Overtime isn’t just about putting in extra hours—it’s about knowing your worth and ensuring fair treatment at work. In the UAE, the rules around overtime are there to protect employees and help employers stay compliant whether you’re clocking in those extra hours or managing a team, understanding how overtime works can make a huge difference.
For employees, it means being confident that your hard work gets the recognition—and pay—it deserves. For employers, it’s about fostering a workplace built on trust, fairness, and respect for the law. And with updates to labor laws happening over time, staying informed is more important than ever.
This guide is here to make things crystal clear. Let’s dive in!
Understanding UAE Overtime Rules
Standard Work Hours and Overtime Eligibility in the UAE
Let’s make sense of overtime rules in the UAE—they’re here to ensure fairness for everyone. A standard workweek is 48 hours, which breaks down to 8 hours a day. If you’re working beyond that, congratulations—you’ve entered overtime territory!
Most employees, like admin staff, technicians, and manual workers, qualify for overtime pay. But if you’re in a managerial or supervisory role, you might be excluded. Don’t worry, though—if you’re eligible, the law ensures your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed or unpaid.
Here’s how it works: for daytime overtime, you get 25% more than your regular hourly wage. If you’re putting in hours between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., or working on your rest day, that bumps up to 50% more—a well-earned bonus for your extra effort. Employers can request up to two hours of overtime per day, but your total working hours (regular and overtime) can’t go over 62 hours a week.
Public Holiday Pay vs. Overtime Pay
Let’s clear up the confusion between public holiday pay and overtime pay in the UAE. Both are designed to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your hard work, but they work differently.
When you’re required to work on a public holiday, the UAE Labour Law entitles you to a full day’s pay in addition to a 50% premium for the hours worked that day. Alternatively, employers may grant you a substitute rest day instead of additional pay.
On the other hand, overtime pay applies when you exceed your standard working hours—8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. For overtime, you receive an additional 25% above your regular hourly wage, which increases to 50% if the extra work happens between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
How to Calculate Overtime Pay in the UAE

Overtime Pay Rate
To Determine the Hourly Wage:
- Calculate the daily wage: (Basic Monthly Salary × 12) / 365
- Then, find the hourly wage: Daily Wage / 8
And to Apply the Overtime Rate:
- For regular overtime (daytime hours): Hourly Wage × 1.25
- For night shifts (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.): Hourly Wage × 1.5
- For public holidays: Hourly Wage × 1.5 (plus a compensatory day off)
Here’s an example to make it clearer: Imagine your basic monthly salary is AED 3,200. Your daily wage would be around AED 105.20 (calculated as (3,200 × 12) / 365). That makes your hourly wage approximately AED 13.15 (105.20 ÷ 8).
- If you work 2 extra hours on a regular day: You’ll earn AED 16.44 per overtime hour (13.15 × 1.25), so that’s AED 32.88 for 2 hours.
- For 2 extra hours during the night: The rate is AED 19.73 per hour (13.15 × 1.5), totaling AED 39.46.
- On a public holiday: Working 8 hours would bring you AED 157.84 (13.15 × 1.5 × 8), plus you’re entitled to a replacement day off.
Maximum Overtime Hours Allowed
Here’s how it works: your standard workweek is 48 hours, spread across 8 hours a day. If your boss asks you to put in some extra time, it’s legal, but there’s a cap. You can work up to 2 extra hours per day, which adds up to 14 hours of overtime per week. In total, your working hours (regular and overtime combined) shouldn’t exceed 62 hours in a week.
Of course, overtime isn’t free labor—you should be paid extra for those additional hours. The rate? You get 25% more than your regular hourly pay for daytime overtime. If you’re burning the midnight oil (working between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.), that jumps to 50% more.
Special Considerations
Night Shifts: If you find yourself working between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., the UAE Labour Law recognizes the challenges of these hours. You’re entitled to a 50% increase on your regular hourly wage for any overtime during this period. This means if your standard hourly rate is AED 20, you’d earn AED 30 per hour for overtime worked during these late hours.
Weekends and Rest Days: Working on your designated rest day? You’re entitled to either a substitute rest day or a 50% increase on your regular pay for the hours worked. For example, if your hourly wage is AED 20, you’d receive AED 30 per hour for working on your rest day.
Public Holidays: If you’re required to work on a public holiday, the law ensures you’re compensated with a 150% increase on your regular hourly wage, plus an additional day off. So, for a standard rate of AED 20 per hour, you’d earn AED 50 per hour on a public holiday, along with a compensatory day off.
Shift Workers: It’s important to note that these overtime provisions may not apply to shift workers whose schedules inherently include night hours or weekend days. The law acknowledges the unique nature of shift work and has separate provisions for such cases.
Key Takeaways:
- Night Shifts (10 p.m. – 4 a.m.): 50% increase on regular hourly wage for overtime.
- Rest Days: 50% increase on regular pay or a substitute rest day.
- Public Holidays: 150% increase on regular hourly wage plus an additional day off.
- Shift Workers: Different rules may apply; consult your employment contract or HR department for specifics.
Employer Responsibilities Regarding Overtime

1. Keeping Accurate Records
Think of accurate record-keeping as your safety net. Employers must track everything: when employees start and finish work, break times, and total hours worked—including overtime. These records aren’t just helpful for payroll—they’re legally required.
Plus, they help avoid messy disputes about hours and pay. And here’s a pro tip: always keep these records for at least a year, so they’re ready if labor authorities come knocking.
2. Paying Overtime on Time
No one likes waiting for their paycheck, especially when it comes to overtime. Employees must be paid promptly—ideally in the next payroll cycle—and at the correct rates. For example:
- Regular overtime (beyond the standard 8-hour day) earns you 25% more than your hourly wage.
- Working late nights (between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.) or on a public holiday? That jumps to 50% extra.
Delaying these payments isn’t just bad for morale; it could also lead to legal trouble. So, timely payments are a win-win for everyone.
3. Setting Clear Procedures
Miscommunication about overtime can lead to unnecessary friction. That’s why having a simple, standardized process is crucial. Employees should know how to request overtime, and managers should clearly outline when and why it’s approved. This ensures that overtime is fair, necessary, and properly documented. No surprises, no disputes—just smooth operations.
Employee Rights Regarding Overtime
1. Right to Decline Excessive Overtime
While employers can request overtime, you’re not obligated to accept unreasonable demands. The law caps overtime at two hours per day, ensuring your workday doesn’t become overwhelming.
2. Right to Fair Compensation for Overtime
When you do work extra hours, it’s your right to be compensated appropriately. The UAE Labour Law specifies that overtime during regular hours should be paid at 125% of your standard hourly rate, and at 150% for work between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Steps to Take if Overtime Pay Issues Arise
If you encounter problems with overtime compensation, here’s what you can do:
- Contact MOHRE: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is there to help. You can file a complaint through their website or smart app. They’ll review your case and aim to resolve it amicably.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the issue persists, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in UAE labor law can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Conclusion
Understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding overtime isn’t just about ticking legal boxes—it’s about fostering fairness, respect, and trust in the workplace. For employees, it ensures you’re properly rewarded for your time and effort. For employers, it helps you stay compliant while building a positive work environment that values your team.
Want to dive deeper into the UAE Labour Law and its implications for your work life? Check out this comprehensive guide for even more insights.
If you found this blog helpful, share it with your colleagues, friends, or team to raise awareness about fair labor practices in the UAE. Knowledge is power, and spreading it makes all the difference!