UAE Implements New Overtime Pay Regulations for Workers

The United Arab Emirates has published new labor laws regarding overtime pay for workers. Employers can require employees to work beyond normal hours, but this cannot exceed two hours per day.

Over a three-week period, total working hours must not exceed 144 hours. Overtime hours are compensated at the worker's standard hourly pay plus an additional 25% for each extra hour worked.

If overtime occurs between 10 pm and 4 am, the rate increases to the normal hourly pay plus a 50% uplift. Workers on shift rotations are excluded from the late-night pay provision.

If a worker is called in on a designated rest day, the employer must either provide a replacement rest day or pay the normal daily rate plus a minimum of 50% extra. Additionally, workers cannot be required to work more than two consecutive rest days, although day laborers are exempt from this rule.

These provisions aim to ensure fair compensation while allowing employers some flexibility in managing work hours.