Employees working in the UAE must understand their legal entitlements when it comes to overtime. If your employer requires you to work beyond regular hours, you may qualify for additional compensation under UAE labor law.
Legal Working Hours in the UAE
According to Article 17(1) of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, the UAE sets the maximum working hours at:
- 8 hours per day
- 48 hours per week
If your employment contract specifies longer hours—such as a 9-hour workday—you should still receive compensation for any time worked beyond the legal limit.
What Counts as Overtime?
UAE law defines overtime as any work performed beyond the standard working hours. If your employer asks you to respond to emails or phone calls after your official hours, this qualifies as overtime.
Overtime Pay Rates
The law mandates increased pay for overtime work:
- 25% extra pay for overtime during regular hours (Article 19(2))
- 50% extra pay for overtime between 10 PM and 4 AM (Article 19(3))
Note: Employees working in shifts do not qualify for the 50% night-time rate.
Forced Labor Is Prohibited
Under Article 14(1), employers cannot force employees to work beyond legal hours without consent or compensation. If your employer pressures you to work without overtime pay, this may violate labor laws.
How to Claim Your Overtime Compensation
If your employer does not compensate you for overtime:
- Discuss the issue directly with your HR department or manager.
- Request payment for hours worked beyond the legal limit.
- File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) if your employer refuses to comply.
Final Thoughts
If you regularly work beyond your contracted hours—especially responding to emails or calls after hours—you likely qualify for overtime pay. UAE labor law protects your right to fair compensation, so take action to ensure your employer follows the rules.
