Understanding Article 28 Public Holiday Legislation
Official public holidays designated by the UAE Cabinet are fully paid rest days for private sector workers under Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
When work is performed on a public holiday, employers must provide either **Basic Salary + 150% Cash Premium** OR a **Substitute Day Off + 50% Cash Premium**. For standard overtime, see our Labor Overtime Working Hours Calculator.
Enter Holiday Overtime Details
Statutory Holiday Overtime Payout
AED 1,923.08
Daily Basic Wage Rate: AED 384.62 / day
Article 28 Rate Options
| Full Cash Premium: | Basic Salary + 150% Extra |
| Alternative Option: | Day Off + 50% Extra Cash |
| Scope: | Mainland & All Free Zones |
Interlinked UAE Compliance Portals
Frequently Asked Questions (Public Holiday Overtime)
Under Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, an employee required to work on an official public holiday must be granted basic wage + 150% extra cash premium, OR a replacement day off + 50% extra cash premium.
Official paid public holidays include New Year's Day, Eid Al Fitr (3-4 days), Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha (3 days), Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, and UAE National Day (Commemoration & National Day).
Employers can request work during public holidays if operational needs dictate, provided full statutory Article 28 overtime compensation is paid.
Yes. Article 28 public holiday regulations apply equally across mainland companies and all commercial free zones (e.g. DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, Meydan, JAFZA).
MoHRE VerifiedOfficial Public Holiday Source
• Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE Public Holiday Announcements): mohre.gov.ae