UAE Ramadan overtime rules: What private sector employees need to know
A step-by-step guide to filing a complaint for excessive overtime during Ramadan
DUBAI: Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comes with special work-hour adjustments for employees.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has confirmed that private sector employees will have their daily working hours reduced by two hours during the holy month.
This reduction applies to all private sector employees, regardless of their job role or contract type.
Flexible and Remote Work: What’s allowed?
Employers may offer flexible or remote work options, but this is subject to business needs. Companies must ensure they comply with the UAE Labour Law while allowing employees to work from home or adjust their schedules.
If your employer offers remote work, you must still follow the standard working hours and any additional guidelines set by the company.
Overtime rules: What you need to know
Even with reduced Ramadan hours, some employees may be required to work extra hours. Here’s how overtime is regulated:
- Overtime Definition: Any work done beyond the reduced Ramadan hours is classified as overtime.
- Maximum Overtime: Employees cannot be asked to work more than two extra hours per day, except in emergency cases.
- Overtime Pay: Employees must receive at least 25% additional pay on top of their basic salary for overtime work.
- Overtime Cap: The total working hours in any three-week period must not exceed 144 hours.
Who is exempt from overtime pay?
Some job roles are not eligible for overtime pay under UAE law. These include:
- Senior executives and managers with employer-level authority
- Board members and chairpersons
- Crew members of naval vessels with specific service conditions
- Employees in critical technical roles that require continuous operations (up to 56 hours per week)
- Workers handling essential tasks that extend beyond standard hours
If you are unsure about your eligibility for overtime pay, check your contract or consult with MOHRE.
How to file a complaint for excessive overtime
If you are asked to work more than two hours of overtime per day without proper compensation, you can report the violation to MOHRE. Here’s how:
Option 1: Call MOHRE’s Labour Claims Centre
- Dial 800 84 for assistance with labour-related complaints.
Option 2: File a Complaint Online
- Open the MOHRE app or visit the MOHRE website.
- Go to the ‘Services’ section and select ‘Add Violation’.
- Choose ‘Exceeding overtime by two hours’ from the menu.
- Enter the required details:
- Your Emirate
- Your Full Name
- Your Mobile Number
- Your Company’s Contact Details and Address
- Click Submit.
- You will receive a reference number to track your complaint.
Can employers ask you to work during Iftar hours?
Muslim employees must be given a break for iftar, but businesses that operate continuously may assign non-Muslim staff during this time.
Employers can:
- Implement shift-based schedules to manage workload.
- Offer overtime pay to eligible employees who work during iftar.
- Check with their free zone authorities for any specific Ramadan regulations.
By following these guidelines, employees and businesses can ensure compliance with UAE labour laws while maintaining a smooth workflow during Ramadan.