The UAE’s labor laws, governed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), ensure the protection of employees’ rights, particularly regarding working hours, leave entitlements, overtime, and public holidays. Understanding these laws is essential for both employers and employees to maintain a fair, productive work environment. Below, we’ll break down the key aspects of UAE labor laws related to working hours, leave, and overtime compensation.
Standard Working Hours in the UAE
As per Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on Labor Relations, the standard working hours in the UAE are set at a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. This applies across most industries, with certain exceptions where the nature of the work allows for more flexible arrangements.
- Daily Hours: Workers can be employed for 8 hours a day. In specific sectors such as commercial establishments, hotels, and security services, working hours may extend to 9 hours per day.
- Weekly Limit: The maximum number of hours employees can work per week is 48, ensuring compliance with labor law regulations. Employees who work beyond this limit are entitled to overtime compensation.
Exceptions in Working Hours
Some industries, such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail, may require extended working hours. Employers in these industries are legally allowed to extend daily working hours to 9 hours, but only with prior approval from MOHRE.
Ramadan Adjustments
During Ramadan, working hours for Muslim employees are reduced to 6 hours per day. This is applicable to all employees, regardless of their role or industry, in order to accommodate fasting.
Flexible Working Arrangements in the UAE
The UAE labor law allows for flexible working hours, provided both the employer and employee agree to the arrangement. Flexible working hours are becoming increasingly common, especially in sectors that involve international operations or remote working environments.
- Agreements for Flexibility: Both parties can agree to alternative work schedules, such as compressed workweeks (e.g., working four longer days instead of five regular days), adjusting start and end times, or remote work. These arrangements must be mutually beneficial and should not adversely affect the health, safety, or productivity of the worker.
- Legal Compliance: Any flexible working arrangement must comply with UAE labor laws, ensuring that no more than 8 hours per day are worked unless proper compensation for overtime is provided.
Overtime Laws and Compensation
The UAE labor law specifies rules for working overtime. Overtime is any time worked beyond the standard 8-hour workday, and it must be compensated according to specific regulations.
- Daily Limit: Employees cannot be required to work more than 2 hours of overtime per day. This ensures that total daily working hours (regular + overtime) do not exceed 11 hours.
- Overtime Pay: Employees are entitled to a wage for overtime that is 25% higher than their regular hourly wage. If the overtime falls between 9 PM and 4 AM, the wage supplement rises to 50%. For example:Overtime Pay Formula:Overtime Pay=(Basic Salary365×8)×1.25×Total Overtime Hours\text{Overtime Pay} = \left(\frac{\text{Basic Salary}}{365 \times 8}\right) \times 1.25 \times \text{Total Overtime Hours}Overtime Pay=(365×8Basic Salary)×1.25×Total Overtime Hours
Night Work Compensation
For employees required to work night shifts (between 9 PM and 4 AM), employers must provide additional compensation of 50% more than the normal hourly wage. This law acknowledges the greater strain of working during night hours and compensates workers accordingly.
Weekly Rest Days
In the UAE, Friday is traditionally observed as a rest day, except for daily-paid workers. Workers who are required to work on Friday must either be compensated with an alternate rest day or receive their normal wage plus 50% additional pay.
- Working on Fridays: According to Article 70 of the UAE Labor Law, employers must ensure that no worker works more than two successive Fridays unless they are daily-paid workers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Working Hours | 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week (9 hours/day for specific sectors) |
| Ramadan Working Hours | 6 hours/day for Muslim employees |
| Overtime Compensation | 25% higher than regular wage, 50% for night work (9 PM to 4 AM) |
| Weekly Rest Day | Friday (or substitute if worked), with 50% wage supplement |
| Public Holidays | New Year’s, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, National Day |
| Annual Leave | 30 days after 1 year of service, 2 days/month after 6 months |
| Sick Leave | 90 days: First 15 days at full pay, next 30 days at half pay, remaining unpaid |
| Maternity Leave | 45 days at full pay |
| Paternity Leave | 3-5 days |
| Breaks | 1-hour break after 5 consecutive working hours (unpaid) |
| End-of-Service Gratuity | 21 days of pay per year (up to 5 years), 30 days of pay for more than 5 years |
Public Holidays and Special Leave
The UAE recognizes a series of public holidays that employees are entitled to, including New Year’s Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and UAE National Day. If an employee works on these holidays, they are entitled to either a substitute holiday or 150% of their regular wage.
