Ramadan in UAE: Can Employers Mandate Overtime for Employees?

UAE: Ramadan Work Hours and Overtime Regulations Explained

During Ramadan, private sector employees in the UAE are entitled to a reduction of two hours from their regular work hours each day, as mandated by Article 17(4) of Federal Decree Law No.

33 of 2021 on Employment Relations. This regulation is reinforced by Article 15(2) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.

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The law clearly states:

“Subject to the provisions of Article 17 of the Decree Law: The regular working hours shall be reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan.”

Employees may be eligible for overtime pay if required to work beyond these reduced hours. According to Article 19 of the Employment Law, employers can request additional working hours, but these should not exceed two hours daily.

If employees work beyond standard hours, they are entitled to their basic salary plus a 25% supplement. For hours worked between 10 PM and 4 AM, the supplement increases to 50%.

However, employees in managerial or supervisory roles may not qualify for overtime compensation as per Article 15(4)(b) of the Cabinet Resolution, which exempts certain categories from maximum working hour provisions.

If an employer fails to reduce working hours or refuses to pay for overtime, employees can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

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The ministry will then engage with the employer to ensure compliance with labor laws during Ramadan.

For more legal advice or assistance, Ashish Mehta & Associates provides expert guidance on employment matters.

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