What is the weekly rest day entitlement under UAE Labour Law?

Under the UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to a paid weekly rest day. The specific day is set by the employment contract or company policy and does not have to be Friday — employers have flexibility to designate the rest day or days that suit their operations. Some employers grant more than one rest day per week, but the law guarantees at least the minimum weekly rest. If you are required to work on your designated rest day, the law requires compensation, either through a replacement rest day or pay for that day plus an additional uplift. The rest day works alongside your other entitlements, such as daily rest breaks and annual leave. Because the exact minimum and the compensation rate for working a rest day are governed by the Decree-Law and its executive regulations, confirm the current rules and how they apply to your contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. If you are denied your weekly rest day or proper compensation for working it, you can raise it with MOHRE. You can also compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.