Leave Entitlements
- Annual Leave: Under Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33), employees who have completed one year of service are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. For employees who have worked for more than six months but less than a year, the leave entitlement is two days per month.
- Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year. The first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days are paid at 50%, and the remainder is unpaid.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 45 days of maternity leave at full pay. Additionally, male employees are granted 5 days of paternity leave to support their partners during childbirth.
- Special Leave: Employees are also entitled to special leave for events such as pilgrimage (Hajj). Pilgrimage leave is unpaid and can last up to 30 days.
UAE Leave Salary Calculator
Regulations for Breaks During Work Hours
According to UAE labor law, no worker should work more than five consecutive hours without a break for rest, meals, or prayer. Breaks should last for at least one hour, and they are not considered part of the working hours. This ensures that employees receive adequate rest during their workday.
- Break Regulations: Factories, workshops, or other operations requiring successive shifts may be subject to specific guidelines on breaks, as issued by MOHRE.
End-of-Service Gratuity and Payment
When an employee’s service in the UAE ends, they are entitled to a gratuity payment based on their length of service. The formula for calculating gratuity is as follows:
- One year of service: Employees receive 21 days of basic pay for each year of the first five years of service.
- More than five years of service: Employees receive 30 days of basic pay for each additional year of service beyond the initial five years.
UAE Gratuity Calcultator
UAE Gratuity Calculator
Employees are also entitled to payment for any accrued annual leave that was not taken during their employment.
Sick Leave and Medical Verification
Sick leave policies are clearly outlined under Article 82 of the UAE labor law. Workers who are sick and unable to attend work must report their illness within two days. The employer is responsible for arranging a medical examination to confirm the illness. Employees who do not return to work after the expiration of their sick leave will forfeit their wage for the period of absence.
Penalties for Employers and Employees
Both employees and employers must adhere to the UAE labor laws, and non-compliance can lead to penalties.
- For Employers: Failing to provide adequate rest breaks, forcing employees to work excessive overtime, or failing to compensate for work on Fridays or public holidays can result in legal action.
- For Employees: Employees who violate their contract terms, such as working for another employer while on leave, can face termination without compensation under Article 88.
FAQs on UAE Working Hours and Employment Laws
1. Can I work more than 48 hours per week in the UAE?
Employees can only work beyond the legal limit if they are compensated for overtime, with a maximum of 2 additional hours per day allowed.
2. How is overtime pay calculated in the UAE?
Overtime is compensated at 125% of the regular wage. For night work, the rate increases to 150%.
3. What is the leave entitlement after one year of service?
After one year of continuous service, employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave.
4. Can I take my annual leave in parts?
Yes, but the employer has the right to decide when the leave begins and may divide it into two periods if necessary.
5. What are the penalties for working without a break for more than 5 hours?
Employers are required to provide a one-hour break for every five hours worked. Failing to do so violates UAE labor laws.
6. Are working hours reduced during Ramadan?
Yes, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day during Ramadan, irrespective of the industry or sector.
7. Can I accumulate unused annual leave?
Unused annual leave can be accumulated and carried forward, with a maximum of 30 days of unused leave allowed for carryover.
8. What happens if I work on a public holiday?
If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to either a substitute day off or 150% of your regular wage.
9. What is the sick leave policy in the UAE?
Employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave: the first 15 days at full pay, the next 30 days at half pay, and the remaining days unpaid.
10. What are the rules for end-of-service gratuity?
Gratuity is calculated based on the length of service. For the first five years, employees receive 21 days of basic pay for each year. For more than five years, they receive 30 days of basic pay for each additional year.
