Working Hours & Overtime
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
The Labour Law limits how many hours you can work and requires extra pay for overtime:
- Normal hours: Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
- Ramadan hours: For Muslim employees, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week during the holy month.
- Overtime pay: Any hours beyond the daily or weekly limit must be paid at 150% of the normal hourly rate (base wage plus allowances divided by working hours).
- Rest day work: If you work on your weekly rest day, you get overtime pay or a replacement rest day.
- Friday rest: Friday is the default weekly rest day, though employers can substitute another day with MHRSD approval.
Your employer cannot force you to work more than 11 hours total in any single day, including overtime.
When does it apply?
- You are employed under the Labour Law (most private sector workers).
- Both Saudi and expatriate employees are covered.
- Some roles like senior managers may be exempt from overtime rules but not from rest day requirements.
What should you do?
- Track your hours — keep a personal record of your start time, end time, and any overtime worked.
- If your employer is not paying overtime, raise it in writing first.
- File a complaint with MHRSD or the Labour Courts if overtime pay is withheld.
- During Ramadan, confirm your schedule reflects the 6-hour limit if you are Muslim.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work unpaid overtime without documenting it — you need records to support a claim.
- Do not agree to waive overtime pay — the Labour Law does not allow employees to give up this right.
- Do not confuse total compensation with overtime — a flat monthly salary does not automatically cover unlimited overtime hours.
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