Working Hours in Saudi Arabia: Tips for Expatriate Workers
Key Highlights
- Saudi labour law says that standard working hours should be eight each day and 48 in a week. During Ramadan, the hours are less.
- Expatriate workers must get written, fixed-term job contracts. They also have the right to regular rest breaks and to get paid for overtime work.
- There are special rules for working hours in some sectors like construction, healthcare, and domestic work. These rules change with job needs.
- There is a midday work ban that keeps people safe from the very hot summer weather. If you break this rule, there are penalties.
- The rules for annual leave, public holidays, and regular rest days are strict. This helps give all employees a better balance in their work and life through the labour law.
Introduction
Understanding working hours in Saudi Arabia can be a challenge, especially if you are an expatriate employee who does not know much about the local labour law. The country has many people from other parts of the world working there, so it is important to know about the rules around employment contracts, daily and weekly working hours, and rest times. Saudi Arabia has these rules in place to keep both employers and foreign nationals safe and treated fairly. These clear rules help everyone know what they should do. In this guide, you can learn the basics of working hours in Saudi Arabia. This will help expatriate employees and other foreign nationals know their rights and what they need to do.
Overview of Working Hours Regulations in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s labor law sets a strong legal framework for working hours and adheres to the Saudi labor law principles. It also looks out for the rights of all employees, including foreign nationals and expatriate workers. The law gives clear rules about the most hours you can work each day and week. It covers meal breaks, overtime, and rules for different types of jobs.
Foreign nationals must follow these rules, no matter what type of contract they have. The law makes sure everyone is treated the same. Expatriate workers need to follow all of the working hours rules in Saudi Arabia. These rules are not just about how long you work, but also about the way work should be done. This helps make a good and fair workplace for all.
Key Provisions of Saudi Labour Law for Expatriate Workers
Foreign nationals make up a big part of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. The labour law in Saudi Arabia talks about the special needs of these workers. All expatriate workers need to have a written employment contract, either a fixed-term employment contract or an indefinite contract. This contract must clearly say the working hours, pay, and job duties. In the private sector, it is important that the employer and the employee both understand these terms. It will help keep away arguments at work.
The law says:
- Standard working hours should not go over eight each day or 48 each week.
- Overtime pay is needed if the hours go past these set times.
- Written contracts must show the type of work the person will do, how long the contract lasts, and the working hours.
Expatriate workers need to follow the rules of their work permit and the labour law in Saudi Arabia. Employers have to give and renew the work permit for the worker. Non-Saudi employees should work only in the job listed on their permit. This way, the system gives job security and legal protection to foreign nationals and Saudi employees in the private sector.
Definitions of Full-Time, Part-Time, and Shift Work
In Saudi Arabia, a full-time job means you have an employment contract that says you will work a set schedule. This is usually eight hours a day and 48 hours a week. The job gives you standard benefits, such as annual leave, sick leave, and health insurance, according to the labour law.
Part-time work in Saudi Arabia is different. It means you work fewer hours in a week, and how you work can be set up in another way. The employment contract for part-time jobs should clearly say what the working hours, job duties, and rights are. Expatriate employees still need to follow all Saudi labour laws, and if anything in your deal changes, it must be agreed in writing by both parties.
In industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail, shift work is normal. This means employees may need to work at night, or switch schedules often. Special rules are for some sectors, such as construction or retail. Their needs at work may lead to different working hours. All details about your hours and duties must be explained in your employment contract to make sure everything is clear and follows the laws.
Standard Working Hours per Day and Week
Saudi labour law gives clear rules about working hours. In the private sector, people should not work more than eight hours in a day or 48 hours in a week most of the time. These rules are for both Saudi nationals and other workers, so everyone gets fair treatment at work.
Some situations, like Ramadan or special needs in a sector, might change these hours. But any change still has to follow the labour law. Employers must put these changes into the work contract. This helps make things clear for both you and your boss.
Maximum Daily and Weekly Working Limits
Saudi labour law is strict about maximum working limits, but there are circumstances where employees may be asked to work longer hours. For instance, while the usual maximum is eight hours daily, up to 11 hours may be worked—including overtime—if operational needs require it and proper compensation is provided.
Working six days a week is standard, with at least one full day of rest. Employers must not exceed these limits except in cases of necessity, such as emergencies or specific sector needs, and overtime must always be paid at the legal rate.
| Category | Normal Limit | Maximum (with Overtime) | Weekly Rest Requirement |
| Daily Working Hours | 8 | 11 | One full day per week |
| Weekly Working Hours | 48 | 60 (inc. overtime) | One full day per week |
Employers violating these limits are subject to penalties and must justify extended hours per legal exceptions, always ensuring employees are compensated appropriately.
