What are working hours in the UAE?

Working hours refer to the amount of time an employee is required to work during a day or week as specified by their employer, typically within the limits set by labor laws. Companies can configure working schedules using HR tools , which allow for setting standard hours, shifts, and policies across the organization. Individual working hours for each team member are then stored and managed within each employee profile to ensure consistency and accuracy across operations.

As per the UAE labor laws:

The standard working hours are a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, with Friday usually being the weekly rest day.

Working hours in the UAE for the private sector

• Employees are required to work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
• During Ramadan, the working hours are reduced by 2 hours each day.

Working hours in the UAE for the public sector

For the public sector, the UAE federal government follows a four and a half-day workweek:

• Monday to Thursday : Employees work from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Friday : Working hours are from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Saturday and Sunday : Are the official weekends for federal government employees.

Ramadan working hours in the UAE

• During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours across the UAE are reduced by 2 hours.
• Private sector companies may implement flexible work hours or allow remote work during this period, as long as the total working hours do not exceed the prescribed daily limits.

How to calculate overtime in UAE?

To calculate overtime in the UAE, the formula is as follows:

• Per Day Salary = (Basic Salary × 12) ÷ 365.
• Per Hour Salary = Per Day Salary ÷ 8.
• Overtime Amount = Number of overtime hours × Per Hour Salary × 1.25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the normal working hours under UAE labour law?

Under UAE labour law, the standard working hours are a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, with Friday typically being the weekly rest day. In certain industries, such as commercial establishments, hotels, cafeterias, and security services, daily working hours may extend to 9 hours per day.

Does an employer have the right to ask for additional working hours?

Yes, an employer may request overtime, but the total number of extra hours cannot exceed 2 hours per day.

Is the lunch break included in working hours in the UAE?

No, lunch breaks are not included in the total working hours. As per Article 18 of the Employment Law, lunch breaks are scheduled based on the nature of the job. The law stipulates a maximum of 8 working hours per day or 48 hours per week (Article 17), and any additional time worked beyond that must be compensated as overtime.

Are employees entitled to leave during UAE public holidays?

Yes, employees are entitled to time off during public holidays. They can take leave, depending on their company's HR policy.

What are the working hours in the UAE during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours. For example, if the normal working hours are 9 hours, they will be reduced to 7 hours for the duration of the holy month.