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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Sept 12, 2025
The UAE has specific working hour rules under the UAE Labor Law. These rules protect employers and employees alike, ensuring fair working conditions. These rules are set by law, so it is important for everyone to know them in order to avoid fines and other problems.
This article discusses everything related to working hours, including what employers and employees need to know.
This article discusses everything related to working hours, including what employers and employees need to know.
- Let's define it: what the law says about working hours
- Working hours in the UAE for private sector
- Public sector and new working hours in the UAE
- Overtime calculation in UAE
- Eligibility and limits
- Overtime pay calculation
- Rest days and public holidays compensations
- Ramadan working hours in the UAE
- Special working conditions
- Reduced working hours
- Working conditions for women
- Working conditions in summer
- Leave and holidays
- Weekly rest days
- Annual leave
- Public holidays
- Fines for noncompliance with UAE Labor law
- FAQ: Working hours in the UAE
Let's define it: what the law says about working hours
According to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the maximum normal working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. In some sectors, such as hotels, cafes, and security services, the daily working hours can be increased to 9 hours with approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- The time spent commuting between a worker's home and workplace is not included in the working hours, except for certain categories of workers.
- Workers cannot work more than five consecutive hours without a break. The total break time must be at least one hour and is not counted as part of the working hours.
Working hours in the UAE for private sector
The private sector's standard workweek is Monday through Friday or Saturday, with a total workweek of 48 hours. Some businesses, especially retail, hospitality, and healthcare, may operate on weekends as well.
Some companies allow flexible working arrangements (remote work, part-time, or compressed hours).
Some companies allow flexible working arrangements (remote work, part-time, or compressed hours).
The UAE's work laws might seem simple, but there's a lot to think about besides just the hours you work. To ensure your business is operating within the legal framework, you need a reliable partner who is well-versed in these regulations. That's where we come in. Why not give us a try?
Public sector and new working hours in the UAE
In the public sector (government jobs), the UAE introduced a 4.5-day workweek in 2022:
- Monday to Thursday: full working days.
- Friday: half-day (usually until 12:00 or 12:30 pm).
- Saturday and Sunday: official weekend.
Overtime calculation in UAE
Eligibility and limits
Employees who work more than 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week are usually entitled to overtime pay. Overtime cannot exceed 2 hours per day.
Some jobs, such as senior management positions or roles requiring flexibility, may not qualify for overtime pay.
Overtime pay calculation
The following are the principles you can use to calculate overtime pay for your employees:
-
Daytime overtime
125% of the hourly wage. -
Nighttime overtime (10 pm – 4 am)
150% of the hourly wage.
Overtime during rest days or public holidays: Either 150% of the wage plus a day off, or 200% if no day off is given.
Rest days and public holidays compensations
If an employee works on a rest day — Friday (in some cases), Saturday, or Sunday, or a public holiday, they must receive:
- A substitute day off plus their normal pay
- 200% pay if no day off is given.
If you're struggling with some calculations or have a tricky situation, just give us a shout and we'll do our best to help you out. We can also give you advice on other legal and tax issues in the UAE if needed.
Ramadan working hours in the UAE
During Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, all employees receive a 2 hour reduction in working hours each day. This reduction applies regardless of an employee's religion.
Example: If normal hours are 8 per day, in Ramadan they become 6 per day.
Special working conditions
Reduced working hours
Some industries might have shorter work hours for safety reasons. For example:
- Construction: Working outdoors in hot weather.
- Agriculture: Farm work involving physical labor outdoors.
- Manufacturing: Factories and plants with high temperatures and other adverse conditions.
- Transportation: Long hours of outdoor work.
- Mining: Work in harsh climatic conditions.
Working conditions for women
The UAE has special working rules for women:
- Women are not allowed to work between 10 pm and 7 am, except in special cases.
- Extra protection is given for pregnant women, including lighter duties or paid maternity leave.
Working conditions in summer
The Midday Break Rule is in effect from June 15 to September 15 each year. To protect workers from extreme heat, outdoor work is not allowed from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Want to make sure your business complies with these special regulations?
Leave and holidays
Weekly rest days
Private sector employees are entitled to at least one paid rest day per week (usually Sunday). Many companies now give two days off per week (Saturday and Sunday).
Annual leave
Employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. If service is less than a year but more than 6 months, leave is 2 days per month.
Public holidays
The UAE has official public holidays each year, which apply to both public and private sectors. These include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan, 2–3 days)
- Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha (3–4 days)
- Hijri New Year
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- Commemoration Day (December 1)
- UAE National Day (December 2–3)
Fines for noncompliance with UAE Labor law
In the UAE, employers and businesses face various penalties for not complying with labor laws regarding working hours. The main penalties include:
- Violating summer working hours: AED 5,000 fine for each worker who is found working outdoors during prohibited hours from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m between June 15 and September 15. The maximum penalty for a company can reach AED 50,000.
- Exceeding maximum working hours: AED 1,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the circumstances. Employers must limit work hours to 8 per day.
- Failing to provide necessary working conditions: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 fine for each violation. It includes conditions for rest or means for hydration, etc.
- Wage violations: Workers who work overtime must receive appropriate compensation. Non-compliance with this requirement can incur fines of up to AED 20,000.
- Providing incorrect information: Up to AED 20,000
So, as you can see, it's very important to follow local laws. At movingo, we're here to help with that and even more. movingo is an all-in-one platform for company formation, visas, and everyday legal in the UAE. We're here to make sure you have a smooth ride and no bumps in the road.
Our other services, you might need to
FAQ: Working hours in the UAE
According to the UAE Labour Law, the maximum normal working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week
8 hours per day / 48 hours per week for most private sector jobs. Federal and local government entities may have their own working hours
Yes, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees during the holy month of Ramadan, regardless of religion.
125% of basic hourly wage for overtime during the day. 150% of basic hourly wage if overtime falls between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
The official weekly rest day is Sunday for private sector employees. Depending on company policy or employment contracts, employers may grant additional rest days.
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