Rest Breaks and Working Hours Under UAE Labour Law

Normal working hours in the UAE private sector are capped at eight hours a day or 48 hours a week, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). No worker may work more than five consecutive hours without a break, and those breaks must add up to at least one hour a day.

This guide covers the federal UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which applies to mainland private-sector employers. Free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) may have their own employment rules, and government employees fall under separate HR rules, so check which regime applies to you.

The core rules at a glance

RuleWhat MoHRE says Normal hours8 a day or 48 a week CommutingNot counted as working time, except for categories set by the Executive Regulations BreaksNo more than 5 consecutive hours of work; breaks total at least 1 hour and are not counted as working time Overtime limitUp to 2 extra hours a day; no more than 144 hours in any three-week period Overtime payNormal wage plus at least 25% of the basic wage Night overtime (10pm to 4am)Basic wage plus at least 50% (does not apply to shift workers) Weekly restAt least one paid rest day a week RamadanNormal working time reduced by two hours

Breaks: what the law requires

The break rule sits in Article 18 of the Labour Law. As Khaleej Times explained in May 2022, an employee "may not work over five consecutive hours without one or more breaks", the breaks total at least one hour, and they do not count towards working hours. In practice, that means a nine-hour day at the office, with a one-hour lunch, is eight hours of work.

The timing of breaks can be set by shift or by job category under the Executive Regulations, so factories and rotating day-and-night shifts may run different patterns. Failing to provide breaks is treated as a breach of the law.

For people at a desk, the law sets the minimum; how you use shorter pauses is up to you and your employer. Our guide to setting up your desk to work comfortably covers screen height, posture and short, frequent breaks, based on official ergonomics guidance.

Overtime and rest days

An employer can ask you to work beyond normal hours, but MoHRE limits the extra time to two hours a day and the total to 144 hours in any three weeks. Overtime is paid at your normal rate plus at least 25% of the basic wage. Between 10pm and 4am the uplift rises to at least 50%, unless you are a shift worker.

Every worker is entitled to at least one paid weekly rest day, as set out in the contract or the employer's work regulations. If you are asked to work on a rest day or a public holiday, MoHRE says you should receive another day off in lieu or be paid your basic wage for that day plus at least 50%.

Summer and Ramadan

Two seasonal rules change the working day. During Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced by two hours. From 15 June to 15 September each year, work under direct sun and in open areas is banned between 12.30pm and 3pm, according to u.ae; see our guide to the UAE midday work ban.

If your employer does not follow the rules

Article 54 of the Labour Law says an employee with a dispute files an application with MoHRE first. The ministry tries to settle it and can refer it to court if it is not resolved. Requests can be made on the MoHRE website or app, or through the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084, as Gulf News reported in March 2025.

What to check

• Your contract: it should state your hours, rest day and break pattern.
• Your payslip: overtime should show separately and be calculated on your basic wage.
• Whether you work for a mainland, free zone or government employer, since the rules differ.
• Keep records of hours worked if you think overtime is unpaid.

For general information, not legal advice. Details can change; check with MoHRE or u.ae before relying on them.