UAE Ramadan working hours and overtime rules for the private sector – Everything you need to know
Workers are entitled to overtime pay but if it exceeds 2 hours, file a complaint
During Ramadan, employees in both the government and private sectors in the UAE have reduced working hours. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has announced that private sector employees will have their daily working hours reduced by two hours throughout the holy month.
This adjustment aligns with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 under the UAE Labour Law. Employers are permitted to implement flexible or remote work arrangements, provided they adhere to the daily working hour limits and the operational requirements of their business.
Overtime regulations during Ramadan
While working hours are officially reduced, there may be instances where employees are required to work beyond their regular hours. According to Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, any work performed beyond the adjusted Ramadan hours is classified as overtime.
Overtime limitations
As per Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, an employer may request an employee to work overtime, provided that it does not exceed two additional hours per day. However, exceptions apply if the work is necessary to prevent significant loss, serious accidents, or to mitigate their consequences. In all cases, the total working hours must not exceed 144 hours every three weeks.
Exemptions from overtime pay
Certain job categories are exempt from overtime pay as outlined in Clause 4 of Article 15:
Positions at work:
Chairpersons and members of boards of directors
Employees in supervisory positions who hold employer-level authority
Occupation types:
Crew members of naval vessels and seafarers with specific service conditions
Employees working in technically essential roles that require continuous operations with an average working limit of 56 hours per week
Workers performing preparatory or complementary tasks that must be completed beyond standard working hours
How to file a complaint for excessive overtime
If an employer requires an employee to work beyond the permitted two-hour overtime limit, the employee has the right to file a labour complaint with MOHRE. Here’s how:
Call MOHRE’s Labour Claims and Advisory call centre: Dial 800 84 for assistance with labour-related complaints or legal consultations.
File a complaint online:
Use the MOHRE app or visit the MOHRE website.
Navigate to the ‘Services’ section and select ‘Add Violation’.
From the drop-down menu, choose ‘Exceeding overtime by two hours’.
Enter details including:
Emirate
Full name
Mobile number
Company contact number and address
Click Submit.
A reference number will be issued to track the complaint.
This article was originally published on February 26, 2025 and has been updated since.
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