Ramadan Workforce Demand Surge: Workforce Planning in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

The UAE and Saudi Arabia experience a structural shift in workforce demand during Ramadan, driven by inverted operating hours and concentrated consumer activity. Economic momentum does not slow. It moves into the night, with peak activity between 8 PM and 2 AM, shaped by Iftar, Suhoor, and late-night social shopping. Organizations that continue operating on daytime staffing assumptions face service delays, particularly in indirect support roles.

Demand is sector-specific, with hospitality, retail, e-commerce, logistics, transport, and facilities management seeing compressed peaks.

Key insights from this report highlight:

• Workforce demand inverts during Ramadan, with compressed night peaks replacing traditional daytime operating models.

• Operational risk is concentrated in indirect roles such as facilities, security, IT support, and supervision rather than frontline staffing gaps.

• Hospitality, retail, logistics, mobility, and e-commerce experience aggressive, function-specific pressure while B2B sectors slow.

• Hiring at least four weeks before Ramadan is critical, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where thinner logistics talent pools increase recruitment complexity.

Download this report and learn how to optimize your teams for this unique and high-pressure shift.