Overtime Calculation in UAE
Working extra hours in the UAE? An Overtime Calculation in UAE tool is your key to accurately determining additional pay for hours worked beyond standard shifts, ensuring compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. In 2025, with standard workweeks capped at 48 hours (8 hours/day, 6 days) and overtime rates mandated at 125-150% of regular pay, calculators help employees and employers compute earnings for late shifts, holidays, or weekends. Whether you’re a Dubai office worker earning AED 5,000/month or an Abu Dhabi laborer at AED 30/hour, tools on Gcalculate.com deliver instant overtime pay estimates, factoring basic salary, hours, and premium rates. This guide covers Overtime Calculation in UAE, legal rules, examples across sectors, and tips—ensuring you’re fairly compensated within MOHRE guidelines.
What Is Overtime Pay in the UAE?
Overtime pay is additional compensation for hours worked beyond the standard 8-hour day or 48-hour week in the UAE private sector, as per Article 65 of the Labour Law. It’s mandatory for employers to pay at least 125% of the regular rate, with 150% for night shifts (10 PM-4 AM) or public holidays. Overtime is capped at 2 hours/day (144 hours/3 months) unless MOHRE-approved, and domestic workers are excluded.
Key rules:
- Standard Hours: 8/day, 48/week (some sectors 6-12 hours/day).
- Overtime Rate: 125% regular pay; 150% nights/holidays.
- Caps: Max 2 hours/day; total 144 hours/3 months; no overtime during Ramadan for Muslims.
- Eligibility: All private-sector employees (except domestic); consent required for >2 hours/day.
- Payment: Based on basic salary (excludes allowances); due with regular pay.
Example: AED 6,000/month basic, 10 overtime hours at 125% = AED 375 extra.
How Does an Overtime Calculation in UAE Work?
An Overtime Calculation in UAE tool computes extra pay using your basic salary, regular hours, overtime hours, and rate (125% or 150%). It converts monthly salaries to hourly rates and applies premiums, ensuring MOHRE compliance.
Core Formulas:
- Hourly Rate = (Basic Salary / 30 days) / 8 hours.
- Overtime Pay = Hourly Rate × Overtime Hours × Rate (1.25 or 1.5).
Steps:
- Input basic salary (e.g., AED 10,000/month or AED 50/hour).
- Enter overtime hours (e.g., 20 hours) and type (day, night, holiday).
- Specify contract (full-time, part-time; sector-specific hours).
- Output: Regular hourly rate, overtime rate, total extra pay (e.g., AED 2,500).
Example (AED 9,000 basic, 15 day hours, 5 night hours):
- Daily: AED 9,000 / 30 = AED 300.
- Hourly: AED 300 / 8 = AED 37.50.
- Day OT (125%): 15 × 37.50 × 1.25 = AED 703.13.
- Night OT (150%): 5 × 37.50 × 1.5 = AED 281.25.
- Total: AED 984.38.
Pro tip: Part-time workers use actual hours/day; confirm basic salary excludes allowances.
UAE Overtime Rates and Limits
Overtime pay is based on basic salary, with fixed premiums and caps.
| Type |
Rate (% of Regular) |
Max Hours/Day |
Example (AED 10k Basic) |
| Day (7 AM-7 PM) |
125% |
2 |
10 OT hours = AED 1,250 |
| Night (10 PM-4 AM) |
150% |
2 |
10 OT hours = AED 1,500 |
| Public Holiday |
150% or day off |
2 |
8 OT hours = AED 1,200 |
| Friday (Non-Muslims) |
150% or day off |
2 |
8 OT hours = AED 1,200 |
Caps: 144 hours/3 months; 5 hours/day with MOHRE approval; no Ramadan OT for Muslims. Free zone (DIFC/ADGM) rules may vary slightly.
Overtime Calculation UAE Examples
For various roles, AED 8,000 basic monthly unless stated:
| Role |
Hours/Type |
Calculation |
Total OT Pay (AED) |
| Office Worker |
10 day, 5 night |
(10 × 33.33 × 1.25) + (5 × 33.33 × 1.5) |
666.60 |
| Construction (AED 30/hour) |
20 day |
20 × 30 × 1.25 |
750 |
| Nurse (12-hour shifts) |
8 holiday |
8 × 33.33 × 1.5 |
400 |
| Part-Time (20 hours/week) |
10 day |
10 × 33.33 × 1.25 |
416.63 |
Hourly rate: AED 8,000 / 30 / 8 = AED 33.33. Part-time adjusts for weekly hours.
Tips for Using an Overtime Calculation in UAE
- Check Payslip: Confirm basic salary; exclude allowances for accuracy.
- Track Hours: Log day/night/holiday hours separately—max 2/day.
- Know Rights: Refuse OT >2 hours/day without consent; no Ramadan OT.
- Dispute Non-Payment: Contact MOHRE (600 590 000); fines up to AED 50,000 for employers.
- Budget Earnings: OT adds 10-20% to monthly pay—plan savings or expenses.
Calculate Your UAE Overtime Pay Now
An Overtime Calculation in UAE tool is your 2025 ally for maximizing earnings, ensuring fair pay at 125-150% for extra hours under UAE Labour Law. On Gcalculate.com, input AED 8,000 basic, 15 day hours, and 5 night hours for AED 984.38 instantly, covering office, construction, or healthcare shifts. With caps at 2 hours/day and no Ramadan OT, track hours, verify basic salary, and dispute non-payment via MOHRE. Boost your income 10-20%—calculate now and share your OT hours below to plan your payout!
FAQs
How Does an Overtime Calculation in UAE Work?
Enter basic salary (AED 8,000), OT hours (10 day, 5 night), and type on Gcalculate.com; it computes (10 × 33.33 × 1.25) + (5 × 33.33 × 1.5) = AED 666.60.
What’s the UAE Overtime Rate in 2025/2026?
125% regular pay for day (7 AM-7 PM); 150% for night (10 PM-4 AM), holidays, or Fridays (non-Muslims). E.g., AED 40/hour = AED 50-60 OT.
Who Qualifies for Overtime in UAE?
Private-sector employees (except domestic workers) with >8 hours/day or 48/week; consent needed for >2 hours/day.
Are There Overtime Caps in UAE?
Max 2 hours/day, 144 hours/3 months; 5 hours/day with MOHRE approval; no Ramadan OT for Muslims.
How Is Overtime Calculated for Part-Time Workers?
Pro-rated by hours worked vs. full-time (e.g., 20 hours/week = 50% regular rate); OT at 125-150%—calculators adjust.
Is Overtime Pay Based on Total or Basic Salary?
Basic salary only—excludes allowances (housing, transport). E.g., AED 10,000 total (6,000 basic) = AED 25/hour OT base.
What If My Employer Doesn’t Pay Overtime?
File with MOHRE (600 590 000); employers face AED 5,000-50,000 fines or bans.