All you need to know about overtime pay in the UAE
If you’re working in the United Arab Emirates, it’s important to know your rights when it comes to working hours and overtime pay in the UAE. The country’s Employment Law sets clear rules on how many hours employees can be asked to work, when overtime applies and what both employees and employers need to consider.
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About Overtime Pay in the UAE
Working extra hours happens in almost every industry, whether to meet a deadline, handle urgent business needs or cover peak seasons. The UAE has introduced clear guidelines to ensure those additional hours are managed fairly. For employees, this means peace of mind and transparency; for employers, it ensures compliance, prevents disputes and supports healthier working relationships.
Standard Working Hours
As per Article 17 (1) of Federal Decree Law 33 of 2021 overtime pay, maximum working hours in the UAE should not be more than 48 hours a week. This equates to eight working hours a day. However, in certain sectors such as hospitality, security and trade, the law allows for a maximum of nine working hours per day. Any time worked beyond this threshold is considered overtime, as part of the UAE Labour Laws for employment. For businesses, keeping track of working hours isn’t just about legal compliance, it also supports workforce wellbeing and productivity.
How Overtime Pay in the UAE Works
Here’s where things get important. Keep in mind, employers calculate overtime pay in the UAE differently depending on when it occurs:
- Regular overtime: If you work beyond the standard hours, you should be paid your basic wage plus at least 25% more.
- Late-night overtime: If you’re working between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am, that jumps to your basic wage plus at least 50% more.
- Shift workers: If you’re on a shift schedule, the late-night rule doesn’t apply in the same way, so check your contract.
- Exemptions: Overtime pay law does not apply to those in managerial, supervisory and technical roles, where employees have authority over others or whose working hours are flexible due to the nature of their job. This reflects the nature of leadership positions, where responsibilities extend beyond set hours and compensation often includes performance incentives, bonuses or other benefits.
It’s also important to note that, under the law, overtime is generally capped at a maximum of two extra hours per day, unless special approval is granted for exceptional cases.
What can I do to do if I’m not paid?
- Raise the matter with your employer. Have a calm, direct conversation and point out that the law requires overtime pay. In most cases, open communication resolves misunderstandings quickly.
- If needed, matters can be escalated to MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), which provides guidance and support in employment disputes.
For organisations, overtime policies are more than just a legal requirement; they’re a tool for building trust, retaining talent and managing workloads responsibly. Consistent compliance demonstrates that businesses value their people’s time, which in turn leads to higher engagement and productivity.
For more insight about equal pay and work models in the country, read up on the new UAE labour law of 2022.
FAQs
No. Employers cannot require employees to work beyond legal limits without proper compensation. Overtime pay is a legal entitlement designed to ensure fairness and protect employees’ rights. From a business standpoint, adhering to this requirement also safeguards organisations from potential disputes and maintains compliance with UAE labour laws.
Employers may occasionally ask employees to stay beyond normal hours to address urgent needs such as preventing losses, meeting critical deadlines or handling emergencies. In such cases, here’s how the UAE overtime compensation pay works:
– First 2 hours of overtime: You’re paid your basic hourly wage plus at least 25% extra.
– Between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am: Overtime is paid at your basic hourly wage plus at least 50% extra (this doesn’t apply if you’re a shift worker).
– More than 2 hours: The law still requires your employer to pay you for all hours worked using the same overtime rates.
If extended overtime becomes frequent, it may indicate operational inefficiencies or non-compliance with the legal cap. For employers, managing overtime strategically is key to sustaining productivity without overburdening teams.
Yes. Overtime pay in the UAE depends on when you work. For daytime overtime, you get your basic hourly wage plus at least 25% extra, while late-night hours between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am must be paid with at least 50% extra (except for shift workers).
If you work on a public holiday or your official rest day in the UAE, you’re entitled to either a substitute day off with full pay or your basic wage plus at least 50% extra for those hours. This ensures fairness while allowing organisations flexibility in how they manage workforce needs during peak or special periods. Businesses that apply these policies consistently benefit from stronger employee morale and long-term trust.
For insight on salary dispbursement, check out our guide on the Wage Protection System in the UAE.
Overtime pay in the UAE isn’t just about protecting employees’ rights; it’s also about helping businesses build trust, stay compliant and operate more efficiently.
For employees, it ensures fair compensation and recognition for extra effort. For employers, it provides a clear framework to manage workloads, reduce disputes and maintain a motivated workforce. When both sides understand and respect these rules, overtime becomes less of a burden and more of a tool to keep organisations running smoothly while valuing people’s time.
