Holiday

17
Feb 2026
13:44 UTC

MENA Tactical (UPDATE): Additional countries announce Ramadan working hours between February 18-March 20; remain cognizant

Current Situation:

  • In Algeria, the Ministry of Education announced that working hours in educational institutions nationwide during Ramadan will be from 08:30 to 15:00 (local time).
  • In Egypt, the Central Bank announced that official working hours for banking sector employees during Ramadan will be from 09:00 to 14:00, with services to the public available from 09:30 to 13:30.
  • In Kuwait, the Kuwait Banking Association announced that banks and their branches will operate from 10:00 to 13:00 during Ramadan.
  • In Qatar, authorities issued a circular setting public sector working hours during Ramadan from 09:00 to 14:00. The circular allows employees to arrive as late as 10:00, provided they complete the full five hours. Remote work will be permitted for no more than 30 percent of total staff, with priority given to Qatari mothers and persons with disabilities.
  • In Saudi Arabia, the Minister of Islamic Affairs reportedly banned the filming of imams and worshippers during prayers in mosques during Ramadan.

Recommendations:

Those operating, residing, or traveling to the MENA region throughout the Ramadan period are advised to remain cognizant of the level of adherence to the holiday and to local customs and norms. Consult with us for country-specific Ramadan recommendations.

AFFECTED AREA Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Low
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed

Current Situation:

  • In Algeria, the Ministry of Education announced that working hours in educational institutions nationwide during Ramadan will be from 08:30 to 15:00 (local time).
  • In Egypt, the Central Bank announced that official working hours for banking sector employees during Ramadan will be from 09:00 to 14:00, with services to the public available from 09:30 to 13:30.
  • In Kuwait, the Kuwait Banking Association announced that banks and their branches will operate from 10:00 to 13:00 during Ramadan.
  • In Qatar, authorities issued a circular setting public sector working hours during Ramadan from 09:00 to 14:00. The circular allows employees to arrive as late as 10:00, provided they complete the full five hours. Remote work will be permitted for no more than 30 percent of total staff, with priority given to Qatari mothers and persons with disabilities.
  • In Saudi Arabia, the Minister of Islamic Affairs reportedly banned the filming of imams and worshippers during prayers in mosques during Ramadan.

Recommendations:

Those operating, residing, or traveling to the MENA region throughout the Ramadan period are advised to remain cognizant of the level of adherence to the holiday and to local customs and norms. Consult with us for country-specific Ramadan recommendations.

AFFECTED AREA Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Low
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed