Normal working-time baseline
Official UAE guidance states a normal private-sector baseline of eight hours per day or 48 hours per week, subject to sector and work-pattern rules. During Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced under the applicable rules.
Normal overtime increase
For a simplified monthly-paid calculation, monthly basic salary is divided by 30 and then by eight to obtain an hourly basic wage. Ordinary overtime adds 25% to that hourly basic amount.
Night overtime increase
Qualifying additional work between 10pm and 4am adds 50% to the hourly basic wage. The official guidance excludes shift workers from this night increase, which is why a worker's schedule matters.
Why a payslip may differ
Rest days, public holidays, exemptions, contractual rates and limits on permitted overtime require separate treatment. Employers may provide a more favourable rate, while not every role has the same statutory coverage.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Are allowances included in the overtime wage base?+
The statutory premium formula described by the official guidance refers to basic wage. A contract may offer more generous treatment.
Is all late work paid at the 50% increase?+
No. The higher increase relates to qualifying overtime between 10pm and 4am and does not apply to shift workers.
Official source and scope
UAE Government: working hours and overtimeThis guide explains general rules and does not replace personalised tax, financial, employment or legal advice. For exact filing, payroll, lending or compliance decisions, use the official source and professional guidance where needed.