UAE Overtime Calculator 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.