Understanding Working Hours and Overtime Regulations in the UAE

Standard Working Hours Under UAE Labor Law

The UAE Labor Law, specifically Federal Law No. 33 of 2021, establishes clear guidelines for working hours in the private sector. The standard workday is capped at 8 hours, with a maximum of 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, daily working hours are reduced by two hours. It's important to note that commute time is generally not considered part of working hours, except for specific worker categories.

Employees who work continuously for five hours are entitled to one or more breaks totaling at least one hour, which are not included in the calculation of working hours. The Cabinet holds authority to adjust these standards for certain economic sectors or specific job classifications based on ministerial recommendations.

Overtime Compensation Requirements

Employers may require employees to work overtime, but daily overtime must not exceed two hours. Overtime compensation is calculated based on the employee's basic salary plus specific percentage increases:

Regular overtime: Basic wage plus 25%
Night overtime (10 PM to 4 AM): Basic wage plus 50%
Weekend work: Either compensatory time off or basic wage plus 50%
Public holiday work: Compensatory day off or 150% of basic wage

All employees are entitled to at least one paid rest day weekly, with consecutive rest days not exceeding two days. In no circumstance should total working hours exceed 144 hours over any three-week period.

Employment Contract Framework

UAE employment contracts can be structured as full-time or part-time arrangements, including temporary, flexible, remote, or job-sharing formats. Since February 2022, Federal Law No. 33 mandates fixed-term contracts for private sector employees, typically renewable for similar or shorter periods.

Contractual elements typically include:

Contract Component	Description
Basic Information	Parties' identities, addresses, and identification details
Job Specifications	Position description, duties, and work location
Working Conditions	Hours, compensation, overtime rules, and leave policies
Contract Duration	Fixed-term provisions and renewal conditions
Confidentiality	Protection of proprietary information and intellectual property

Non-compete clauses are permitted under Article 10 but must be reasonably limited in duration (maximum two years), geographic scope, and nature of restriction to protect legitimate business interests.

Probation Period Regulations

The maximum probation period in the UAE is six months and cannot be extended. This period counts toward the employee's total service duration if employment continues afterward. Termination during probation requires:

Employer-initiated termination: 14 days' written notice
Employee resignation for local job change: 30 days' notice with new employer covering recruitment costs
Employee resignation for leaving UAE: 14 days' written notice

Employees on probation are not eligible for paid sick leave benefits.

Special Considerations for UAE National Employment

The National Student Employment Contract represents a unique arrangement for Emirati students enrolled in NAFIS-approved programs. These full-time positions require minimum monthly salaries of AED 4,000, with post-graduation employment obligations matching the study duration in the same specialization.

For international companies navigating these complex regulations, SailGlobal provides expert guidance on UAE labor compliance, ensuring smooth workforce management while maintaining full legal adherence.

UAE Working Hours & Labor Laws 2024: Complete Guide for Employers