How is overtime paid in the UAE?
Written by Usama Afzal. Last updated: October 2026. Based on the UAE Labour Law; not legal advice.
Short answer
Under Article 19, each overtime hour pays at least 125% of your basic hourly wage, rising to 150% between 10 pm and 4 am. Work on your rest day earns a substitute day off or at least 150%. Overtime is limited to 2 hours a day.
Rates at a glance
| Type | Minimum pay |
|---|---|
| Regular overtime | 125% of basic hourly wage |
| Night (10 pm to 4 am) | 150% |
| Rest day (no substitute day) | 150% |
Example on AED 3,000 basic
Hourly wage = 3,000 ÷ 30 ÷ 8 = AED 12.50. Twenty regular overtime hours pay 20 × 15.63 = about AED 312.50, and 6 night hours pay 6 × 18.75 = AED 112.50.
Limits
No more than 2 hours of overtime a day, and total working hours can't exceed 144 in any 3 weeks. Allowances aren't included in the rate.
Work it out
Use the overtime calculator and pick UAE.
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