UAE
Governed by Federal Decree-Law 33/2021. 48 h/wk, 8 h/day standard. Max OT 2 h/day, +25 % day, +50 % night. Mandatory 1 h break after 5 h. Friday rest day (4.5-day public week). Ramadan: -2 h/day.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Statutory working time
48 h weekly · 8 h/day standard · 4.5-day public week
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory | 48 h/wk 8 h/day | Art. 17 | Reference |
| Ramadan | 6 h/day for Muslims | Art. 65 | Mandatory -2 h |
| Hospitality, retail | 9 h/day allowed | Art. 17 | With MOHRE authorization |
| Workers <18 | 6 h/day | Law | + 1 h break |
Overtime
+25 % day, +50 % night/off · 144 h max over 3 wks · pay OR comp rest
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day OT | +25 % pay | Art. 19 | Beyond 8 h |
| Night OT | +50 % | Art. 19 | Night defined |
| Rest day/PH OT | +50 % | Art. 19 | Plus comp rest |
| OT cap | 144 h over 3 wks | Art. 19 | Strict |
Rest & breaks
1 h break after 5 h · 30 min daily rest · Friday rest day public
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory break | 1 h after 5 h continuous | Art. 18 | Unpaid |
| Daily rest | Not specific | Law | Logical 24 h – max |
| Rest day | Friday public | Law | Private: choice |
| Annual leave | 30 calendar days | Art. 29 | With 1 yr service |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
Night 10pm-4am premium · 13-14 public holidays yearly (variable Hijri)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night | 10pm-4am | Art. 1 def | OT +50 % |
| Public holidays | 13-14 d/yr | Cabinet Decision | Variable Hijri |
| Eid al-Fitr | 3-4 days | Hijri calendar | Variable |
| Eid al-Adha | 4 days | Hijri | Variable |
| National Day | 2-3 December | Law | National Day |
Time recording
WPS (Wage Protection System) mandatory · employment records 5 years
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPS | Wages via approved banks | Decision 788/2009 | All private sector |
| Employment Records | Records contracts + pay | FDL 33/2021 | All employees |
| Retention | 2 yrs after end | Law | MOHRE audit |
| Penalties | AED 5,000-50,000+ | FDL | WPS delay = blocked |
Remote & flex work
Law 33/2021 frames remote work · no right to disconnect · UAE residency rules
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal framework | Remote work defined | Art. 5 | Law 33/2021 |
| Part-time, flexible | Allowed | FDL 33/2021 | New modalities |
| Permission | No separate permit | Law | Within contract |
| Residency | UAE for most | Visa rules | Except Virtual Working Programme |
| Right to disconnect | Not statutory | — | No legislation |
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