Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE grants employees 14 official public holidays each year, covering both the public and private sectors. But what if you’re required to work during these holidays? Here’s a breakdown of your rights under the UAE Labour Law.

Holiday pay and compensation

Under the Federal Decree Law, employees are entitled to full pay during official public holidays declared by Cabinet resolution. If required to work, employees must either receive a substitute rest day or be paid their regular daily wage plus at least 50 percent of their basic daily salary.

Working hours

The law caps normal working hours at eight per day or 48 per week. In sectors such as trade, hotels, cafeterias, and security, daily hours can extend to nine. Breaks are excluded from working hours. The Minister of Labour may reduce hours for strenuous or hazardous jobs.

Overtime rules

Any hours worked beyond the legal limit count as overtime. Overtime pay must include at least 25 percent above the ordinary hourly wage. Overtime cannot exceed two hours per day unless absolutely necessary. Senior managers, supervisors, and ship crews are excluded.

Overnight shifts

Employees required to work between 9pm and 4am are entitled to 50 percent extra pay on top of their normal hourly rate. This rule excludes high-ranking managerial staff and seafarers.

Sunday work

Sunday is a statutory rest day in the UAE. Employees working on Sundays must either receive a substitute rest day or be paid their regular wage plus at least 50 percent. Workers cannot be required to work more than two consecutive Sundays, except for those in senior roles and on naval vessels. Understanding these rights helps employees ensure they receive fair compensation, while employers avoid violations of labour law. ICA/Expat Media
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