UAE Labour Law · Article 74
What your overtime is actually worth
1.25× regular pay on weekdays, 1.5× on Fridays and public holidays. Calculate your overtime compensation in seconds.
Basic salary only (exclude allowances).
Exclude daily rest: 8-hour minimum rest between shifts.
Only hours on Friday or public holiday (1.5× rate); other hours are 1.25×.
Monthly overtime due
208 AED
How it works
The overtime formula
Daily working hours are 8. Your hourly rate = basic salary ÷ 30 days ÷ 8 hours. Any work beyond 8 hours in a day is overtime, paid at 1.25× on weekdays (Sat–Thu in the UAE) and 1.5× on Fridays and public holidays. Overtime must include a minimum 8-hour rest period between shifts. There is no maximum weekly limit, but the daily cap is 4 hours on regular work days and no limit on Friday/holidays.
Common questions
Overtime Q&A
Do I have to work overtime if my employer asks?
Generally yes, but only if you've had at least 8 hours of rest in the prior 24 hours. Your employer cannot work you continuously without rest. Refusal to work reasonable overtime (when properly rested) can be grounds for disciplinary action.
Is there a limit to how much overtime I can work in a week?
No fixed weekly cap, but the daily limit is 4 hours on normal days (and no limit on Friday/holidays). You must have a minimum 8-hour rest period between shifts — this is a hard legal requirement that overrides any overtime demand.
What if I work overtime but my employer doesn't pay?
File a wage claim at MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) within one year of the unpaid hours. You can file online at mohre.gov.ae or via WhatsApp 600590000. MOHRE can order payment plus 10% penalty.
Does overtime count toward gratuity?
No — gratuity is based on basic salary only. Overtime is a separate, additional payment. Both are due, but gratuity calculations never include overtime or other variable pay.
What if my contract says overtime is included in my salary?
Unenforceable. UAE law requires separate payment for overtime at the rates above. Any contract clause that tries to bundle it into base pay is void, and you can still claim the proper overtime compensation.