What is the maximum number of overtime hours allowed per day in the UAE?

The UAE Labour Law places a limit on how much overtime an employee can be required to work, in addition to setting the standard daily and weekly working hours. Overtime is the time worked beyond your normal daily hours at the employer's request, and the law caps the total so that excessive overtime is not imposed. There are also rules requiring rest between working days, which indirectly limit how long you can be kept at work. Where the nature of the work requires longer hours in specific circumstances, the law allows it within defined boundaries and with the appropriate overtime compensation. Because the exact daily overtime ceiling is set by the Decree-Law and its executive regulations, confirm the current limit and any sector exceptions with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation rather than relying on a fixed number. If you are routinely worked beyond the legal limits or not paid the overtime due, you can file a complaint with MOHRE. You can also compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to review whether your schedule complies with the law.