UAE overtime rules
Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets the minimum overtime pay for private-sector employees. Normal working hours are generally up to 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week, and anything beyond that is overtime.
| Type of overtime | Minimum pay |
|---|---|
| Normal overtime | Basic hourly wage + at least 25% (125%) |
| Overtime between 10 pm and 4 am | Basic hourly wage + at least 50% (150%), except for shift workers |
| Work on your rest day | A substitute rest day, or basic wage + at least 50% (150%) |
Overtime limits
- Overtime may not exceed 2 hours a day, except in cases the law allows, such as preventing serious loss or an accident.
- Total working hours, including overtime, may not exceed 144 hours over three weeks.
Overtime pay formula
Hourly wage = basic monthly salary ÷ 30 ÷ normal daily hours
Overtime pay = hourly wage × 1.25 × normal OT hours + hourly wage × 1.5 × (night OT + rest-day hours)
Because the law refers to the basic wage, allowances such as housing and transport are not normally part of the overtime rate, unless your contract says otherwise.
Worked example
Ravi earns a basic salary of AED 4,500 and works 8 hours a day. His hourly wage is 4,500 ÷ 30 ÷ 8 = AED 18.75.
| 20 hours normal overtime × 18.75 × 1.25 | AED 468.75 |
| 4 hours night overtime × 18.75 × 1.5 | AED 112.50 |
| 8 hours on rest day × 18.75 × 1.5 | AED 225.00 |
| Total overtime | AED 806.25 |
Overtime during Ramadan
During Ramadan, private-sector working hours are usually reduced by two hours a day. Hours worked beyond the reduced schedule count as overtime and are paid at the same 125% or 150% rates. Set “Normal hours per day” to 6 in the calculator for a Ramadan month.
Protect your overtime pay
- Keep a simple record of dates, start and finish times. A phone note is better than nothing.
- Check your payslip shows overtime separately from basic pay.
- Know whether you are exempt. Contracts for senior roles sometimes state that overtime does not apply.
- Raise unpaid overtime early with HR, then with MOHRE if needed.
For official information on working hours, see the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. If you are owed leave rather than hours, our UAE leave salary calculator works out leave pay and unused leave.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
Divide basic salary by 30 and by your normal daily hours to get the hourly wage, then pay at least 125% of it for normal overtime and 150% for night or rest-day work.
Is overtime calculated on basic or gross salary?
On the basic wage under the law. Your contract can offer a higher rate.
What is the maximum overtime per day in the UAE?
Two hours a day in normal circumstances, with total hours not exceeding 144 over three weeks.
Do I get extra pay for working on my day off?
Yes. You must get a substitute rest day or at least 150% of your basic wage for those hours.
Does the night rate apply to shift workers?
No. The 10 pm to 4 am premium does not apply to employees working in shifts.