The United Arab Emirates is a country where most of its population is expatriates. People from different parts of the world come to the desert land to find a job. As UAE is highly dependent on expatriate labor, the UAE government is very strict about labor law Important Things. Here I am explaining uae labour law working hours.
UAE is an oil-dependent nation and focusing on its development. But the country does not have sufficient manpower. So they are welcoming millions of people that now the country has reached a stage where 88.52% of its population is immigrants. As the country have a large population of forign workers, its labour law is very strict. Everyone who is working in the UAE must follow the labour law.
Uae Labour Law Working Hours:
uae labour law about working hours means the maximum amount of work your company can legally ask you to do. Some factors determine your working hours in UAE.
Your Working Sector:
According to article 65 of UAE labor law, private-sector workers are required to work 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week (with a day off). That means your company can make your work for a maximum of 8 hours, does not matter if they want you to work less.
Article 65 of labor law also says public sector workers are required to work 7 hours a day and 42 hours a week.
There are some exceptions if you work for any business company, cafe Ir hotel, the maximum working hours can extend to 9 hours. This is approved by the Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation.
Your Working Position
The working hours chapter is not applicable for employees who work in senior positions. Article 72 explains the part of employees at senior positions.
Article 72:
The article says,
- High-rank employees like managers or supervisors can confer upon the general workers.
- Naval vessels and sea workers are conceptions of labor laws as they have special working conditions due to the type of their work.
Travel Times Are Not Included In Working Hours:
The time you spend on the way to reach your workplace is not included in your working hours. That’s why finding a good residence that fits your budget is very important. Article 65 clearly states the rule. It says-
“The commutation periods spent by the worker from the place of residence to the work site thereof shall not be calculated within the working hours.”
Labour Law About Break:
The labour law states that you can work a maximum of 5 hours without taking a break. After 5 hours your company must allow you to take a break, according to the law. The break should be a minimum of 1 hour. In this time a worker will eat meals, pray, rest, etc. Note that break time is not included in the total working hours.
Article 66:
Article 66 says that the working hours of government and non-governmental workers should be regulated. The company should make sure that every worker is getting a break within a maximum of 5 hours. The break is at least 1 hour. And all the workers can complete their necessary activities like taking meals, prayer, rest, etc. within break time.
Difficult Work Circumstances:
A company or industry that has a complicated or unhealthy working environment like (cigarette factory) is prohibited from working more than 7 hours.
Labour laws in Ramadan:
In the Holy Month of Ramadan, ordinary working hours are reduced by two hours, states article 65.
Labour laws about overtime:
If your job requires overtime, your company will have to pay an extra 25% of the hourly salary, per hour. The extra pay can extend to 50% if the overtime is done between 9 PM to 4 AM.
Article 67:
Article 67 states that, if a company higher you for a certain time and working circumstance requires you to work more, you will be paid an extra 25% of hourly payment per hour.
Article 68:
It says that, if the working circumstance requires you to work more than your working hour and extra working hour between 9 PM to 4 AM, you will receive 50% more with hourly payment per hour.
Midday breaks:
In the summer months, it’s practically impossible to work outdoors in the sun. So, workers outdoors get a midday break during the summer months. The break period starts in June and ends in September. Workers get a midday break between 12.30 PM to 3.00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the working hours of private-sector workers in UAE?
A private-sector worker requires to work 8 hours a day. And 48 hours a week.
Is 9 hours work time legal?
9 hours of work time is legal for cafes, restaurants, and hotel workers.