Extra Ramadan Work Hours Could Mean Overtime Pay for Employees in the UAE

Many employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have questions about their entitlement to overtime pay during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Knowing your rights as an employee is vital, particularly during this period of fasting and prayer.

As per Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relations, specific provisions apply to overtime and reduced working hours during Ramadan.

An employee in the UAE is entitled to two hours of reduced working hours during the month of Ramadan, as stipulated by Article 17(4) of the Employment Law in conjunction with Article 15(2) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. This regulation states that “the regular working hours shall be reduced by two hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

Furthermore, an employee may be entitled to overtime payment if the employer requires them to work additional hours beyond the stipulated Ramadan working hours.

According to Article 19 of the Employment Law:

• The employer may employ the employee for additional working hours, not exceeding two hours a day, subject to specific procedures and conditions outlined in the Executive Regulations of this Decree-Law. However, the total working hours should not exceed 144 hours in three weeks.
• Overtime work beyond regular hours entitles the employee to their basic salary plus a supplement of at least 25 per cent of that salary.
•  For overtime between 10 pm and 4 am, the employee should receive their basic salary plus a supplement of at least 50 per cent of that salary, except for shift employees.
• Employees required to working on their rest days are entitled to compensation, either with a substitute rest day or with a supplement of at least 50 per cent of their salary.
• Certain categories, such as those in supervisory positions with employer-like powers, may be exempted from maximum working hour regulations.
  Based on these legal provisions, an employee may be eligible for overtime pay if they work beyond the specified Ramadan working hours. However, the decision to assign overtime work remains at the discretion of the employer. Understanding your rights and communicating with your employer can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your hard work during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

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