Employees in the UAE work two hours less during Ramadan. AFP
Employees in the UAE work two hours less during Ramadan. AFP
Employees in the UAE work two hours less during Ramadan. AFP
Employees in the UAE work two hours less during Ramadan. AFP

UAE law guarantees overtime Ramadan pay


Salam Al Amir
  • English
  • Arabic

Employees who have to work longer hours in Ramadan must be paid overtime.

During the holy month, a working day becomes shorter by two hours for all Muslim and non-Muslim employees.

Businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals may require staff to work longer hours but they should be paid overtime.

“For any extra working hour, an employee is entitled to receive their usual remuneration plus an increase of at least 25 per cent of their hourly wage,” said Dr Hasan Elhais, legal consultant of Al Rowaad Advocates.

“If the overtime is worked between 9pm and 4am, an employee is entitled to receive their usual remuneration plus an increase of at least 50 per cent of their hourly salary.”

The overtime is calculated upon the gross salary (basic pay plus allowances).

Dr Elhais said the overtime rules are applicable throughout the year.

In the UAE, employees are required to work 9 hours with one hour of break time. This reduces by two hours during the holy month.

Overtime must not exceed two hours per day unless the nature of work can prevent substantial loss or serious accident, a rule that also applies during Ramadan, said Dr Elhais.

“The law doesn’t mention days off in return for extra hours,” he said.

People who are permanently on late shift, such as airport and hospital employees, and if their working hours were mentioned in the contract and agreed upon, are not entitled to extra pay for such shifts.

But they will be entitled to overtime if they work longer hours during Ramadan.

The overtime rule only applies to junior staff and not those in senior roles, said Dr Hasan.

“In case employees are not paid for the extra hours worked, they should request payment and if it doesn't happen, they must complain to the Ministry of Human Resources,” he said.

Businesses that The National spoke to said they plan ahead to ensure staff do not have to work extra hours.

“We will give full benefit of reduced working hours to our regular staff, including the general manager,” said Asier Baquero, general manager at Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel.

“There are no overtime hours generated during Ramadan. We employ outsourced staff to cover the reduced working hours.”

Zulekha Healthcare Group said it also tries to not burden employees with extra hours during Ramadan.

“Considering the holy month, working hours of our clinical and non-clinical staff are always planned ahead to ensure employees maintain a balance while fasting,” said Taher Shams, managing director of Zulekha Healthcare Group.

Staff work on a rota to ensure patient care is not compromised and emergency services are always available.

“Our doctors are scheduled on shifts between 9am to midnight on all days during the month and they get their scheduled weeks off as well. Doctors across all specialities are also available on call as and when required,” he said.

Preparations begin for Ramadan — in pictures

Why your domicile status is important

Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.

Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born. 

UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.

A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile

Company name: Suraasa

Started: 2018

Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker

Based: India, UAE and the UK

Industry: EdTech

Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding

if you go

The flights 

Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning. 

The trains

Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.

The hotels

Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Updated: April 03, 2022, 9:08 AM`