Understanding UAE Overtime Laws

Overtime pay is governed by particular labor regulations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These laws guarantee that workers who put in extra time at work are fairly compensated. Employers and employees must both be aware of these rules in order to prevent conflicts and guarantee compliance.

Key Points to Remember:

Overtime: Work performed beyond the standard workweek of 48 hours.

Overtime Rate: Typically, 1.25 times the basic hourly wage.

Public Holidays: Work on public holidays is generally considered overtime.

Weekend Work: Work on Fridays (the weekly holiday in the UAE) is usually considered overtime.

Calculating Overtime Pay

Determine the Basic Hourly Wage:

  • The monthly salary is divided by the total number of working days in a given month.
  • The daily wage is then divided by the number of regular working hours per day.

Calculate Overtime Hours:

  • Subtract the regular working hours from the total hours worked.

Calculate Overtime Pay:

  • Multiply the overtime hours by the overtime rate (1.25 times the basic hourly wage).

Example:

Basic Salary: AED 10,000 per month

Regular Working Hours: 8 hours per day, 5 days a week

Overtime Hours Worked: 10 hours

Calculations:

Basic Hourly Wage = AED 10,000 / (22 days/month * 8 hours/day) = AED 56.82

Overtime Pay = 10 hours * 1.25 * AED 56.82 = AED 710.25

Additional Considerations:

Public Holidays:

If an employee works on a public holiday, they are generally entitled to double their basic daily wage, in addition to overtime pay if they work more than their regular hours.

Shift Work:

Employees working shifts may have different overtime rules, depending on their shift schedule and the nature of their work.

On-Call Duties:

Employees who are required to be on-call may be entitled to overtime pay if they are called in to work.

Meal Breaks:

Employers must provide employees with sufficient meal breaks. Failure to do so may result in additional overtime pay.

Travel Time:

In certain cases, travel time may be considered work time and could be eligible for overtime pay.

Seeking Professional Advice

If you are unsure about overtime calculations or labor laws in the United Arab Emirates, it is advisable to consult a legal professional or human resources specialist. They can ensure that regional laws are observed and provide guidance that is especially tailored to your particular circumstance.

In order to help you manage the intricacies of labor laws in the United Arab Emirates and guarantee compliance with overtime restrictions, ConnectFZ can offer professional advice and support.

Common Overtime Pay Mistakes

Incorrect Calculation of Basic Hourly Wage:

Ensure that you are using the correct salary and working hours to calculate the basic hourly wage.

Failure to Consider Public Holidays:

Remember to include public holidays in your overtime calculation in the UAE.

Neglecting Shift Work Rules:

Be aware of any specific overtime rules for shift workers.

Misunderstanding On-Call Duties:

Clarify the rules regarding overtime pay for on-call employees.

Overlooking Meal Breaks:

Ensure that employees are taking appropriate meal breaks to avoid overtime pay implications.

Conclusion

It is crucial for both employers and employees to comprehend and accurately calculate overtime pay in the United Arab Emirates. By adhering to these recommendations and getting expert counsel as necessary, you may guarantee adherence to regional labor rules and prevent disagreements about overtime pay.