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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation published guidelines this week detailing overtime pay rules for private sector workers across the UAE, according to the official government platform. Normal working hours stand at eight per day or 48 per week, with the platform reporting that daily hours can vary for certain sectors or worker categories under executive regulations. Commuting time does not count toward working hours except in cases specified by those regulations.
Overtime must not exceed two hours in a single day under ordinary circumstances, a ministry assessment found, while total working time cannot surpass 144 hours in any three-week period according to the executive regulations of the labour law. Exceptions exist only for urgent work needed to prevent major losses or serious accidents, the regulations state. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation guide emphasises that employers hold responsibility for ensuring compliance with these ceilings.
Workers performing overtime receive their basic hourly wage calculated from basic salary plus at least 25 per cent additional pay, the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 specifies. The rate increases to at least 50 per cent for hours worked between 10pm and 4am, ministry figures show, although this night premium does not apply to employees on shift systems as the law explicitly notes. The decree further requires that any such extra hours remain within the overall limits to protect worker welfare.
The guidelines also address work on the designated weekly rest day, which the labour law sets as Friday for most workers except those paid daily. Employees called in on their rest day must receive either a replacement day off or compensation at basic wage plus 50 per cent, according to Article 19 of the decree. The provisions indicate that no non-daily-paid worker can be scheduled for more than two consecutive rest days without further agreement.
During the holy month of Ramadan, daily working hours reduce by two hours for private sector staff, the official platform reported, meaning any time beyond the shortened schedule counts toward overtime and attracts the corresponding premiums. Government data confirms the adjustment applies uniformly except in sectors exempted by ministerial resolution. The platform ties this reduction directly to the same overtime compensation framework used year-round.
The awareness guide further reminds employers that all wages, including overtime payments, must process through the Wage Protection System within 15 days of the due date, as Gulf News reported in coverage of a related ministry briefing. The ministry holds employers solely responsible for associated fees under the system. Labour authorities encourage use of official channels for any clarification on these published rules.
