What is the difference in working hours for a 6-day week vs a 5-day week in the UAE?

Under the UAE Labour Law, the limit is set as a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, and employers can organise that within either a five-day or six-day working week. On a six-day pattern, the daily hours are typically spread so the weekly total stays within the legal ceiling; on a five-day pattern, the same weekly limit applies across fewer days. The law sets ceilings, so many employers work fewer hours than the maximum. Whatever the pattern, you are entitled to your weekly rest day, and time worked beyond your normal scheduled hours at the employer's request is generally treated as overtime. Some sectors and roles have specific arrangements for distributing hours. Your contract and company policy should state your weekly schedule and rest day. Because how the weekly hours are arranged can affect overtime and rest-day calculations, confirm your specific pattern against the law with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. You can also compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI if you need help reviewing your schedule.