Learn about UAE labor law on working hours, breaks & overtime. Ensure compliance & worker well-being. Consult expert Dubai labor lawyers today!
Working hours, breaks, and overtime? Are you aware of the rules that govern these crucial aspects of your work life? Whether you’re an employer striving to uphold fair practices or an employee seeking clarity on UAE labor law working hours, Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 is going to provide you with the answers. Here’s a detailed look at the key provisions:
According to UAE labor law, workers are entitled to a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. This standard ensures that employees have adequate time for rest and recreation outside of work hours. However, certain economic sectors or specific categories of workers may have different working hour regulations. The Cabinet has the authority to adjust these hours based on sector-specific needs and worker classifications as outlined in the Implementing Regulation.
To prevent fatigue and ensure worker safety, UAE labor law mandates that employees cannot work for more than 5 consecutive hours without a break. These breaks must total at least one hour and are not counted as part of the working hours. Exceptions to this rule apply for jobs that require continuous operations or fieldwork, where breaks may be adjusted accordingly based on the nature of the work and the classification of workers specified in the Implementing Regulation.
Overtime work in the UAE is regulated to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair compensation for additional hours worked beyond the normal schedule. Employers may request employees to work overtime, up to 2 hours per day and not exceeding 144 hours over a period of 3 weeks. Workers are entitled to receive overtime pay, which is at least 25% higher than their normal wage.
For night shifts between 10 pm and 4 am, the overtime rate increases to at least 50% higher than the normal wage. However, workers on shift-based schedules are exempt from this provision.
The provisions outlined in UAE labor law apply to all private sector establishments and workers across the country. This includes companies operating in various industries such as-
However, certain categories of workers are exempt from these regulations, including –
The Cabinet has the authority to exclude specific categories from certain provisions or apply alternative legislation as deemed necessary.
Compliance with UAE labor law working hours, breaks, and overtime is crucial for ensuring the well-being of employees. But as an employee, if you still need expert guidance, reach out to Dubai lawyers specializing in labor law to ensure you’re on the right track!
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