Is work on a public holiday paid extra in the UAE?
Yes. Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 gives every worker the public holidays set by the Cabinet with full pay. A worker who has to work on one gets another day off for each holiday day worked, or that day's normal wage plus at least 50% of the basic wage for the day.
Which days are public holidays
The Cabinet decides the private-sector public holidays each year. Several move with the Hijri calendar, so the dates are announced close to the event. Contractors should load them into rosters as soon as they are published.
Day off or premium
The law offers two forms of compensation. A substitute day off costs no cash but takes the worker off site later. The premium pays the normal day's wage plus at least half the basic daily wage. The choice should be recorded for each worker and each holiday, because an unrecorded choice leaves both sides open to a claim.
How SupaJack Construct handles holidays
Public holidays are entered in the calendar that shift schedules use. Punches on a holiday are classified as holiday work, and the premium reaches payroll only after a manager approves the overtime.
Related tools and guides
See the UAE labour law guide for contractors, the final settlement calculator, the gratuity calculator, the annual leave calculator, the unpaid leave deduction calculator, payroll and WPS in SupaJack Construct, time and attendance and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A crane operator with a basic daily wage of AED 150 and a total daily wage of AED 220 works on a public holiday. If paid rather than given a day off, he is owed at least AED 220 plus AED 75, AED 295 for that day.
Questions people ask
Are public holidays paid when not worked?
Yes, with full pay.
Who chooses the day off or the premium?
Article 28 gives the employer the two options. Recording the choice avoids disputes.
Is the 50% on basic or total wage?
On the basic wage for that day.