UAE overtime calculator
UAE private-sector overtime is paid at the basic hourly wage plus at least 25%. Overtime 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 that day's wage plus at least 50% of the basic wage.
How the hourly rate is worked out
Overtime is priced on basic salary only. The calculator divides the monthly basic by 30 days and then by the contracted hours per day, which is 8 for most private-sector workers, the same default SupaJack Construct's payroll uses. You can change both.
| When the extra work is done | Minimum pay for each hour or day | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond normal hours (ordinary overtime) | Basic hourly wage + 25% | Article 19(2) |
| Between 10 pm and 4 am | Basic hourly wage + 50% (shift workers excluded) | Article 19(3) |
| On the weekly rest day | Another day off, or the day's wage + 50% of the basic wage | Article 19(4) |
| Daily limit | No more than 2 hours of overtime a day | Article 19(1) |
| Three-week limit | Total working hours no more than 144 every 3 weeks | Article 19(1) |
Limits a contractor must plan around
- Overtime may not exceed two hours a day, except under the conditions in the Implementing Regulation.
- Total working hours may not exceed 144 in any three weeks, so long site weeks must be balanced.
- A worker may not be asked to work more than two consecutive weekend days, except day workers (Article 19(5)).
- The percentages are minimums. A contract may pay more, never less.
Overtime only when approved
On a construction site the expensive mistake is paying overtime nobody authorised. In SupaJack Construct overtime reaches payroll only inside an authorisation a manager has approved, and every premium is priced on the same hourly basic rate as this calculator. See the guide to UAE labour rules for contractors, or use the gratuity calculator, overtime calculator, annual leave calculator.
Related terms: gratuity, basic salary, overtime, rest day, annual leave and WPS. You can also see the Approvals screen or sign in.
Worked example
A steel fixer earns AED 2,400 basic a month on an 8-hour day. The hourly basic rate is 2,400 ÷ 30 ÷ 8 = AED 10.00. Ten ordinary overtime hours pay 10 × 10.00 × 1.25 = AED 125.00. Four night hours pay 4 × 10.00 × 1.50 = AED 60.00. One rest day worked pays the day's wage of AED 80.00 plus 50%, so AED 120.00. Total overtime for the month: AED 305.00.
Questions people ask
How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
Basic hourly wage plus at least 25% for each overtime hour. The hourly wage is usually monthly basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8.
What is the night overtime rate in the UAE?
Basic hourly wage plus at least 50% for overtime between 10 pm and 4 am. Shift workers are excluded from this higher rate.
How is work on a rest day paid?
The worker gets another day off, or that day's wage plus at least 50% of the basic wage for the day.
Is overtime calculated on basic or gross salary?
On basic salary. Allowances are not part of the overtime rate.
How many overtime hours are allowed per day?
No more than two hours a day, except under conditions set in the Implementing Regulation.
Is there a weekly limit on hours?
Total working hours may not exceed 144 hours in any three-week period.
How many hours is a normal working day?
Eight hours a day or 48 hours a week for most private-sector workers, reduced by two hours a day in Ramadan.
Do shift workers get the night premium?
No. Article 19(3) excludes workers working on shifts from the 50% night rate, so their night overtime is paid at the ordinary 25% rate.
Can an employer pay more than these rates?
Yes. The 25% and 50% figures are minimums; a contract or company policy may pay more.
Can a worker be made to work every weekend?
No more than two consecutive weekend days, except day workers.
Sources
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationship (MOHRE, consolidated with amendments)
- Working hours and overtime in the private sector (u.ae)
- Federal Decree-Law Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship (UAE Government portal copy)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation