Ramadan 2025: Ajman announces remote work on Fridays for government employees
All government employees in Ajman will work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan.
The official working hours during Ramadan will be from 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9pm to 12pm on Fridays, according to a circular issued by the Department of Human Resources of the Ajman Government.
The initiative, directed by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, aligns with the UAE's "Year of Community" efforts.
Government entities have flexibility in implementing the remote work policy in line with regulations, ensuring business continuity and uninterrupted service delivery.
For departments operating on a shift basis, working hours will be determined based on operational needs, with a maximum shift duration of five and a half hours per day.
The circular allows a flexible work system at the Director-General's discretion, ensuring employees complete required hours and maintaining adequate staffing in customer-facing units for service efficiency.
As the country awaits the holy month, distance learning and remote work policies have been announced. Earlier, Dubai announced flexible hours in addition to allowing public sector employees to work remotely for the equivalent of two days per week.
Sharjah also announced reduced working hours for government employees during Ramadan.
Across the country, private sector employees will have their working hours reduced by 2 hours. The Emirates also announced distance learning on Fridays for public schools across the country.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
1,112 students graduate with flying colours at Khalifa University of Science and Technology ceremony
13 June 2025 17:12 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) held its 2025 graduation ceremony over two days at ADNEC on June 11-12, celebrating 1,112 graduates from both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.A total of 738 students earned bachelor's degrees, including 31 medical graduates, while 193 received their master's and 163 were awarded their part of the UAE's Year of Community, the ceremony celebrated significant achievements, including a record-breaking number of Biomedical Engineering graduates, a robust group from the inaugural Nuclear Engineering programme, and the awarding of degrees in the Master of Science in Sustainable Critical Infrastructure launch of the bachelor's programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence also highlighted the university's increasing focus on future-oriented to Aletihad, Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, praised the graduates' achievements and their growing role in shaping the UAE's innovation landscape."The 2025 graduates have now become part of a community of Khalifa University alumni who are not only advancing in their careers but shaping industries in the UAE and the region. Wherever these graduates go next as industry professionals, researchers, scientists and academicians, we encourage them to carry the same habits and values – integrity, curiosity, and the willingness to learn – which they have built over the years at Khalifa University, consistently top-ranked in the UAE for the 7th consecutive year."He added: "While I offer my congratulations to the new graduates, we are also proud of them and firmly believe they will live up to the reputation of Khalifa University wherever they are placed. Khalifa University's alumni hold senior positions in both government and private sector organisations, creating value and offering their expertise. We believe these 2025 graduates will similarly emulate the previous cohorts of graduates who are also launching new commercial ventures, receiving industry awards, and earning places on regional and global platforms." Pioneering Research and Innovation He noted that the graduating class of 2025 has greatly contributed to research and innovation that remains integral to Khalifa University's core mission and strategy."These students were involved in projects across key fields such as robotics and AI, biotechnology and healthcare, aerospace and sustainable space propulsion, as well as defence technologies – advancing the university's mission of academic excellence and national impact."Professor Al Hajri highlighted that student projects in areas such as smart agriculture, wearable technology, biofuels, carbon capture, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence demonstrate the innovation and technical expertise driving the future of the UAE and the broader mission of Khalifa University, he noted, aligns with the UAE's priorities in space, energy, and health by transforming laboratory innovations into startups, achieving notable successes in areas such as decarbonisation, CubeSats, advanced materials, and healthcare."In research and innovation, Khalifa University leads with more than 300 patents and total invention disclosures crossing 700," he University President emphasised initiatives like the HusTab Health Analysis Pipeline, an AI-driven health system for wearable data, indoor air quality evaluations in UAE schools, coral monitoring near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, and studies on protein alterations associated with infertility and cancer. He also mentioned the university's partnerships with Stanford, Airbus, and university's graduates have developed start-ups through its innovation and entrepreneurship programmes via the Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) and the Khalifa Innovation it introduced the UAE's first dual master's programme in partnership with Arizona State University, centred on Al Hajri further explained how Khalifa University has prepared them to lead: "At Khalifa University, work experience is built into the learning process, and many of our students intern with top UAE and leading international companies in various sectors such as energy, telecom, and defence research, gaining exposure to the roles they will step into."Khalifa University marked a milestone in its sustainable journey with the launch of "Sustainability Strategy - A Pathway to Net Zero 2050", a comprehensive five-year roadmap, and the university's first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions report, he noted."We have also launched a Dh1 million sustainability challenge through which we are planning to