Working Hours & Overtime in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi Arabia's working-hour rules include a feature found nowhere else in the Gulf — a mandatory reduction during Ramadan for Muslim employees:
- Normal hours: Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
- Ramadan hours: For Muslim employees, working hours drop to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week during the holy month. This is a legal requirement, not a courtesy.
- Overtime pay: Hours beyond the daily or weekly limit must be paid at 150% of the normal hourly rate (base wage plus regular allowances divided by regular working hours).
- Rest day work: If you work on your weekly rest day, you receive overtime pay or a replacement rest day.
- Friday rest: Friday is the default weekly rest day. Employers can substitute another day only with MHRSD approval.
- Maximum daily cap: No worker can be required to work more than 11 hours total in any single day, including overtime.
The Ramadan reduction applies universally — it covers Saudi and expatriate Muslim employees alike, and employers cannot require Muslim workers to make up the reduced hours later.
When does it apply?
- You are employed under the Labour Law (most private-sector workers, Saudi and expatriate).
- During Ramadan, your employer is scheduling you for more than 6 hours per day as a Muslim employee.
- Some senior management roles may be exempt from overtime rules but not from rest day requirements.
What to Do If Your Employer Ignores Saudi Arabia's Working Hours or Overtime Rules
- Track your hours: Keep a personal record of start times, end times, and overtime — especially during Ramadan.
- If overtime pay is withheld, raise it in writing first, then file a complaint through MHRSD (19911) or the Labour Courts via Najiz.
- During Ramadan, confirm your schedule reflects the 6-hour limit if you are Muslim.
- Check your Qiwa contract to confirm your normal working hours match what was agreed.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work unpaid overtime without documenting it — you need records to support a Labour Court claim.
- Do not agree to waive overtime pay — the Labour Law does not allow employees to contract away this right.
- Do not confuse a flat monthly salary with unlimited-hours coverage — overtime pay is separate from your base wage.
Common Questions
When does it apply — working hours & overtime?
You are employed under the Labour Law (most private-sector workers, Saudi and expatriate).During Ramadan, your employer is scheduling you for more than 6 hours per day as a Muslim employee.Some senior management roles may be exempt from overtime rules but not from rest day requirements.
What should I do if my employer is not paying overtime or is scheduling me beyond legal working hours in Saudi Arabia?
Track your hours: Keep a personal record of start times, end times, and overtime — especially during Ramadan.If overtime pay is withheld, raise it in writing first, then file a complaint through MHRSD (19911) or the Labour Courts via Najiz.During Ramadan, confirm your schedule reflects the 6-hour limit if you are Muslim.Check your Qiwa contract to confirm your normal working hours match what was agreed.
What should you NOT do — working hours & overtime?
Do not work unpaid overtime without documenting it — you need records to support a Labour Court claim.Do not agree to waive overtime pay — the Labour Law does not allow employees to contract away this right.Do not confuse a flat monthly salary with unlimited-hours coverage — overtime pay is separate from your base wage.