Last Updated on May 16, 2025
Understanding overtime calculation in Saudi Arabia is essential for both workers and employers. It ensures that employees are fairly compensated for extra hours, while helping companies comply with Saudi labour laws.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has established labour laws to protect both employers and workers, much like other GCC countries such as the UAE and Qatar.
However, overtime calculation in Saudi Arabia is unique due to its structured approach. In the GCC, KSA is the first country that has introduced a minimum salary for foreign workers.
Regular Working Hours Under Saudi Labour Law
According to the Saudi Labour Law:
- Standard working hours are 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week, from Monday to Thursday.
- For hazardous jobs, the maximum is 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week.
- During Ramadan, Muslim workers’ hours have been reduced to 6 hours per day.
- Workers usually work 6 days a week, with 1 rest day.
Employers provide Muslim employees with prayer breaks on Fridays to attend mosque as part of their legal entitlement.
In some non-continuous working jobs, the working hours can be extended to 9 hours per day, depending on operational needs.
Overtime Rate in Saudi Arabia
The overtime rate in Saudi Arabia is 150% of the employee’s regular hourly wage—that’s your hourly wage + 50% extra.
The law does not differentiate between normal days, weekends, or public holidays like Eid. That means whether you work on a Friday, a public holiday, or a night shift, the same 1.5x rate applies.
Eid Holiday Overtime Calculation in Saudi Arabia
Working during Eid holidays is treated as overtime. The same rate applies — 150% of the basic hourly wage — regardless of the occasion. This makes it easy for employers and employees to apply a single calculation across all scenarios.
How to Calculate Overtime Pay in Saudi Arabia
Here’s how to calculate your overtime pay if your monthly salary is SAR 3,000:
- Calculate your hourly wage:
SAR 3,000 × 12 / 365 / 8 = SAR 12.32 per hour - Overtime wage per hour:
SAR 12.32 × 1.5 = SAR 18.48 - Assume 70 overtime hours per month:
70 × SAR 18.48 = SAR 1,293.6
So, if you worked 70 extra hours, your overtime pay would be approximately SAR 1,294.
Use Our Overtime Calculator
To make it easier for you, we’ve created a simple overtime calculator for Saudi Arabia. Just enter your monthly salary and overtime hours, and it will automatically calculate your overtime compensation according to the latest rules under Saudi labour law.
Whether you’re calculating Eid holiday overtime in Saudi Arabia or regular overtime, this tool ensures accurate results every time.
Eligibility for Overtime in Saudi Arabia
Who Is Not Entitled to Overtime Pay in Saudi Arabia?
While most employees are eligible for overtime pay, Article 108 of the Saudi Labour Law outlines specific exemptions. Employers may not grant overtime compensation to the following categories of workers:
- Guards and janitors (excluding civil security personnel): Security guards and janitors typically fall outside standard overtime laws unless they are part of civil security forces.
- Persons in high-ranking management or policy-making roles: Employers may exclude senior employees who supervise others and help set company policies or decisions from overtime rules.
- Workers involved in preparatory or supplemental tasks: Employees may perform tasks before or after regular working hours, such as equipment setup or shutdown procedures, which employers may exclude from overtime compensation.
- Jobs that are intermittent by nature: Employees whose work is not continuous or occurs at irregular intervals may not be covered by overtime rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is overtime allowed on Fridays in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. If you work on your rest day, such as Friday, it is treated as overtime and paid at 150% of your hourly wage.
2. Does the overtime include housing and transport allowances?
Usually, overtime calculation in Saudi Arabia salary is based on the basic salary only, not on total salary including allowances, unless otherwise mentioned in the contract.
3. What is the overtime rate in Saudi Arabia during public holidays like Eid?
It remains 1.5x the hourly wage, as per Saudi Labour Law. There’s no special multiplier for holidays.
4. Do part-time employees get overtime?
Yes, if their working hours exceed those agreed upon in the contract.
5. What if my employer refuses to pay overtime?
You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
Conclusion
Whether you’re working a regular shift or extra hours during holidays, knowing your rights regarding overtime calculation in Saudi Arabia helps ensure fair treatment.
With the clear overtime rate in Saudi Arabia, employees can calculate their expected wages and protect themselves from underpayment.
How to Check your KSA Visa Online?
