UAE Working Hours and Overtime Pay: 8 Hours a Day, Up to 50% Extra
Under UAE Labour Law, the limit is 8 hours a day or 48 a week, overtime is capped at 2 hours a day and paid at 25% extra, or 50% at night and on rest days.
UAEIn brief
- UAE private-sector working hours are capped at 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week, cut by 2 hours a day in Ramadan.
- Overtime is limited to 2 extra hours a day.
- Overtime pays basic hourly wage plus 25%, or plus 50% between 10 pm and 4 am.
- Outdoor work in the sun is banned from 12:30 pm to 3 pm between 15 June and 15 September.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | UAE Government (u.ae) / MoHRE |
| Official source | UAE Government portal – Working hours and overtime ✓ u.ae |
How long can your employer ask you to work in the UAE, and how much extra should you be paid for overtime? These are the rules for private-sector workers under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Normal working hours
- Maximum 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week.
- Some sectors and job types can have different hours under the law's executive regulations.
- Ramadan: daily hours are cut by 2 hours.
- Time spent travelling to and from work does not count as working time, except for some categories.
Breaks
After 5 hours in a row, you are entitled to a break or breaks totalling at least 1 hour. Breaks are not counted as working hours.
Summer midday break
From 15 June to 15 September, work in the sun and in open areas is banned between 12:30 pm and 3 pm.
Overtime limits
Your employer can ask you to work overtime, but no more than 2 extra hours a day.
How overtime is paid
Overtime pay is calculated on your basic salary:
| When you work | Overtime pay |
|---|---|
| Normal overtime | Hourly basic wage + 25% |
| Between 10 pm and 4 am | Hourly basic wage + 50% |
| On your rest day | A replacement day off, or hourly basic wage + 50% |
Example: basic salary AED 4,800 a month. Hourly basic wage = 4,800 ÷ 30 ÷ 8 = AED 20. One hour of normal overtime = AED 20 + 25% = AED 25. One hour at night = AED 30.
Exception: the overtime pay rule does not apply to shift workers.
Other points
- If you work for more than one employer (for example on a part-time permit), you cannot be made to work more hours than your contract says unless you agree in writing.
- Employers with remote staff must set clear working hours for them.
If you are not paid for overtime
- Keep a record of the hours you work, such as time sheets or messages.
- Raise it with your employer in writing.
- If unresolved, file a complaint with MoHRE.
Related: UAE annual leave rules.
Frequently asked questions
What are the legal working hours in the UAE?
A maximum of 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week in the private sector. During Ramadan, daily hours are reduced by 2 hours.
How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
On your basic salary: hourly basic wage plus 25% for normal overtime, or plus 50% between 10 pm and 4 am. Work on your rest day earns a replacement day off or wage plus 50%.
How many overtime hours are allowed in the UAE?
No more than 2 extra hours a day.
When is the UAE summer midday break?
From 15 June to 15 September, work in the sun and open areas is banned between 12:30 pm and 3 pm.
Apply only through the official source.
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