Working Hours and Overtime in Qatar
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Qatar's Labour Law sets clear limits on working hours:
- Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
- During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day (36 per week) for all workers.
- Overtime pay is at least basic wage plus 25% for extra hours.
- Night work between 9 PM and 6 AM earns a premium of basic wage plus 50%.
- Workers must get a rest break after 5 consecutive hours. Breaks are not counted as working time.
- Every worker is entitled to at least one rest day per week, usually Friday.
These limits apply to workers under the Labour Law. Workers in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) are governed by the QFC Employment Regulations, which have their own provisions on hours and overtime.
When does it apply?
- You are employed under a contract governed by the Qatar Labour Law.
- You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.
- You work during Ramadan and your employer has not reduced your hours.
What to Do If Your Qatar Employer Refuses to Pay Overtime
- Track your own working hours in addition to any employer records.
- If you are not receiving overtime pay, raise the issue with your employer in writing.
- File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008) if your employer refuses to pay overtime.
- The Workers' Dispute Resolution Committees can order overtime payment within three weeks if the employer does not comply.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract. Any clause that removes your right to overtime is void under Qatar law.
- Do not confuse allowances with overtime pay. Overtime must be calculated on your basic wage, not on allowances.
- Do not assume salaried workers have no overtime rights. The law applies to most employees regardless of pay structure.
Common Questions
When does it apply — working hours and overtime?
You are employed under a contract governed by the Qatar Labour Law.You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.You work during Ramadan and your employer has not reduced your hours.
What should I do if my employer in Qatar is not paying me overtime or making me work excessive hours?
Track your own working hours in addition to any employer records.If you are not receiving overtime pay, raise the issue with your employer in writing.File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008) if your employer refuses to pay overtime.The Workers' Dispute Resolution Committees can order overtime payment within three weeks if the employer does not comply.
What should you NOT do — working hours and overtime?
Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract. Any clause that removes your right to overtime is void under Qatar law.Do not confuse allowances with overtime pay. Overtime must be calculated on your basic wage, not on allowances.Do not assume salaried workers have no overtime rights. The law applies to most employees regardless of pay structure.