Working Hours and Overtime in Saudi Arabia

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, the standard working hours are set by law to ensure a balanced work-life dynamic. Employees are generally permitted to work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. However, during the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced to a maximum of 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees. Additionally, employees are entitled to a minimum rest period of 30 minutes for meals or prayers after 5 consecutive hours of work. The typical workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday designated as the weekend.

Maximum Working Hours in Saudi Arabia

Saudi labor law stipulates that employees should not exceed 8 working hours per day or 48 hours per week. In certain industries or roles, this may be extended to 9 hours per day or reduced to 7 hours per day, depending on the nature of the work and specific regulations. Employers must adhere to these limits to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries may have unique working hour regulations due to the nature of their operations. For instance, healthcare professionals, transportation workers, and those in hazardous environments may be subject to different working hour standards. These exceptions are determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and aim to address the specific needs and challenges of each industry.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Managerial and exempt employees, such as senior executives, may not be subject to the standard working hour regulations. Their working hours are often determined by the terms of their employment contracts. However, they are still entitled to certain protections under Saudi labor law, including compensation for overtime and rest periods.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Saudi Arabia

Full-time employment in Saudi Arabia is generally defined as working up to 48 hours per week. This standard applies across most industries and roles, ensuring consistency and fairness in employment practices. Employers are required to establish clear working hours in employment contracts to avoid disputes and ensure compliance with labor laws.

Overtime Regulations in Saudi Arabia

Overtime regulations in Saudi Arabia are designed to compensate employees fairly for additional work beyond standard hours. Employers must adhere to these regulations to maintain compliance and uphold employee rights.

What Counts As Overtime in Saudi Arabia?

Overtime is defined as any work performed beyond the standard 48-hour workweek, and applies when employees work beyond 8 hours pers day.

This includes hours worked on weekends, public holidays, or any additional hours worked during the week. Employers must ensure that overtime work is compensated appropriately and that employees are not required to work excessive hours without proper remuneration.

Maximum Overtime in Saudi Arabia

Employees cannot work more than 11 consecutive hours in one day (including overtime).

Employers are required to compensate overtime work at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly wage. Employers must ensure that overtime work does not exceed reasonable limits and that employees are not subjected to excessive working hours.

Overtime Payout Rates in Saudi Arabia

Overtime compensation is calculated at 1.5 times the employee's regular hourly wage. Employers and employees may agree to compensate overtime hours with paid leave instead of monetary compensation, contingent upon employee consent. This flexibility allows for a balance between financial compensation and time off. It's important to note that overtime work performed during public holidays or Eids is considered double time and must be compensated accordingly.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Saudi Arabia

Rest periods and breaks are essential for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. Saudi labor law mandates that employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 minutes of break time after 5 consecutive hours of work. These breaks are not counted as actual working hours and are intended for rest, meals, or prayers. Employers must ensure that employees have adequate rest periods to comply with labor laws and promote a healthy work environment.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts and weekend work are subject to specific regulations to protect employee health and well-being. Night work is generally defined as work performed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Employees working night shifts are entitled to compensatory benefits, which may include adjusted working hours, higher wages, or similar benefits. Employers are also responsible for providing night workers with health services and suitable transportation allowances. Additionally, night workers must be provided with a suitable transportation allowance for night work, appropriate means of transport when other transport services are not available, or compensation for transport charges.

Working during the designated weekly rest day or public holidays is considered overtime and must be compensated at a higher rate, typically double the standard rate. Employers must ensure that employees are aware of these regulations and are compensated fairly for weekend and holiday work.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

       
• Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
       
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• Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.