A standard 8-hour day becomes 6 hours, and the 48-hour week becomes 36 hours. The reduction applies to all staff regardless of religion, and any time worked beyond the shortened schedule counts as overtime.

• Government departments follow their own Ramadan schedule, and offices often close in the early afternoon.
• Free zones such as DIFC and ADGM can set their own rules, so check the zone your counterpart sits in.
• Many companies add flexible hours or remote days, which means a partner's actual availability may differ from the official schedule.
• Restaurants, hotels and retail often keep longer hours because their busiest time starts after sunset.

What business etiquette should you follow during Ramadan?

• Greetings. Say "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak" at the start of a conversation or email. It costs nothing and is always noticed.
• Food and drink. Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in front of fasting colleagues and in public places between dawn and sunset. Do not expect refreshments during meetings.
• Meeting times. Late morning works best, roughly 10:00 to 13:00. Energy drops in the afternoon, so keep complex negotiations away from the end of the working day.
• Iftar invitations. Accept them if you can, arrive on time and stay for the meal. A shared iftar builds trust faster than several formal meetings.
• Dress. Choose conservative business clothing with covered shoulders and knees, and avoid casual outfits in offices.
• Gifts. Dates, sweets and boxed treats are welcome. Alcohol is not appropriate.
• Patience. Follow up politely and allow extra days for replies rather than pressing for quick answers.
• Traffic. Roads clear quickly and then fill just before sunset. Leave early if you have an evening appointment.

What entry rules apply to foreigners who travel to Dubai for business in Ramadan?

Ramadan does not change immigration rules. Airports operate normally, and the same conditions apply to every traveler. The difference is volume, since flights fill up in the ten days before Eid.

Requirements depend on your passport. Some nationalities enter visa-free for 30 to 90 days, others receive a visa on arrival, and others must apply in advance. Confirm your status with your airline or on the official ICP website before booking.

• Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
• Carry a return or onward ticket and the address where you will stay.
• Keep an invitation letter or company details for your meetings, since border officers may ask about the purpose of your visit.
• A visit or tourist entry covers meetings and negotiations. Actual work in the UAE requires the appropriate work permit or visa.
• Carry a doctor's prescription for any medicines, because some common drugs are controlled in the UAE.

How to schedule meetings, deals and launches in Ramadan?

Plan for slower approvals and shorter days, and put the most important steps in the first two to three weeks of the month.

1. Check the expected Ramadan and Eid dates and mark them in the project calendar with a buffer of two or three days.
2. Book the key meetings for late mornings in the first half of Ramadan.
3. Send agendas, contracts and documents in advance so decisions can be made without extra rounds.
4. Confirm each counterpart's real working hours, especially for banks and government approvals.
5. Arrange at least one evening meeting after iftar for relationship building.
6. Avoid scheduling signings and launches in the week before Eid.
7. Move large public launches and presentations to the weeks after Eid, when business returns to normal speed.

Ramadan rewards preparation. Teams that arrive with documents ready, realistic timelines and respect for the rhythm of the month often close deals faster than expected. DDA Real Estate can help you plan meetings, property viewings and transactions around the Ramadan schedule. Send us a request, and we will prepare a shortlist and a timeline that fits your visit.