Working Hours and Leaves in the GCC - We Counted the Days and Crunched the Numbers.

Are you looking for a job in the Gulf and don’t know about working hours? We crunched the numbers. Here’s how many hours and leaves you can expect to spend at work each year.

If you don’t know, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Each of these countries has distinct regulations for working hours and leave entitlements. These rules aim to balance productivity and employee well-being, aligning with cultural values and global labor standards.

Note:- All of the information is updated as of June 2024, and we will make sure to keep it current. So, bookmark this article.

Working Hours in GCC

Standard Work Week:

UAE:  Employees work 48 hours per week, with Friday as the rest day. During Ramadan, Muslim employees work 36 hours per week.

Saudi Arabia: Standard work hours are 48 per week, reduced to 36 hours during Ramadan for Muslims.

Other GCC Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar have similar work weeks, ranging from 40 to 48 hours​.

Daily Working Hours:

Most employees work 8 hours per day. This can extend to 9 hours in sectors like trade, hotels, and cafes. Overtime pay ranges from 125% to 150% of the regular wage.

Rest Periods:

After five continuous hours of work, a break of at least one hour is mandated in many GCC countries​.

Leave Entitlements

Annual Leave:

UAE: Employees get 30 days of annual leave after one year of service. Those with over six months but less than a year get two days per month. Unused leave can be carried forward or cashed out​.

Saudi Arabia: Offers 21 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years of service​.

Kuwait and Oman: Provide 30 days of annual leave, regardless of service length.

Sick Leave:

UAE: Employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year: the first 15 days at full pay, the next 30 days at half pay, and the remaining 45 days unpaid​.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain: Similar provisions apply, with detailed regulations on medical certification requirements​ 

Maternity and Paternity Leave:

UAE: 45 days of maternity leave at full pay, plus an additional 15 days at half pay. Paternity leave is 5 days, available to both fathers and mothers​.

Saudi Arabia: Offers 10 weeks of maternity leave at full pay, with variations based on the sector​

Bahrain: Provides 60 days of maternity leave at full pay​

Other Leaves:

Hajj Leave: Special leave for performing Hajj is available, typically once in a lifetime and up to 30 days, available in Saudi Arabia​.

Public Holidays: Employees are entitled to leave on public holidays, which vary annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Major holidays include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and National Days​.

Ramadan Adjustments

Reduced Hours:

During Ramadan, working hours are significantly reduced:

Saudi Arabia: Private sector employees work 6 hours per day. Government employees work 5 hours per day​.

UAE: Reduced by 2 hours per day across all sectors​.

Other GCC Countries: Similar reductions with specific local timings​.

Can Employees Request Flexible Working Hours?

Yes, employees can request flexible hours under UAE Labor Law. This requires agreement from the employer. Arrangements include working four longer days instead of five regular days. Adjusting start and end times is also possible. These changes must not impact health, safety, or productivity.

How is Overtime Calculated in the UAE?

When employees work beyond regular hours, this period is considered overtime. Workers receive their normal wage plus at least a 25% supplement for overtime.

Overtime Pay = (Basic Salary ÷ 365 ÷ 8) x 1.25 x Total Overtime Hours

Stay Informed and Compliant

The GCC countries' working hours and leave policies are designed to ensure a balanced approach to work and life. Both employers and employees need to stay updated on these regulations. This helps ensure compliance and maximize satisfaction and productivity in the workplace.

For more detailed and updated information, refer to the official labor law guidelines of each GCC country. Stay informed, stay compliant, and ensure a balanced work environment.

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