Working hours and overtime in Dubai: how the week is set

How the working week is arranged

1. 1

   Know the federal government week

   The UAE federal government has adopted a four and a half-day working week. Employees work eight hours, from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm on Fridays.

   Documents:Employment contract
2. 2

   Note when this system started

   This work week system was announced in December 2021 and became effective from 1 January 2022, so it is the arrangement you will encounter today.

3. 3

   Check that Dubai follows the same pattern

   Among local government entities, the Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Governments have adopted a similar work week system. If you are working in Dubai's local government, expect this shape of week.

4. 4

   Watch the exception in Sharjah

   If your work takes you to Sharjah instead, the pattern is different: employees of the Government of Sharjah work four days a week, from Monday to Thursday, 7.30 am to 3.30 pm. The official weekend in Sharjah runs for three days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

5. 5

   Confirm overtime rules directly

   The official portal's note above sets out the standard hours but does not state overtime terms here. Before you count on any extra-hours arrangement, confirm the current rules for your sector and contract on the authority's website or with your employer.

   Documents:Employment contract

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