How do you calculate overtime in UAE?

The UAE overtime formula is: Basic Monthly Salary × 12 ÷ 365 ÷ 8 × Overtime Hours × Rate Multiplier. For standard overtime, use 1.25 as the multiplier. For night/holiday overtime, use 1.50. Example: AED 6,000 salary with 10 overtime hours = (6,000 × 12 ÷ 365 ÷ 8) × 10 × 1.25 = AED 308.20 overtime pay.

What is the maximum overtime allowed per day in UAE?

Under Article 19 of the UAE Labour Law, the maximum overtime allowed is 2 hours per day. This limit can only be exceeded in exceptional circumstances to prevent loss or damage, and such cases must be properly documented. The law also sets a maximum of 144 working hours over a three-week period.

Is overtime calculated on basic salary or gross salary in UAE?

Overtime in UAE is calculated on basic salary only, not gross salary. This means allowances such as housing, transportation, food, and other benefits are excluded from the overtime calculation. Only the basic wage component is used to determine the hourly rate for overtime pay.

Who is exempt from overtime pay in UAE?

Under Article 15(4) of the Executive Regulations of the UAE Labour Law, certain employees are exempt from overtime entitlements. These include board chairpersons and members, directors, and persons holding supervisory positions with employer powers. The exemption depends on actual job duties, not just job titles.

What is the overtime rate for working on public holidays in UAE?

When an employee works on a public holiday in UAE, the employer must either provide a substitute rest day or pay 150% of the basic hourly wage (basic pay plus 50% supplement). This also applies to working on your weekly rest day.

What is the night shift overtime premium in UAE?

For overtime worked between 10pm and 4am, employees are entitled to 150% of their basic hourly wage (regular hourly rate plus 50% premium). However, this enhanced rate does not apply to employees who work regular night shifts as part of their normal duties.

Can an employer force overtime in UAE?

Employers cannot force employees to work unlimited overtime. The UAE Labour Law limits overtime to 2 hours per day, and overtime beyond contractual agreements requires employee consent. Employees can refuse uncontracted overtime, and violations can be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

How is overtime calculated during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, standard working hours are reduced by 2 hours to 6 hours per day. This applies to all employees regardless of religion. Overtime begins after 6 hours of work during Ramadan, and the same overtime rates (125% and 150%) apply.

Are part-time employees entitled to overtime in UAE?

Part-time employees in UAE typically do not receive overtime unless it is specifically stated in their employment contract. Overtime provisions generally apply when work exceeds the standard 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week for full-time employees.

How should employers document overtime in UAE?

Employers must maintain accurate records of overtime including clock-in and clock-out times, overtime approvals, calculation details, and payment records. Proper documentation is essential for compliance with MOHRE regulations and to avoid disputes.

What happens if my employer doesn't pay overtime?

If your employer fails to pay entitled overtime, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Keep records of your working hours and any overtime worked. MOHRE can order compensation and may impose penalties on non-compliant employers.

Free Calculator

UAE Overtime Calculator 2026

Free overtime pay calculator - MOHRE compliant. Calculate your overtime earnings based on UAE Labour Law Article 19. Standard 125%, night 150%, holiday 150%.

Basic monthly salary

AED

Basic salary only. Allowances (housing, transport) are excluded from overtime calculation.

Standard overtime hours(125%)

Daytime hours beyond 8 hrs/day

Night overtime hours(150%)

Between 10pm and 4am

Holiday/Rest day hours(150%)

Public holidays or your day off

During Ramadan (6-hour workday)

Total Overtime Pay

AED 0.00

Enter your salary and overtime hours above

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Quick Reference 2026

UAE Overtime Rates Quick Facts

125%

Standard overtime rate (basic + 25%)

150%

Night overtime rate (10pm - 4am)

150%

Holiday/Rest day overtime rate

2 Hours

Maximum daily overtime allowed

8 Hours

Standard daily working hours

6 Hours

Ramadan daily working hours

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UAE Overtime Calculation Formula

Under UAE Labour Law Article 19, overtime is calculated using your basic salary only. Allowances like housing and transport are excluded.

Step-by-Step Formula:

Step 1: Daily Wage = Basic Monthly Salary × 12 ÷ 365
Step 2: Hourly Wage = Daily Wage ÷ 8
Step 3: Overtime Rate = Hourly Wage × Multiplier (1.25 or 1.50)
Step 4: Overtime Pay = Overtime Hours × Overtime Rate

Simplified Formula:

Overtime Pay = (Basic Salary ÷ 30 ÷ 8) × Hours × Rate Multiplier

UAE Overtime Rate Table

Overtime Type	Rate	When It Applies
Standard Overtime	125%	Work beyond 8 hours during daytime
Night Overtime	150%	Work between 10pm and 4am
Rest Day Overtime	150%	Work on your weekly day off
Public Holiday	150%	Work on official UAE holidays

Overtime Calculation Examples

Example 1: Standard Daytime Overtime

Employee with AED 6,000 basic salary works 10 hours of standard overtime.

Hourly wage = (6,000 × 12 ÷ 365) ÷ 8 = AED 24.66
Overtime rate = 24.66 × 1.25 = AED 30.82

Overtime Pay = 10 × 30.82 = AED 308.20

Example 2: Night Shift Overtime

Employee with AED 8,000 basic salary works 5 hours between 10pm-4am.

Hourly wage = (8,000 × 12 ÷ 365) ÷ 8 = AED 32.88
Overtime rate = 32.88 × 1.50 = AED 49.32

Overtime Pay = 5 × 49.32 = AED 246.60

Example 3: Mixed Overtime

Employee with AED 10,000 basic salary works 15 hours standard + 8 hours night overtime.

Hourly wage = (10,000 × 12 ÷ 365) ÷ 8 = AED 41.10
Standard OT = 15 × (41.10 × 1.25) = AED 770.63
Night OT = 8 × (41.10 × 1.50) = AED 493.20

Total = AED 1,263.83

UAE Overtime Rules & Limits

Rule	Requirement
Maximum daily overtime	2 hours per day (Article 19)
Standard work hours	8 hours/day, 48 hours/week
Ramadan work hours	Reduced by 2 hours (6 hours/day)
Calculation basis	Basic salary only (no allowances)
Exempt positions	Managers, directors, supervisors with employer powers

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about overtime calculation and rules in UAE.

Under Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the standard overtime rate in UAE is 125% of the basic hourly wage (basic pay plus 25% supplement). For night work between 10pm and 4am, the rate increases to 150% (basic pay plus 50% supplement). Work on rest days or public holidays is also compensated at 150% or with a substitute day off.

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