Can my employer force me to work overtime in the UAE?

Under the UAE Labour Law, an employer may require an employee to work overtime when work circumstances need it, provided it stays within the limits the law sets on total overtime and provided the overtime is properly compensated. So overtime can be required, but it is not unlimited: the law caps how much overtime can be worked, requires that the additional hours be paid at the overtime rate, and preserves your entitlements to rest breaks and a weekly rest day. Overtime that exceeds the legal caps, or that is imposed without the required compensation, would not comply with the law. Your contract may also set conditions around overtime. If you are being made to work excessive overtime, or overtime that is going unpaid, that is a compliance issue you can raise. Because the precise caps and compensation rates are set by the Decree-Law and its executive regulations, confirm the current limits with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. If your rights are being breached, you can file a complaint with MOHRE, and you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.