Differences in Working Hours Across Job Sectors
Working hours in Saudi Arabia can be very different depending on the job. In the private sector, most people work an eight-hour day. In the public sector, people maywork fewer hours each day or get longer lunch breaks. This can be even more common during Ramadan or when it is very hot.
Some industries have their own set of working hours:
- Retail workers can have split shifts or longer hours, especially when there are a lot of customers.
- People who work in construction must avoid working in the middle of the day during the hot summer because of special rules.
- Healthcare workers, like doctors and nurses, follow different shifts, even at night, so there is always someone at work.
- People in hospitality, like hotels, might see their hours change a lot, depending on what the guests need.
These different working hours help the work continue smoothly and still protect workers in line with the labour law in Saudi Arabia.
Workweek Structure and Official Weekend Days
In Saudi Arabia, the usual workweek starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. People have Friday and Saturday off as their weekend. This is not the same as most Western countries, where people usually rest on Saturday and Sunday.
All work contracts in Saudi Arabia must clearly say which days are the weekend. If you have to work on one of these days, you should get extra pay or time off later. Saudi National Day and other public holidays are also given as days off, which helps set the way people, in the country, work during the week.
Transition to the Saudi Workweek
Saudi Arabia changed its workweek by Royal Decree. The weekend moved from Thursday-Friday to Friday-Saturday. This was done to match up better with global markets. The change makes it easier to do business with partners from other places. It also shows how the Kingdom’s economy is changing.
For expatriate employees, it is very important to know about the working hours and how weekends are set in the type of employment contract. You should also pay attention to the duration of the contract. This is because public holidays and official rest days will affect your pay and leave.
Now, most sectors in Saudi Arabia use a Sunday-Thursday workweek. This may feel new to people who just come to the country. But it is now the usual way of working here. Knowing about these changes will help expatriates settle in more easily. You will have a better idea about rest days and working hours and can avoid any confusion.
Comparison with Global Workweeks
Saudi Arabia has a unique workweek, but it is much like what the other Gulf countries have. The weekend here is on Friday and Saturday. This matches the religious and cultural needs, because Friday is a special day for worship.
- In the United Arab Emirates, many businesses now give Saturday and Sunday off. This was changed so that the country could keep up with other places in the world.
- In most western countries, people work from Monday to Friday. They rest on Saturday and Sunday.
- Some Asian countries, like China, will also have Monday to Friday as work days. Sometimes, they work half a day on Saturday, too.
When you look at all these choices, it helps people new to Saudi Arabia know what to expect. You need to be clear on weekends and the rules for each area when you and your company talk about your work contract.
Breaks, Rest Periods, and Meal Times
Legally required rest and meal breaks are part of the working hours rules in Saudi Arabia. Employees should not work more than five hours in a row without a break. The employment contract needs to state when these rest and meal breaks will happen, especially for jobs with long shifts.
These breaks are important for keeping people healthy and helping them work well. All employees get these breaks, including expatriate workers. Employers have to write down these break times to follow labour law.
Legally Mandated Breaks During the Workday
Saudi law says that workers must get regular breaks during the workday. No person should work more than five hours in a row without a break or a meal that lasts at least 30 minutes. These breaks do not count as paid working hours unless you and your boss agree to it in the employment contract.
Key break provisions include:
- After five hours of work, you must get at least a 30-minute rest.
- Prayer time is usually included in these rest breaks, following the local customs.
- You can combine mealtime with rest breaks if both you and your employer agree.
These rest periods help support the wellbeing of each worker. They also help employers and staff follow Saudi labour law. Employers have to make the break and meal times clear in the employment contract. This helps keep things open for everyone and stops any disputes before they start.
Keywords included: working hours, employment contract, legal framework, labour law
Cumulative Rest in a Workweek
In Saudi Arabia, there is a law that gives all workers at least one full day off each week, usually on Friday. This weekly rest day is very important. It helps people get back their energy and gives them time for religious practices.
Everyone must get this weekly rest. Bosses cannot give money or more vacation days instead of the weekly rest. The only time this rule might change is for jobs in special sectors like healthcare or hotels. If someone has to work on their usual day off, they should get another day off or extra pay.
The legal framework in Saudi Arabia makes sure that everyone gets time off to be healthy and keep a good balance between work and life. Employment contracts in the country should say when the rest day is and show any special rules. This helps both the boss and the worker know their rights.
