Understanding working hours in UAE is essential for both employees and employers. With labor laws constantly evolving, staying compliant helps protect worker rights and ensures businesses avoid costly penalties.
This guide explains official working hours, overtime rules, Ramadan schedules, women’s work protections, summer regulations, leaves, and holidays under UAE law. It also highlights how platforms like Token Talent help HR and payroll teams stay compliant with ease.
UAE Labor Law Overview
The UAE regulates working hours through:
- Federal Law No. 8 of 1980
- Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021
Supervised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), these laws aim to create fair, safe, and balanced workplaces.
Exemptions apply to government staff, army and police personnel, domestic workers, and agricultural workers. Free zones like DIFC and ADGM follow their own rules.
Official Working Hours in UAE
- Private sector: Maximum 48 hours per week (8 hours/day, 6 days/week).
- Public sector: 4.5-day workweek (Mon–Thu: 8 hours; Fri: 4.5 hours).
- Breaks: At least 1 hour daily.
Employers should update payroll systems like Token Talent regularly to ensure compliance.
Overtime Rules in UAE
Employees may work overtime, but only with consent.
- Limit: Up to 2 hours per day
- Pay Rates:
- +25% for overtime hours
- +50% for night shifts (10 pm–4 am) and weekends
- Rest Days/Public Holidays: Either compensatory rest or extra pay (150% of daily wage)
With Token Talent’s HR platform, overtime tracking and wage calculations are automated, ensuring full legal compliance.
Ramadan Working Hours
During Ramadan, working hours reduce to 6 hours daily for Muslims. Many companies extend this to non-Muslims for fairness.
This adjustment ensures employees can balance work with religious obligations without losing wages.
Special Working Conditions
Women in the Workforce
- Women are generally not allowed to work between 10 pm and 7 am, except in healthcare or technical roles.
- Employers must ensure safe conditions, free from hazards and heavy lifting.
Summer Midday Break Rule
- No outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm from mid-June to mid-September.
- Employers must provide shaded rest areas and hydration.
Non-compliance can result in fines up to AED 50,000 per case.
Leave and Holidays
- Weekly Rest Day: Friday (private sector), Saturday–Sunday (public sector)
- Annual Leave:
- 30 days for employees with 1+ year of service
- 2 days per month for employees with 6–12 months of service
- Public Holidays: Full pay; if worked, employees get either substitute rest or 150% pay
Using Token Talent, HR teams can schedule, track, and approve leave requests seamlessly while staying compliant with UAE leave laws.
Enforcement and Penalties
- MOHRE inspections ensure compliance.
- Penalties for violations: AED 5,000 to AED 1,000,000 plus potential lawsuits.
- 2022 Reform: Public sector moved to a 4.5-day week.
- “Know Your Rights” program launched to protect foreign workers.
Token Talent helps businesses avoid risks by automating payroll, compliance updates, and reporting.
Key Takeaways
- Maximum working hours: 48 per week
- Overtime capped at 2 hours/day (+25–50% pay)
- Reduced Ramadan hours: 6 daily
- Strong protections for women and outdoor workers
- 30 days annual leave for employees with 1+ year service
- Heavy fines for non-compliance
Conclusion
Recognizing working hours in UAE is crucial for compliance and employee well-being. Employers must stay updated with labor law changes and adapt their HR policies accordingly.
With a modern HR and payroll solution like Token Talent, companies can:
✔ Track working hours automatically
✔ Calculate overtime and leave accurately
✔ Stay updated with MOHRE regulations
✔ Avoid penalties with built-in compliance tools
By combining legal compliance with smart HR management, organizations create a workplace where both employees and businesses thrive.
FAQs
What are the legal working hours in UAE?
48 hours per week (8 hours/day, 6 days).
What are Ramadan working hours?
Reduced to 6 hours per day for Muslims, often extended to all staff.
How is overtime paid?
+25% of regular wage; +50% for night/weekend hours.
What is the official rest day?
Friday in private sector; Saturday–Sunday in public sector.
