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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation guide reported by Yen News established that standard working hours for private sector employees stand at eight per day or 48 per week according to Article 17 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The ministry noted that daily hours may be extended to nine in sectors such as retail hotels and security services or reduced for arduous roles through ministerial resolution. These provisions allow flexibility while maintaining overall protections for worker health and welfare across the UAE private sector.
Employees may not perform more than five consecutive hours without a break or combined breaks totaling at least one hour the ministry’s awareness guide stated. Such intervals for rest meals or prayer do not count as working time and must be arranged according to establishment needs or job type. The regulation applies uniformly with special considerations available for shift workers or field-based roles under the executive regulations.
Overtime remains capped at two hours per day beyond normal schedules except in emergencies to prevent substantial loss or accidents the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation emphasised. Total hours including overtime must not exceed 144 over any three-week period according to the guide. Employers require written employee consent before assigning additional time and the ministry has reiterated these limits to prevent exploitation.
Compensation for overtime equals at least 25 percent above the basic hourly wage for daytime hours and 50 percent for night work between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. the document detailed. Staff required to work on their weekly rest day receive either a substitute rest day or 50 percent additional pay for those hours. Shift-based employees receive exemptions from certain night premium rules as clarified in the ministry guide.
Normal working hours decrease by two per day during Ramadan for fasting employees an adjustment the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announces each year in line with Article 15 of the executive regulations. A standard eight-hour day therefore becomes six hours during the holy month with overtime provisions still applicable beyond the reduced limit. The change forms part of longstanding federal labour accommodations that align with regional practices across the GCC.
Friday functions as the default weekly rest day for most private sector workers although employers may select alternatives provided they compensate any work performed the guide explained. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued the material to reinforce compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 which governs the majority of private sector relationships in the country. Employees facing violations can approach the ministry through its Labour Claims and Advisory Centre or digital platforms for assistance.