Overtime in Saudi Arabia
Overtime rules are set in Saudi Arabia’s labour law. When someone works more than eight hours in a day or 48 hours in a week, they get overtime pay. This is unless their employment contract says something else. The overtime pay is 150% of a worker’s usual hourly wage.
Employers and expatriate employees need to agree in writing about any overtime work. When they ask for extra hours, they must follow what is allowed by law. All overtime must be tracked and paid as the law says.
When Overtime Applies for Expatriates
Expatriate employees get overtime pay when they work more than the set limit of hours. You get overtime for any work the goes over eight hours a day or 48 hours in a week, unless your employment contract has a flexible plan.
Overtime happens a lot in jobs where demand goes up at some times, like retail stores during the holidays or on building sites close to finishing a job. Employers have to get the worker’s okay before they give you more tasks for extra hours. Your contract should say what the overtime rate is and when you get paid.
The law says workers must get paid the right rate for every extra hour they work. Employers who do not pay overtime face big fines and may get legal complaints from their people.
Calculating Overtime Wage Rates
Overtime pay in Saudi Arabia is worked out at 1.5 times the regular hourly wage of the employee, which is subject to the minimum wage regulations. The hourly wage comes from the total pay listed in the employment contract. This pay can include the basic salary and also any allowances, if there are any.
For example, if someone’s regular hourly wage is SAR 20, the overtime rate will be SAR 30 for every hour worked over the normal limit. Employers have to keep clear and correct records of overtime hours and pay. This is so they stay within the law.
Both the employer and employee should look at the employment contract to check how overtime pay is handled, as well as any related end of service benefits based on the length of service. If there is any kind of problem or disagreement about overtime hours, the Ministry of Human Resources in Saudi Arabia can step in. They work to make sure the pay is fair for all, and help settle any issues.
Sector-Specific Work Hour Rules
Work hour rules in Saudi Arabia are not the same for everyone. Different sectors like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and domestic work have their own set of rules. These are made to meet the needs of the job and to look after people who work there.
If you are an expatriate worker, you should always look at your work contract and see if it has special terms for your field. For example, jobs in healthcare can have night shifts. Construction jobs in Saudi Arabia can have bans on working outside during the hottest midday hours in summer. Knowing the ins and outs of these rules can help people avoid trouble, get fair treatment, and know what to expect at work.
Construction, Retail, and Hospitality Sectors
The construction, retail, and hospitality fields have different rules about working hours. This is because the kind of work, and where it’s done, can be very different. In construction, people do not work out in the middle of the day during the hot summer months. This is to help keep workers safe and healthy.
Retail and hospitality workers may need to work more hours or work split shifts. This often happens when the store or business has more people visiting. Here are the key points for each field:
- Construction: No work under the hot sun during summer between 12pm and 3pm to stop people from getting sick due to the heat.
- Retail: Sometimes, you have to work longer hours or be more flexible if it is a weekend, holiday, or big festival.
- Hospitality: People may work in shifts again and again and could be asked to work even when it is an official holiday.
- All sectors: If you work more time than the given hours, your employer has to pay you overtime pay.
Employers have to make sure they tell each worker about their shift timings and what hours they will work. This needs to be clear in the contract so both the employer and the worker know what to expect and follow the law.
Domestic Workers and Special Cases
Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia have different rules because of the kind of work they do. The general labour law applies to them, but their contracts need to clearly show working hours, breaks, and days off.
There are some special cases like live-in staff, drivers, or caregivers. These workers may have different schedules. Here are some main points to remember for these jobs:
- The daily working hours should be listed in the contract. There has to be enough time for rest.
- Each worker must get at least one day off every week.
- Overtime or extra work should be paid as agreed in the contract.
Employers need to put all job terms in writing. If you are an expatriate domestic worker, make sure you look over your contract before you begin work in Saudi Arabia. This will help you stay safe under the law and avoid any problems with your job.
Working Hours During Summer and Heat Restrictions
Saudi Arabia has strict rules about working hours in the summer. This is to protect employees from heat and keep them safe. There is a midday work ban to follow. This ban does not allow people to work outside from 12pm to 3pm between June and September. It is important for those in construction and other outdoor jobs.
Employers need to change work times so that they do not break these rules. Expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia should take some time to check their work contracts. They should also look at how things are done at their worksites. This will help them follow the law and stay healthy in the hottest months.
Midday Work Ban and Application Period
The midday work ban is an important summer safety rule enforced by the Ministry of Labor in Saudi Arabia. This law is in place from June to September. It does not allow outdoor work between 12pm and 3pm. The ban helps workers avoid heatstroke and tiredness.
