What is the overtime rate in the UAE?
UAE private-sector overtime is paid at the basic hourly wage plus at least 25%. Overtime worked between 10 pm and 4 am is paid at the basic hourly wage plus at least 50%, except for shift workers. Work on the weekly rest day earns another day off or the day's wage plus at least 50% of basic, under Article 19.
Working out the hourly rate
Overtime is priced on basic salary, not allowances. The usual hourly rate is monthly basic ÷ 30 ÷ contracted daily hours, which is 8 for most workers. SupaJack Construct's payroll uses the same formula, with the company able to choose a 30-day month or the real days in the month.
Limits on overtime
- No more than two hours of overtime a day, except as the Implementing Regulation allows.
- No more than 144 working hours in any three weeks.
- No more than two consecutive weekend days worked, except day workers.
- The percentages are minimums; a contract may pay more.
Related tools and guides
See the labour law guide, the gratuity calculator, the overtime calculator, the annual leave calculator, the final settlement calculator and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A worker on AED 3,600 basic and an 8-hour day has an hourly rate of 3,600 ÷ 30 ÷ 8 = AED 15. Six ordinary overtime hours pay 6 × 15 × 1.25 = AED 112.50, and two night hours pay 2 × 15 × 1.5 = AED 45.
Questions people ask
Is overtime calculated on gross salary?
No, on basic salary.
Do shift workers get the night rate?
No, they are excluded from the 50% night premium.
Can overtime be refused pay if not approved?
Company policy can require approval; SupaJack Construct pays overtime only inside an approved authorisation.