Working Hours and Overtime in Oman

In Oman, your company must comply with working hour and overtime laws – including daily limits, overtime thresholds, and rest requirements – to stay compliant and build a strong employee experience.

As you plan workforce schedules through 2026, you should expect continued enforcement of existing working time rules, closer scrutiny of overtime practices, and a growing expectation that employers document hours accurately and provide transparent information to employees. Aligning contracts, policies, and timekeeping systems with Omani labour law will help you avoid disputes, support employee wellbeing, and respond effectively to any future regulatory updates or digital reporting requirements.

• Standard Working Hours
• Overtime Thresholds
• Overtime Pay Rates
• Daily And Weekly Rest Requirements
• Night Work Restrictions
• Penalties For Non-Compliance

What Are The Standard Working Hours In Oman?

An employee whose age is 15 or younger has a maximum of 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week. An employee whose age is 16 or older is allowed to work 45 hours per week. A minimum meal interval of 30 minutes must be observed by employees who work more than 6 consecutive hours in a day. In typical working hours, Monday through Friday, the hours are 8:00 to 17:00.

Maximum Working Hours In Oman

Under Omani labour law, the general limit for adult employees is 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week, excluding unpaid meal and rest breaks. During the month of Ramadan, Muslim employees are subject to a reduced limit of 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week. You should structure work schedules so that employees do not exceed these limits on a regular basis, and you must record actual hours worked to demonstrate compliance in the event of an inspection or dispute.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

• Continuous Process Industries – Such As Oil, Gas, And Petrochemicals
• Hotels, Restaurants, And Tourism Establishments
• Transport, Shipping, And Port Operations
• Healthcare Facilities And Emergency Services
• Security, Guarding, And Surveillance Services
• Seasonal And Peak-Period Activities, Such As Retail And Hospitality

Managerial And Exempt Employees

Senior managerial and supervisory employees in Oman may have more flexible working arrangements, but they are not automatically exempt from working time protections. Employment contracts for managers should clearly define responsibilities, expected availability, and any special arrangements regarding overtime eligibility and compensation. Even where managers are paid higher salaries or receive allowances, you should ensure that their working hours remain reasonable, that they receive adequate rest, and that any agreed overtime or additional allowances are documented in writing to avoid later claims.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours In Oman

Statutory full-time work in Oman is generally based on a 45-hour workweek, typically spread over 5 or 6 days, depending on the sector and company policy. Many employers adopt a 5-day week of 9 hours per day, while others operate 6 days with shorter daily hours. When designing full-time roles, you should align contractual hours with the statutory limits, specify normal working days and daily start–end times, and clarify how overtime will be authorized and compensated. Any regular requirement to work beyond 45 hours per week should be treated as overtime and managed in line with legal rules.

Overtime Regulations In Oman

What Counts As Overtime In Oman?

In Oman, overtime is generally any time an employee works beyond the statutory normal working hours – usually more than 9 hours in a day or 45 hours in a week for adult employees, or beyond the reduced limits during Ramadan for Muslim employees. Overtime must be expressly requested or approved by the employer, and you should avoid informal practices where employees stay late without clear authorization. Work performed on weekly rest days or public holidays is also treated as overtime and attracts higher pay rates or compensatory rest, depending on the circumstances and agreement with the employee.

Maximum Overtime In Oman

Omani law requires that overtime be exceptional rather than routine. While the legislation allows employers to require overtime in cases of necessity – such as urgent work, prevention of accidents, or dealing with operational emergencies – you must ensure that total working hours, including overtime, remain within safe and reasonable limits. As a best practice, you should cap overtime so that employees do not regularly exceed an average of 12 hours of work per day, and you should monitor monthly and annual overtime totals to prevent fatigue and health and safety risks. Written policies should define who may authorize overtime, how long it may last, and how it will be recorded and compensated.

Overtime Payout Rates In Oman

Overtime in Oman must be compensated at enhanced rates above the employee’s basic hourly wage. For overtime worked on ordinary working days, employees are typically entitled to their basic wage plus at least 25 percent for daytime overtime and at least 50 percent for night-time overtime. When employees work on their weekly rest day or on an official public holiday, they are generally entitled to either a compensatory rest day plus additional pay, or a higher overtime premium – often at least 100 percent of the basic wage for the hours worked. You should clearly describe overtime rates in employment contracts and internal policies, ensure payroll systems apply the correct multipliers, and keep detailed records of hours and payments to demonstrate compliance.

Rest Periods And Breaks In Oman

Employees in Oman typically work up to 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week, with reduced limits for certain groups such as Muslim employees during Ramadan and younger workers. Within these standard hours, employers must provide adequate rest periods and breaks – including meal breaks during the working day, daily rest between shifts, and weekly rest days – to protect employee health and safety and to ensure that total working time, including any overtime, does not become excessive.

• Meal Break Requirements
• Daily Rest
• Weekly Rest
• Minors
• Employer Duties