Understanding UAE Working Hours & Overtime Legislation
Overtime compensation in the UAE private sector is governed by Articles 17, 18, and 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations. The law stipulates that normal working hours must not exceed 8 hours per day (48 hours per week).
When operational requirements mandate extra work, employees must be compensated based on their basic hourly wage plus statutory premiums: 25% extra for daytime overtime and 50% extra for night hours (10 PM to 4 AM) or weekend rest days. Overtime is capped at a maximum of 2 hours per day.
Enter Monthly Overtime Details
Total Monthly Overtime Pay
AED 961.54
Basic Hourly Rate: AED 48.08 / hr
Daytime OT Pay (+25%): AED 600.96
Night/Weekend OT Pay (+50%): AED 360.58
Statutory Premium Rates
| Daytime OT Rate (4 AM - 10 PM): | Basic Rate + 25% |
| Night OT Rate (10 PM - 4 AM): | Basic Rate + 50% |
| Rest Day Overtime: | Basic Rate + 50% or Day Off |
Interlinked UAE Compliance Portals
Frequently Asked Questions (MoHRE Overtime Rules)
Overtime pay is calculated based on the employee's basic hourly wage. Regular daytime overtime is paid at basic hourly rate + 25% premium. Nighttime overtime (10 PM to 4 AM) and weekend rest day overtime are paid at basic hourly rate + 50% premium.
Under Article 17 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, maximum normal working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Maximum overtime is capped at 2 hours per day, bringing total daily working hours to a maximum of 10 hours.
Under Article 17, normal daily working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all private sector employees during the Holy Month of Ramadan, without any reduction in salary.
No. Under Executive Regulations of the Labor Law, senior managers, department heads, and C-suite executives holding managerial authority are exempt from overtime pay entitlements.
MoHRE VerifiedOfficial Labor Law Source
• Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE Overtime Regulations): mohre.gov.ae