Working beyond your hours in the UAE? The labour law sets exact overtime premiums: 25% extra for daytime overtime and 50% extra for hours between 10pm and 4am or on your weekly rest day. Calculate what you’re owed.
How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
What is the maximum overtime allowed?
Who is not entitled to overtime pay?
How UAE overtime pay is calculated
Your hourly rate is derived from basic salary: monthly basic ÷ 30 days ÷ 8 hours. Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 then adds the premium – at least 25% over the hourly rate for normal overtime, rising to at least 50% for night work between 10pm and 4am. Working your rest day earns either a substitute day off or pay at the 50% premium.
The limits your employer must respect
Normal working hours are 8 per day or 48 per week. Overtime should not exceed 2 hours per day except to prevent serious loss or accident. During Ramadan, working hours reduce by 2 hours per day. Note that senior managerial and supervisory employees can be excluded from overtime entitlement – check how your role is classified in your contract.
Overtime and your other entitlements
Overtime is paid on basic salary, the same base as your gratuity and leave encashment. It does not increase those entitlements – they use your contractual basic, not your earned totals. For your monthly net, see the UAE salary calculator.
Estimates for information only, not legal advice. Disputes: MOHRE 80060.