Understanding the regulations about work hours in the UAE is crucial for both business owners and workers. As a business owner, adhering to these rules is necessary to maintain your business activities within the country. Similarly, as a worker, being aware of your entitlements is important.
This article will teach you about the labor law rules related to work hours in the UAE. This information will help you ensure that your business follows the law, or as a worker, it will equip you with the knowledge you need. Let us take a closer look:
Read Also: Labour Complaint in the UAE: Your Guide to Seeking Justice
What are the rules on working hours in the UAE according to Labor Law?
A major challenge for businesses is understanding the limits on how long employees can work and the regulations governing their work schedules. To ensure your business thrives in the UAE, it is crucial to stay informed about the most recent labor laws to avoid issues with your staff.
Remember, the Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on employment and wages, which has also affected working hours.
The UAE Labor Law stipulates the following regulations regarding work hours:
- Normal Work Hours: Employees in the private sector are generally expected to work 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week.
- Ramadan Hours: During the holy month of Ramadan, the work hours are reduced by 2 hours.
- Overtime: Workers may be asked to work overtime, but this should not exceed 2 hours per day. Overtime pay is calculated at the normal hourly rate plus an additional 25%, or 50% if the overtime is between 10 pm and 4 am.
- Breaks: If an employee works for five consecutive hours, they are entitled to breaks which must total at least one hour.
- Commuting: The time spent commuting from home to the workplace is not counted as working hours.
Why do you need to know about the regulations concerning working hours?
Employers must understand the regulations regarding work hours to ensure optimal conditions for their staff.
Employees should also be well-informed about different parts of the Labor Law to be ready to address any issues if their rights are infringed upon by the company.
For both employers and employees, it is vital to be aware of legal requirements to handle any circumstances properly and adhere to the rules set by the governing bodies. If compliance is challenging for your business, Connect Resources is available to help with the key regulations in the UAE.
What are the maximum working hours in the UAE?
In each nation, work schedules differ greatly. In the UAE, understanding all the rules is vital to perform your duties comfortably. Workers are required to work for a set amount of time, yet it is just as important to honor their leisure time for rest.
The key aspect of work hour regulations is the upper limit of hours a worker is allowed to work. This is a complex matter as it varies based on multiple factors, and all employers must be aware of it.
Determining the expected work hours for an employee in the UAE is not straightforward, as it varies based on:
- Occupation: Certain jobs may demand longer working times.
- Sector: The private and public sectors have distinct working hours.
- Position: Rules for work hours differ for junior and senior staff members.
However, the Labor Law states that the standard workday should not exceed eight hours. This is essential knowledge, as it is a frequent issue encountered by businesses.
Is there a difference between private and public sector working hours?
Understanding the regulations for working hours is crucial, and it begins with identifying whether you are part of the private or public sector.
- Private Sector: As per Article 65 of the Labor Law, individuals and organizations in the private sector are expected to work for eight hours daily, totaling 48 hours weekly.
- Public Sector: Those in the public sector are obligated to work for seven hours each day.
It is common for companies to outline the maximum working hours in their employee manuals to ensure transparency and clarity.
Is there an increased number of hours based on occupation or sector?
As previously stated, the limit on working hours may be extended for certain jobs or industries.
Under the Labor Law, workers in places like cafeterias, hotels, and security services, or those in sectors approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), may have their workday extended to nine hours.
It is important to note that reduced salaries have influenced business operations in the UAE, leading to adjustments in working hours to suit each company’s needs.
What are the working hours for senior employees?
Article 72 of the Labor Law states that the regulations regarding working hours are not applicable to senior employees or individuals holding high-ranking positions.
This includes senior managers and employees in special job categories, who are not covered by the working hours section of the Labor Law.
The rules concerning overtime work
Working extra hours is a significant issue related to work time rules, as numerous workers are unsure about managing it.
The Labor Law’s Articles 67 and 68 outline the guidelines for extra hours worked. This time is defined as the hours worked beyond the standard schedule, and the regulations are:
- The worker should get a payment equal to the regular hourly rate plus an extra 25%.
- When the extra hours are done from 9 in the evening to 4 in the morning, the added amount goes up to 50%.
Other provisions in the labor law regarding working hours
Ramadan Work Schedule
Under UAE labor law, Article 65, work hours are shortened by two hours during Ramadan. This significant holiday must be honored, and all employees should have the opportunity to observe it.
If a business does not adhere to this rule, it may face severe consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the Ramadan dates to ensure compliance.
Employee Breaks:
In the UAE, employees are entitled to breaks to maintain high productivity levels. As per Article 66 of the Labor Law, employees must not work more than five hours in a row. They are required to take breaks for rest, meals, or prayer after this period.
The break rules are:
- Work cannot exceed five straight hours without a break.
- Breaks must be at least one hour long.
- Breaks can be used for any personal activity, including eating or praying.
- Break time is not included in the total work hours calculation.
- For continuous work roles, like factory jobs, break times are set by the Ministry of Labor, which specifies rest, prayer, and meal times.
It is also mandated that employees cannot work over seven hours daily if the job conditions are tough, strenuous, or harmful to health.
Travel Time:
- Employees need to consider travel time from home to work.
- Article 65 of the UAE Labor Law states that travel time is not counted as part of the maximum working hours.
- Employees should find housing close to their workplace to minimize commute time.
Midday Break:
- During hot summer months, outdoor workers face extreme temperatures.
- The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) recommends a midday break.
- Between 12:30 pm and 3 pm, outdoor duties should be suspended.
- This break is typically observed in June and September.
Rest Day:
- Every worker deserves rest to recharge.
- The weekly rest day for all workers is Friday.
- Companies can request employees to work on their rest day.
- Article 70 of the Labor Law allows employees to choose a substitute rest day or receive additional pay (regular hourly wage plus 50%).
Work Schedule:
- Employers must post work schedules that include working hours, rest periods, and rest days.
- Visible locations like the main entrance should display the schedule.
- Outsourcing can assist with managing work schedules and other aspects of business operations.
People May Ask
What is the meaning of working time?
Working time refers to the period during which employees are expected to carry out their work duties. It is governed by specific laws and regulations to ensure fair labor practices.
What are the working hours in UAE?
In the UAE, the maximum number of regular working hours is generally eight hours a day, with some variations depending on the sector or occupation.
What is the normal working time?
It means the standard hours that an employee is scheduled to work, which, according to UAE Labor Law, is up to eight hours per day.
What is the working time period?
This term is all about the total time span an employee is on duty, including work hours and any overtime, as regulated by labor laws. In the UAE, overtime is the time beyond normal working hours and is subject to specific rules under Articles 67 and 68 of the Labor Law.