Overtime rules in the Gulf
| Country | Normal day | Night | Rest day or holiday | Salary used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Hourly wage + 50% of the basic hourly wage | Full and basic | ||
| UAE | +25% | +50% (10 pm to 4 am) | +50%, or a day off | Basic |
| Kuwait | +25% | — | Rest day +50%; public holiday double pay | Full |
| Qatar | +25% | +50% (9 pm to 6 am) | At least +50%, or a day off | Basic |
| Oman | +25% | +50% | Double pay, or a day off | Basic |
| Bahrain | +25% | +50% (7 pm to 7 am) | +50%, or a day off | Full |
Most Gulf laws limit overtime to about 2 hours a day. In Saudi Arabia it is 720 hours a year unless you agree to more, and since 2025 you can agree to take paid time off instead of overtime pay.
Examples
Saudi Arabia: basic 4,000 SAR, allowances 1,000 SAR, 10 overtime hours
You are owed 291.67 SAR.
Qatar: basic 3,000 QAR, 10 overtime hours on working days
You are owed 156.25 QAR.
Frequently asked questions
Is overtime calculated on the basic salary or the full salary?
It depends on the country. The UAE, Qatar and Oman use the basic salary. Kuwait and Bahrain use the full salary. Saudi Arabia uses both: the full hourly wage plus 50% of the basic hourly wage.
How is the hourly wage calculated?
Usually the monthly salary divided by 30 days and then by 8 hours. In Kuwait it is common to divide by 26 working days. In Ramadan in Saudi Arabia the day is 6 hours.
Can my employer refuse to pay overtime?
No, if you worked the hours at the employer's request. Keep a record of your hours and ask for them on your payslip. Managers and supervisors are often not paid overtime.
What if I work on Eid?
Every Gulf country pays extra for work on public holidays, or gives another day off. Kuwait pays double, Oman double, and the others at least 50% more.
From the blog: Overtime pay in the Gulf: what your employer must pay
Last reviewed: October 2026. Your contract may give more than the law. This calculator is an estimate and is not legal advice.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.