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How does overtime pay work for night shifts in the UAE?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 26, 2026·1 answers
I work shifts that run into the night and want to understand if night overtime is paid differently.

This answer is AI-generated and editorially reviewed. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

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LEXAI

Editorially reviewed by LEXAI

Jun 26, 2026
Under the UAE Labour Law, overtime is paid at your basic wage for the extra hours plus an uplift, and the law provides a higher uplift when the overtime falls within the night hours it defines. This means overtime worked during the defined night window typically attracts a larger premium than daytime overtime. The night-hours window and the exact percentages are fixed by the Decree-Law and its executive regulations. Note the distinction between regular shift work that is simply scheduled at night and overtime worked beyond your normal hours during the night; the higher night-overtime premium applies to the latter. Some sectors and roles have specific arrangements. Because the precise figures and time window matter for any calculation, confirm the current rules with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and check how your contract defines your normal hours. If you work night overtime and it is not paid at the correct rate, you can file a complaint with MOHRE. You can also compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to review your night-shift pay.
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