How is overtime calculated in the UAE under Article 19?

Overtime in the UAE is calculated strictly on the employee’s Basic Salary (excluding allowances). The standard basic hourly rate is (Basic Salary ÷ 30) ÷ 8 hours. Day overtime is paid at 1.25x (regular rate + 25%), while night hours (10 PM to 4 AM) and public holiday overtime are paid at 1.50x (regular rate + 50%).

What is the maximum overtime an employee can work in a day?

Under Article 19 (Paragraph 4) of UAE Labour Law, overtime hours may not exceed two hours in a single workday, except in necessary cases to prevent substantial loss or serious accident.

Are managerial staff entitled to overtime pay in the UAE?

Under the Executive Regulations of UAE Labour Law, persons holding senior managerial, supervisory, or executive positions where they exercise employer authority are generally exempt from statutory overtime compensation.

UAE Labour Law • Article 19

UAE Overtime Calculator

Calculate your statutory overtime earnings according to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Determine daytime rates (1.25x), night hours (1.50x), and weekend/holiday pay based on your basic wage.

Overtime Parameters

Total Overtime Pay Due

AED 312.50

10 Hours @ AED 31.25/hr (1.25x multiplier)

Daily Basic Rate (Basic/30)

AED 200.00

Regular Hourly Rate

AED 25.00

Overtime Rate / Hr

AED 31.25

Statutory Multiplier

1.25x

Labour Law Rule Notice:Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Article 19): Overtime is legally calculated on the Basic Wage only. Standard maximum overtime is 2 hours per day, unless emergency exceptions apply.

UAE Overtime Rules Explained (Article 19)

Under Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, full-time employees in the United Arab Emirates are entitled to compensatory pay whenever their employer requests work beyond normal standard working hours.

Overtime Category	Time Window	Statutory Rate Formula	Multiplier
Daytime Overtime	4:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Hourly Wage + 25% allowance	1.25x basic hourly rate
Night Overtime	10:00 PM – 4:00 AM	Hourly Wage + 50% allowance	1.50x basic hourly rate
Rest Day / Holiday	Official rest day / Eid / Public holidays	Hourly Wage + 50% allowance (or day in lieu)	1.50x basic hourly rate

Step-by-Step Calculation Formula

1. Calculate Daily Wage: In the UAE, daily salary is universally calculated on a 30-day divisor:Daily Wage = Basic Salary ÷ 30.
2. Calculate Regular Hourly Rate: Divide the daily wage by normal scheduled working hours (typically 8 hours):Regular Hourly Rate = Daily Wage ÷ 8.
3. Apply Article 19 Multiplier:Multiply the regular hourly rate by 1.25 (Day) or 1.50 (Night/Holiday).
4. Multiply by Overtime Hours:Total Overtime Pay = Overtime Hourly Rate × Total Overtime Hours.

Exemptions from Overtime

Under the Executive Regulations of the UAE Labour Law, certain categories of workers are exempt from statutory overtime pay:

Chairpersons of Boards and General Managers.
Persons occupying supervisory positions if such positions confer managerial authority.
Naval personnel and maritime workers subject to special international maritime codes.

UAE Overtime Frequently Asked Questions

How is the hourly overtime rate calculated in the UAE?

Statutory overtime is calculated strictly using your Basic Salary (allowances are legally excluded). Step 1: Calculate daily basic wage = (Basic Monthly Salary ÷ 30). Step 2: Calculate basic hourly wage = (Daily Wage ÷ Normal Working Hours, usually 8). Step 3: Multiply basic hourly wage by the appropriate overtime multiplier (1.25x for standard day hours, or 1.50x for night hours and public holidays).

What are the statutory overtime rates under Article 19?

Standard Day Overtime (4 AM to 10 PM): Hourly wage + at least 25% of that wage (1.25x). Night Overtime (10 PM to 4 AM): Hourly wage + at least 50% of that wage (1.50x). Rest Day / Public Holiday Overtime: An alternative rest day in lieu OR hourly wage + at least 50% of that wage (1.50x).

Can employers pay flat rates for overtime or ignore basic salary formulas?

No. The provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 represent minimum statutory employee protections. Any employment contract clause providing less favorable overtime terms than Article 19 is legally void and unenforceable before MOHRE and UAE labour courts.

Overtime Parameters

UAE Overtime Rules Explained (Article 19)

Step-by-Step Calculation Formula

Exemptions from Overtime

UAE Overtime Frequently Asked Questions

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