The holy month of Ramadan in UAE begins when the crescent Moon is sighted, signaling the start of the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It continues for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle, and concludes with the sighting of the next crescent Moon, which marks the beginning of the month of Shawwal. This event signifies the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration observed by Muslims worldwide.
During Ramadan, job searching in UAE can slow down as most companies reduce their working hours to accommodate fasting schedules. This often results in delays in the hiring process, slower responses to job applications, and follow-ups from candidates. Meetings, interviews, and recruitment decisions may also be deferred until after Ramadan. This trend is not limited to the UAE, it is observed across all Gulf countries. Even networking events and job fairs become less frequent during this period, further limiting opportunities for professional connections and career advancement.
Without having an idea about this recruitment slowdown during Ramadan, many job seekers worldwide come every year with the hope of securing jobs in UAE and often face unexpected delays in responses, interviews, and hiring decisions. Understanding this seasonal trend can help candidates plan their job hunt more effectively, either by applying earlier or preparing for increased hiring activity after Ramadan.
Let's come up with a solution for getting jobs in this Ramadan month. Even though hiring has slowed down, it is not completely frozen. Many companies still recruit for urgent roles, and this period can be an advantage for job seekers who strategically approach their job search.
Here are some expert tips to enhance your job search in UAE during Ramadan 2025:
Understand the Work Schedule
During Ramadan, many recruiters in UAE work shorter hours due to religious obligations. Companies may also offer flexible work schedules during this period. So, job seekers, here you should make the plan. It's best to reach out to recruiters earlier in the day or after Iftar when they are more likely to be available.
Best Times to Apply
Morning Hours: Between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM is when recruiters are most active, checking emails and reviewing applications on Talentmate. It’s the ideal time to submit your application or follow up.
Evening Hours: After Iftar, between 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, some recruiters become active again, often checking emails and reviewing applications on Talentmate. This is a good time for follow-ups and networking.
Target Online Job Portals and Free Job Posting Sites
Many recruiters and employers post vacancies on UAE free job posting sites during Ramadan. So, platforms like Talentmate list new opportunities regularly, giving job seekers a chance to find suitable roles even during the holy month. It's best to check these websites regularly and apply for relevant roles to ensure you don’t miss out on potential openings.
Follow Up Professionally
During Ramadan, reduced working hours and increased focus on personal and religious commitments may lead to delayed responses to job applications and interview processes. At this time, following up professionally with a polite email, using Talentmate's messaging feature, or making a polite phone call can help you check the status of your job application and inquire about the expected timeline for the next steps in the hiring process. A polite follow-up keeps your application in the recruiter’s mind without seeming too pushy. Also, that'll create a good impression on the recruiter and enhance your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
Update Your Resume & Talentmate Profile
Ramadan is an excellent time to update your resume and online job profiles. Ensure that your Talentmate profile is fully updated with the latest information about your skills, professional certifications, experiences, achievements, and contact information. A well-crafted CV and a clear online profile increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters who are actively searching for candidates.
Prepare well for the Interview
Since the hiring process may slow down during Ramadan, only urgent requirements will proceed to interviews and hiring. Compared to other months, fewer hiring activities take place, making each opportunity more valuable. So, you should give your best effort in every single interview. Be well prepared and improve your interview skills to utilize the opportunity effectively. Research the company, understand the job role, and prepare with possible industry-specific questions. Show enthusiasm, confidence, and adaptability to leave a strong, lasting impression on the interviewer.
Industries Hiring During Ramadan
Even though hiring slows down during Ramadan, some industries continue recruiting throughout the month. Understanding which sectors actively hiring can help you focus your job search and apply for roles with higher chances of immediate hiring.
Healthcare & Medical: This industry requires ongoing demand for professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff, to ensure uninterrupted patient care and emergency services.
Retail & E-commerce: During Ramadan, shopping activity rises significantly, both online and in physical stores. To meet this increased demand, retailers and e-commerce platforms require additional staff, including sales associates, delivery personnel, and customer support representatives.
Hospitality & Tourism: Hotels and restaurants, especially those catering to Iftar and Suhoor services, often recruit staff. Also, during the holidays, tourism sees a significant rise as people travel for leisure and family gatherings, leading to increased demand for hotel staff, tour guides, and customer service professionals.
Stay Informed About UAE Public Holidays
While there are effective strategies for job searching in UAE during Ramadan, the process can still be challenging. For those visiting on a job seeker visa or a visitor visa, careful planning is important. Knowing about UAE public holidays, especially around Eid, will help you choose the right time to visit when companies are actively hiring.
Conclusion
Job searching in UAE during Ramadan 2025 may come with challenges due to reduced working hours and slower hiring processes. However, by understanding the UAE job market trends, targeting active industries, applying at the right times, and following up professionally, job seekers can increase their chances of success. While hiring slows down, opportunities still exist, especially in sectors like healthcare, retail, and hospitality. With careful planning, persistence, and the right strategy, securing a job during Ramadan is possible. Stay prepared, and active.
