How to Calculate UAE Overtime: Labour Law Article 19 Explained
Learn the exact legal equations for overtime pay in the UAE, including daytime overtime (125%), night hours (150%), weekend work, and manager exemptions.
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Working extra hours is common in the UAE commercial sectors. However, many workers and employers remain unaware of the precise statutory calculations established under Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations. Here is how overtime must legally be calculated.
1. Standard Working Hours
The standard statutory working hours in the UAE private sector are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, daily work hours are reduced by 2 hours for all private-sector employees regardless of religion.
Key Benchmarks & Figures:
- Standard Daily Hours: 8 hours
- Maximum Overtime Cap: No employee may work more than 2 hours of overtime per day, unless the work is essential to prevent substantial loss or serious accident.
2. The Hourly Wage Baseline
Overtime pay is computed on the employee’s basic wage, not the gross salary. To calculate the basic hourly rate:
Key Benchmarks & Figures:
- Daily Basic Rate = Basic Salary ÷ 30
- Hourly Basic Rate = Daily Basic Rate ÷ 8
3. Daytime vs. Night-time Overtime Multipliers
The law distinguishes between daytime overtime and hours worked during late night hours.
Key Benchmarks & Figures:
- Daytime Overtime (4:00 AM to 10:00 PM): Hourly Basic Rate + 25% (1.25× base hourly wage).
- Night Overtime (10:00 PM to 4:00 AM): Hourly Basic Rate + 50% (1.50× base hourly wage).
- Rest Day Overtime: If an employee is required to work on their designated rest day (typically Saturday or Sunday), they are entitled to an alternate day off OR their normal wage + 50% (1.50×).
4. Who Is Exempt from Overtime?
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, senior management, executive directors, and department heads who exercise the powers of the employer and have supervisory autonomy are legally exempt from overtime remuneration.
Key Benchmarks & Figures:
- Exempt: C-level executives, general managers, and authorized signatories.
- Not Exempt: Non-supervisory staff, technicians, customer support, and operational employees.
Summary & Takeaway
Keep a clear log of approved extra hours. Overtime compensation must be disbursed along with the regular monthly salary through the UAE Wages Protection System (WPS).
Official Government Citations & References
- MOHRE Official RegulationsOfficial Portal
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