UAE overtime calculator
Work out overtime pay under the UAE Labour Law: normal overtime at 125%, night overtime at 150% and rest-day work at 150% of the basic hourly wage.
Estimated overtime pay
- Basic hourly wage
- –
- Normal overtime (125%)
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- Night overtime (150%)
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- Rest-day work (150%)
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Uses the minimum rates in the law. Your contract or company policy may pay more. Shift workers are not entitled to the night rate.
Pay overtime automatically with payrollLedgerline, Khayyat and Bayline add approved overtime to the monthly payroll and the WPS salary file.
UAE overtime rules
| When the overtime is worked | Minimum pay |
|---|---|
| Normal overtime | Basic hourly wage + 25% (125%) |
| Between 10 pm and 4 am (not shift workers) | Basic hourly wage + 50% (150%) |
| Weekly rest day | Another day off, or basic wage + 50% (150%) |
Example
An employee earns a basic salary of AED 3,000 a month and works 8 hours a day. The daily wage is AED 3,000 × 12 ÷ 365 = AED 98.63, so the hourly wage is AED 12.33. For 20 hours of normal overtime the employee earns 20 × 12.33 × 1.25 = AED 308.22.
Also see our gratuity calculator and guide to WPS payroll.
Overtime questions
How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
Under Article 19 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, overtime is paid at the basic wage for the normal working hours plus at least 25%. Overtime worked between 10 pm and 4 am is paid at the basic wage plus at least 50%, except for shift workers.
What if an employee works on their rest day?
An employee who works on their weekly rest day must get another day off in return, or be paid the basic wage for that day plus at least 50%.
How many overtime hours are allowed?
Overtime should not be more than two hours a day, except in the cases the law allows, and total working hours including overtime should not be more than 144 hours every three weeks.
Is overtime based on basic or gross salary?
The law refers to the basic wage. Some employers use the gross wage in their contracts, which is more generous to the employee. Check the employment contract.
How is the hourly wage worked out?
Divide the daily basic wage by the normal working hours per day. The daily wage is usually the annual basic salary divided by 365, or the monthly basic divided by 30.
Payroll with overtime and WPS built in
Ledgerline, Khayyat and Bayline calculate overtime, leave, gratuity and WPS payroll. One-time purchase.