offer grants for the most impactful research projects," Prof. Al Hajri said."In addition, Khalifa University is the Co-Chair of the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN) and centres its works on four key pillars: Student Youth Engagement, Communal Activations, Research & Innovation, and Campus Carbon Neutrality," he added. A Rewarding Education Journey Also speaking to Aletihad graduates from various disciplines, shared their education journey and future Hessa Aljarwan, who holds a PhD in Engineering Systems and Management, the graduation "marks the start of a greater responsibility-to give back, lead with integrity, and pursue impact over titles." Her research explored how indoor environments affect brain activity, aiming to design healthier office spaces."Khalifa University gave me the freedom to explore neuroscience and architecture," she said, adding that she plans to pursue research, design and Gafoor Haddad, a PhD holder in Robotics, focused his research on reinforcement learning for UAVs."My PhD introduced reinforcement learning techniques for UAVs with slung loads, enabling them to pick and place items accurately – even when conditions like cable length or load mass change. It addresses the challenge of real-world adaptability," he university's comprehensive support, global exposure and participation in hackathons were pivotal in shaping his Alzaabi, who holds a Master's in Computer Science (AI), said: "This degree came with challenges, but each one pushed me to grow – technically and personally."Her research developed energy-efficient AI models for underwater navigation."It addresses the limitations of conventional AI, especially where energy efficiency is critical," she Almarzooqi, who holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Excellent with Honors) and led the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' KU Chapter, won national awards, and joined CubeSat projects with global partners."Today is not just about earning a degree - it is about perseverance and service to our country.""I want to keep contributing to aerospace through innovation and service," she Al Jasmi, Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering degree holder, called her KU experience "truly rewarding and it deepened my interest in the field".She thanked her family and shared how the university's evolving curriculum and her internship at KAIST, Korea, expanded her skills. "I plan to pursue postgraduate studies, but first I want hands-on experience," she said.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SPC Free Zone secures coveted workplace accolade for 2nd year
The certification is based on direct and anonymous employee feedback through focused surveys, and SPC Free Zone's success stemmed from exceptional scores across categories, including Workplace Hospitality, Leadership Behaviour, Innovation, Engagement, Equity, Collaboration, and Safety. These high marks paint a clear picture of an environment where employees feel welcomed, respected, empowered, and secure. Commenting on the achievement, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said: 'At SPC Free Zone, we firmly believe that human capital is the cornerstone of any sustainable institutional success. Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row reflects this belief and stands as a direct result of the continuous support and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has established a visionary leadership approach that places employees at the heart of development and excellence.' He added: 'This accomplishment affirms that a healthy and attractive work environment has a positive impact on team performance, while its influence extends to the wider business community. Today, more than 9,600 companies operate in an ecosystem that inspires growth, creativity, and sustainability, further enhancing the free zone's ability to attract international partners and reinforce its status as a global hub for knowledge and investment.' Fostering growth and employee well-being SPC Free Zone has also implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting growth, connection, and well-being within the workplace. A standout example was the launch of the SPC Academy, which provided all employees with regular monthly learning and development workshops, offering access to cross-departmental training. This initiative aims to enhance the organisation's understanding of its dynamics and empower individuals to expand their skill sets and career trajectories. Through efforts to promote engagement and inclusion, the free zone also curated a calendar rich with meaningful activities that strengthen bonds and celebrate diversity. From recognising international days of recognition and raising awareness for various causes, to hosting grand annual gala dinners that reward exceptional achievements and fostering community during the sacred month of Ramadan with annual Iftars, SPC Free Zone has promoted a culture of value and acknowledgement. Understanding the importance of physical and mental health, the free zone also organises bi-weekly free sports events, encouraging employees to socialise, stay active, and recharge together. Driven by employee participation, new volunteer initiatives, sustainability projects, and community campaigns, the SPC Cares Corporate Social Responsibility programme has also added great value to the organisation. Following impactful actions like distributing iftar meals to those in need during Ramadan, SPC aims to become the first UAE free zone to integrate social impact as a core pillar of its employee experience and organisational identity. Globally connected business ecosystem SPC Free Zone is a globally connected business ecosystem hosting companies representing over 40 countries. Renowned for its specialised community of 1,500+ publishers and creators of educational and cultural content, it combines state-of-the-art facilities with an environment of innovation and sustainability. In late 2024, SPC Freezone launched the world's first AI-powered business licence, which can complete registration in under 5 minutes. This dual commitment to technological leadership and people-first values, as demonstrated by the latest certification from 'Great Place to Work,' makes SPC Free Zone a unique gateway for entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking growth in the UAE's thriving business economy.
