The law behind this calculator
| Saudi Arabia | UAE | |
|---|---|---|
| Normal hours | 8 a day or 48 a week; 6 a day in Ramadan for Muslims | 8 a day or 48 a week |
| Overtime pay | Hourly wage + 50% of the basic hourly wage | Basic hourly wage + 25% |
| Night work (10 pm to 4 am) | Same rate | Basic hourly wage + 50% |
| Rest day or public holiday | Counted as overtime | A day off instead, or basic wage + 50% |
| Limits | 720 overtime hours a year, unless you agree to more | 2 overtime hours a day |
In Saudi Arabia, since 2025 the employer can give you paid time off instead of overtime pay if you agree: at least an hour and a half off for each overtime hour.
Examples
Saudi Arabia: basic 4,000 SAR, allowances 1,000 SAR, 10 overtime hours
You are owed 291.67 SAR.
UAE: basic 3,000 AED, 10 overtime hours, 4 of them at night
You are owed 168.75 AED.
Frequently asked questions
Is overtime calculated on the basic salary or the full salary?
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources applies the hourly wage plus 50% of the basic hourly wage, so both count. In the UAE the law uses the basic salary only.
How is the hourly wage calculated?
The usual method is the monthly salary divided by 30 days and then by the daily working hours: 8 hours, or 6 in Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.
Can my employer refuse to pay overtime?
No, if you worked the hours at the employer's request. Keep a record of your hours and ask for them on your payslip. Managers and supervisors in the UAE are usually not paid overtime.
What if I work on Eid?
In Saudi Arabia the hours are paid as overtime. In the UAE you get another day off or your normal pay plus at least 50% of your basic pay for that day.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Your contract may give more than the law. This calculator is an estimate and is not legal advice.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.