Introduction
For job seekers in the UAE, understanding the country’s labor laws is crucial to ensuring fair treatment and gaining the best possible work-life balance. UAE labor law covers a wide range of topics, including overtime, sick leave, annual leave, and public holidays. As the UAE job market continues to evolve, it is vital for employees to be aware of their rights and entitlements. This guide will break down key aspects of the UAE labor law, focusing on overtime, sick leave, and public holidays, offering job seekers valuable information on what to expect when working in the UAE.
UAE Labor Law in 2025: An Overview
The UAE labor law is designed to regulate the relationship between employees and employers. It provides protections for workers while ensuring that businesses can thrive in the dynamic UAE job market. The law covers everything from working hours to leave entitlements, and it’s important for job seekers in the UAE to be familiar with these regulations.
Working Hours in UAE For 2025
Under UAE labor law, the maximum working hours are capped at 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. However, during Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day (36 hours per week). The law allows for some flexibility, particularly in sectors like hospitality, security, and retail, where working hours can extend to 9 hours per day.
Furthermore, overtime comes into play if employees are required to work beyond their regular hours. The standard overtime pay is at least 25% of the basic wage for the additional hours worked. This is an important regulation for workers to understand, as it ensures fair compensation for extra work.
Overtime in UAE: What Job Seekers Need to Know
Overtime is a common scenario in many industries in the UAE. The Dubai labor law clearly defines how overtime should be compensated. Any work beyond the standard 8 hours per day is considered overtime and must be paid at a higher rate.
How to Calculate Overtime in UAE?
Overtime pay is calculated as follows:
- Overtime Pay = (Basic Salary ÷ 365 days ÷ 8 hours) × 1.25 × Total Overtime Hours
For example, if your basic salary is AED 12,000 per month and you work 2 extra hours on a given day, the overtime pay for that day would be calculated based on the formula above, giving you 25% more than your regular hourly wage.
Overtime for Night Shifts
Night shift workers, especially those working between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., are entitled to a supplement of 50% of their hourly wage. This higher rate compensates for the inconvenience of working during unsocial hours.
Overtime for Friday Work
Friday is typically a rest day under UAE labor law, but workers may be required to work on Fridays. Employees who are called in to work on Fridays must either be given a substitute rest day or paid at least 150% of their regular wages.
Sick Leave in UAE: What Are Your Entitlements?
Sick leave is an important aspect of the UAE labor law. Employees are entitled to sick leave after completing their probationary period. Here’s how sick leave works:
Sick Leave Policy in UAE
- 15 days: Full pay
- 30 days: Half pay
- 45 days onward: No pay
If an employee falls ill and cannot work, they are entitled to take sick leave, provided they report the illness within 2 days of being unable to work. It’s important for workers to understand that sick leave is capped at 90 days per year.
Public Holidays in the UAE For 2025
Public holidays in the UAE are a mix of Islamic and national holidays. Employees are entitled to paid leave on these holidays, and if they are required to work, they are entitled to compensation.
Here are the official public holidays in the UAE for 2025:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
- Eid Al Fitr: Sunday, March 30 – Thursday, April 3, 2025
- Eid Al Adha: Thursday, June 5 – Sunday, June 8, 2025
- Islamic New Year: Thursday, June 26, 2025
- The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (PBUH): Friday, September 5, 2025
- National Day: Tuesday, December 2 – Wednesday, December 3, 2025
What Happens if You Work on a Public Holiday?
If employees are asked to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to receive either:
- A substitute holiday, or
- 150% of their basic wage for the day worked.
For example, if you work on UAE National Day, which falls on December 2-3, 2025, you should either get a compensatory day off or receive enhanced pay for working on a national holiday.
How Does This Impact Job Seekers in the UAE?
For job seekers in the UAE, understanding these aspects of the labor law is crucial. Knowing your rights regarding working hours, overtime, sick leave, and public holidays can help you negotiate better terms when getting a job in UAE. Employers who follow the labor law ensure a healthier work environment, making it essential for workers to be aware of their rights.
Moreover, understanding the UAE job market can help you assess the labor conditions across various industries. For instance, hospitality and retail sectors may have more extended working hours compared to office jobs, so job seekers must ensure they know the expectations for their specific field.
Conclusion
The UAE labor law offers a balanced approach to protecting workers’ rights while allowing businesses to thrive. As a job seeker in the UAE, knowing the rules around overtime, sick leave, and public holidays will help ensure you are fairly compensated for your work. It’s essential to understand that the law entitles you to proper pay for overtime, paid sick leave, and public holidays, and employers must comply with these regulations.
By staying informed, job seekers can navigate the UAE job market with confidence and ensure that their rights are upheld in the workplace.
FAQs
What is the maximum number of working hours per day according to UAE Labor Law in Ramadan?
The maximum working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week in the UAE. However, working hours are reduced during Ramadan to 6 hours per day.
Are public holidays paid in the UAE?
Yes, public holidays are paid in the UAE. If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to either a substitute day off or 150% of your regular pay.
How is overtime in UAE Calculated?
Overtime pay in the UAE is calculated at 25% more than the regular hourly wage for any hours worked beyond the standard working hours.
What is the sick leave entitlement in the UAE?
Employees in the UAE are entitled to 15 days of sick leave with full pay, 30 days with half pay, and additional sick leave without pay, up to 90 days per year.
Can employers change working hours in the UAE?
Yes, employers can change working hours, but this must be mutually agreed upon by the employee and the employer. Any changes should not negatively impact the employee’s health or safety.
What are the public holidays in UAE for 2025?
The public holidays in UAE for 2025 are:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Eid Al Fitr: March 30 – April 3
- Eid Al Adha: June 5 – June 8
- Islamic New Year: June 26
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: September 5
- National Day: December 2-3