Working Hours and Overtime
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
Bahrain's Labour Law sets clear limits on how many hours you can work and guarantees overtime pay:
- Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week (excluding breaks).
- During Ramadan: Working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees.
- Overtime pay: At least 125% of your normal hourly rate for extra hours. Overtime between 7 PM and 7 AM must be paid at 150% of the normal rate.
- Rest break: You are entitled to at least one break of no less than 30 minutes after working 6 consecutive hours. Breaks do not count as working time.
- Weekly rest: At least one full day off per week (24 consecutive hours), typically Friday. Working on your rest day entitles you to overtime pay or a substitute rest day.
When does it apply?
- You work in the private sector under a contract governed by the Labour Law.
- You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or more than 48 hours in a week.
- You work during Ramadan and are entitled to reduced hours.
- You are called to work on your weekly rest day or a public holiday.
What should you do?
- Track your hours — keep a personal record of start times, end times, and breaks.
- Check your pay slip to confirm overtime is calculated correctly (125% or 150%).
- If your employer does not pay overtime, raise it in writing first, then file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.
- During Ramadan, confirm your schedule reflects the 6-hour limit if you are a Muslim employee.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not agree to unpaid overtime — the law requires compensation for all extra hours worked.
- Do not waive your weekly rest day regularly — it is a legal entitlement, not optional.
- Do not assume salary covers overtime — unless your contract explicitly includes an overtime allowance with clear terms.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.
LawDepotCreate employment contracts, demand letters, and workplace documents in minutes. State-specific templates reviewed by lawyers.Create Business Documents →LegalNatureCreate employment agreements, NDAs, and workplace policy documents online. Attorney-drafted templates customized to your state.Create Documents →LegalZoomSend a demand letter or consult an employment attorney online. Fast, affordable, and no office visit required.Get Legal Help →