UAE Working Hours: Legal Limits and Overtime Rules
UAE labour law sets clear daily and weekly work hour limits plus overtime rates. Know your rights before you sign or renew any contract in 2026.
Standard Working Hours Under UAE Labour Law
MOHRE sets the maximum at eight hours per day or forty eight hours per week for most private sector roles. These limits apply to full time contracts registered with MOHRE and exclude Ramadan adjustments. Public sector staff follow separate Cabinet decisions that often cap hours at thirty five per week.
Rest Days and Friday Rules
Employers must grant one full rest day each week. Friday remains the official weekly rest day for many sectors. If you work on Friday you are entitled to either a substitute day off within the following week or an overtime premium of at least fifty percent of your basic salary for those hours.
Overtime Calculation and Rates
Overtime starts after eight hours on a normal day or after forty eight hours in a week. The minimum rate is one and a quarter times your basic hourly wage for ordinary overtime. Night work between 10 pm and 6 am attracts an extra twenty five percent on top of the overtime rate. All overtime must be recorded in your MOHRE file and paid within the same payroll cycle.
Exceptions and Special Categories
Some roles in security, healthcare, hospitality and transport may average hours over longer periods under an approved flexible work scheme. These arrangements require written MOHRE approval and cannot exceed an average of forty eight hours per week over a four month reference period. Always check your contract clause against the latest MOHRE flexible work guidelines before signing.
Recording Hours and Raising Issues
Employers must maintain accurate attendance records for at least two years. If you believe your hours or overtime payments are incorrect, submit a complaint through the MOHRE app or the MOHRE smart services portal. Disputes are usually resolved within fourteen working days and can lead to fines for the employer if violations are confirmed.
Practical Tips Before You Sign
Read the overtime clause in your offer letter and confirm the basic salary figure used for calculations. Ask whether transport or housing allowances count toward overtime. Request a copy of the MOHRE work permit that lists your agreed hours. Keep digital copies of every timesheet and salary transfer.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum daily working hours in the UAE?▾
Eight hours per day or forty eight hours per week is the standard limit set by MOHRE for most private sector roles.
Do I get extra pay for working on Friday?▾
Yes. You must receive either a substitute rest day or at least fifty percent extra on your basic hourly rate for Friday hours worked.
How do I claim unpaid overtime?▾
File a complaint via the MOHRE app or portal with your timesheets and contract. Cases are usually settled within fourteen working days.
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