Campaign ME
3 days ago
- Campaign ME
Relevance is the real luxury
Luxury is no longer just a product – it's a cultural conversation. And in the Middle East, that conversation is evolving faster than ever before. Traditionally associated with exclusivity, status and craftsmanship, the luxury industry is now navigating a more complex world. Today's consumer, particularly in the GCC, is younger, digitally fluent and culturally aware. They are not just buying into a brand – they are buying into a set of values and experiences that reflect who they are or aspire to be, making relevance more critical than ever. This shift is prompting client-side marketers to ask important questions: What does luxury mean to the next generation? How do we build emotional connection while preserving brand mystique? And how can we remain aspirational in a region where attention is fleeting? Here are four key challenges – and priorities – that premium brands must address to stay relevant in this dynamic landscape. From exclusivity to cultural relevance The traditional codes of luxury – heritage, craftsmanship and rarity – still matter, but they're no longer enough. In the Middle East, where identity and self-expression are increasingly individualistic, brands must rethink what exclusivity looks like. Younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, value purpose over pedigree. They expect brands to stand for something meaningful and reflect the diversity of their lives. A brand that once built desire through scarcity may now find more success by creating culturally relevant limited editions or partnering with local artists who offer fresh perspectives. Our own journey reflects this evolution. Since 2021, we've repositioned the brand toward a more luxury direction through major rebranding – from retail and packaging updates to a refined colour palette and a clearer, purpose-led identity. These moves were more than cosmetic – they marked a strategic shift to align with changing consumer expectations. Cultural relevance also means showing up authentically. That's why we've launched regional campaigns around key moments like Ramadan and collaborated with talents such as Laila Abdullah, fostering emotional connection through local storytelling. Rethinking the retail experience Despite the digital shift, physical retail remains central in the Middle East. Malls are more than shopping centres – they're lifestyle hubs. Consumers want more than transactions; they seek immersive, personalised experiences. Luxury brands must reimagine retail as an experiential space. This includes seamless integration between digital and physical – apps with VIP concierge services, AR tools in fitting rooms and loyalty programmes offering exclusive access. 'Luxury marketing isn't just performance-driven; it's perception-driven.' We recently brought this to life with the global launch of our Arianna collection, which featured a high-impact event and a Burj Khalifa takeover. This wasn't just about buzz – it created a culturally relevant moment that reinforced brand positioning and drove awareness. However, many brands still struggle with fragmented omnichannel strategies. CRM systems aren't always aligned with local behaviours and store teams may lack the training to deliver high-touch service. Solving this isn't just about tech upgrades – it's a mindset shift toward holistic client engagement. Bridging the talent and execution gap Another challenge is the disconnect between global strategy and local execution. Headquarters may set the vision, but local teams are the ones who bring it to life in culturally meaningful ways. The problem? There's a shortage of senior marketing talent in the luxury space who can blend global brand thinking with regional nuance. Agencies, too, are often stretched thin, with roles focused more on adaptation than innovation. To overcome this, brands must invest in building empowered in-market teams – marketers who think strategically, not just tactically. At the same time, agency relationships must evolve into co-creative partnerships that go beyond execution. Tracking desirability, not just visibility In the world of luxury, success isn't just about being seen – it's about being desired. At Swarovski, desirability is one of our key metrics. While performance indicators like reach and engagement offer a snapshot of campaign visibility, they don't fully capture the strength of emotional connection or long-term brand equity. Especially in premium markets like the Middle East, it's not enough to generate noise – we need to cultivate aspiration. That's why regional teams must push for frameworks that assess brand love, emotional resonance and cultural relevance – factors that build true affinity over time. It's about understanding how our brand is perceived, how it makes people feel and how meaningfully we show up in their lives. Luxury marketing isn't just performance-driven; it's perception-driven. And that calls for deeper, more nuanced metrics that reflect lasting impact – not just campaign visibility. The way forward is relevance The Middle East is not just a luxury growth market – it's a trendsetter. With its young, affluent population and appetite for innovation, it's fertile ground for bold, thoughtful brands. But relevance won't come from repeating global playbooks. It requires listening deeply, acting nimbly and marketing with both heart and context. For client-side marketers, the task is clear: lead with empathy, localise with integrity and remember – in luxury, the smallest details often speak the loudest. By Sarah Dja Yahia, Head of Marketing ME, SEA and India, Swarovski
