Work out your overtime pay from your basic salary under the UAE Labour Law — 25% extra for daytime overtime and 50% extra for night hours and rest-day work.
Tax year Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021Rules checked: November 2026How we calculate
Overtime payAED 308
Basic hourly wage
AED 24.66
Daytime overtime rate
AED 30.82+25%
Night overtime rate
AED 36.99+50%
10 h at basic + 25%
AED 308.22
Total overtime pay
AED 308.22
Overtime may not exceed 2 hours a day except in emergencies, and total hours may not exceed 144 every three weeks.
The hourly wage is worked out from basic salary only (basic × 12 ÷ 365 ÷ daily hours). Shift workers are excluded from the night-time premium.
This is an estimate based on published rates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip or assessment may differ. We are an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency.
The daily wage is AED 240 and the hourly wage AED 30. Ten daytime hours at AED 37.50 plus two night hours at AED 45 come to AED 465.
Overtime payAED 465
Basic hourly wage
AED 30.00
Daytime overtime rate
AED 37.50+25%
Night overtime rate
AED 45.00+50%
10 h at basic + 25%
AED 375.00
2 h between 10 pm and 4 am at basic + 50%
AED 90.00
Total overtime pay
AED 465.00
Tips
Ask for overtime in writing — the employer must request it, and you should keep a record of hours worked.
Managerial roles may be excluded from overtime rules; check your contract and job title.
Compare the overtime rate with time off in lieu if your employer offers both.
Questions people ask
How much is overtime pay in the UAE?
Your basic hourly wage plus at least 25% for overtime hours. If the overtime is worked between 10 pm and 4 am, it is basic hourly wage plus at least 50% (shift workers excepted).
How is the hourly wage worked out?
From basic salary only — basic × 12 ÷ 365 gives the daily wage, divided by your normal daily hours.
How many overtime hours can I work?
Normally no more than two hours a day, and total working hours may not exceed 144 every three weeks, except in emergencies.
What if I work on my rest day?
Your employer must give you a substitute rest day or pay basic wage plus at least 50% for the hours worked.
This is an estimate based on published rates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip or assessment may differ. We are an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency. Read the full disclaimer.