Key application points include:
- The rule is for construction, landscaping, and other jobs done outside.
- Every work contract in these areas must show that they follow this law.
- The ban is for both Saudi nationals and expatriate workers, whether their contracts are fixed or indefinite.
- Employers need to change working hours and make sure there are shaded rest spots during this time.
The Ministry of Human Resources in Saudi Arabia watches to see if companies follow these working hours. There are big fines if they do not, so it is important for all to protect worker safety.
Penalties for Violations of Summer Work Regulations
Saudi authorities put a lot of focus on making sure summer work rules are followed. Employers must not break the midday work ban or have workers outside for too long during very hot times. If they do, there can be big fines and they could even lose their business licence for a while.
The ministry of human resources checks this by doing surprise checks and looking into complaints that workers send in. If they find that a rule has been broken, the penalties may be:
- Financial fines paid for each worker who is affected.
- Stopping work until the business can show they follow the rules.
- Listing companies that break the rules for the public to see.
If a company breaks these rules again or does something very serious, it might be forced to close down for some time or even for good. Protecting people at work comes first in Saudi labour law. That is why it is so important to follow the summer working hours rules set by the ministry of human resources.
Ramadan Adjustments to Working Hours
During the month of Ramadan, working hours in Saudi Arabia are made shorter by labour law because of the religious time that happens during the lunar cycle. Muslim employees should only work six hours a day or 36 hours each week. This is to help them manage fasting, prayer, and work.
Non-Muslim expatriates might also get to work fewer hours, but this depends on where they work. These new working hours should be written into the employment contract. Employers need to tell their staff about these changes before they start.
Reduced Hours for Muslim and Non-Muslim Employees
Ramadan brings a change to working hours in Saudi Arabia. Muslim workers get their working time cut down to six hours a day, or 36 hours a week. This new schedule helps them have time for fasting and for prayer.
Key points:
- Employers have to give shorter working hours to Muslim employees during Ramadan.
- Other employees, who are not Muslim, may also get reduced hours. This depends on the company and what work needs to get done.
- Some jobs, like ones in hospitals, must go on all day. For these jobs, companies may use flexible shifts. But, the total working hours should still follow the rules for reduced time.
Employers must tell everyone about the changes before Ramadan starts. All rules about Ramadan working hours need to be included in the employment contract or the workplace rules. This helps everyone know what to do and makes sure the rules are legal and fair.
Ramadan Policies for Expatriates
Expatriate employees, no matter their religion, might see reduced working hours during Ramadan. This depends on the company’s rules. The law mainly covers Muslim workers who are fasting, but many companies give the same changes to all the staff. It helps keep the team working well together.
Employment contracts need to say if expatriate workers can get reduced working hours during Ramadan. If they do, these workers still get paid the same wage. If someone works extra hours over the new limit, the company should pay overtime for that.
If a company is in a field where they must keep things running all the time, they should use a shift plan. This stops any one person from taking on too much work. Companies also need to talk openly with their staff and make their rules clear. That way, everyone knows what to expect during Ramadan, and expatriate employees feel included.
Annual Leave, Public Holidays, and Their Impact on Working Hours
Annual leave and public holidays are a key part of the work life in Saudi Arabia. Employees get paid annual leave that depends on their years of service. Public holidays, including days for religious reasons, are some of the main paid days off in Saudi Arabia.
Each job contract should say the rules for taking both annual leave and public holidays. This includes when you must let your boss know you want time off. If someone works on a public holiday, they should get overtime pay or take another day off instead. This helps keep their right to rest safe.
Annual Leave Entitlements
Saudi labour law says that after one year of service, employees get at least 21 days of annual leave and are entitled to medical leave. If an employee stays for five years in a row, this days of annual leave goes up to 30 days. This helps keep people working at their jobs and lets them have a better life both at work and at home.
Annual leave is not the same as public holidays, and both the employee and employer have to agree on the leave dates. Employees should ask for annual leave ahead of time, following what is set in their employment contract. The employer can only say no to annual leave if there is a real and clear need for it at work.
If public holidays come during a period of annual leave, they are not counted as part of the annual leave days. This is to make sure employees get the exact number of leave days promised under labour law. It also helps stop arguments about how much leave people get.
Public Holidays and Religious Observances
Public holidays in Saudi Arabia are set by the government. These days include both national events and religious days. The main public holidays are:
- Saudi National Day
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Arafat Day
- Founding Day
On these days, employees get full pay. If anyone has to work on a public holiday, they get extra pay or another day off. This is based on what their employment contract says.
Every employer must write down the rules for public holidays and how pay is handled on these days. Good planning of holiday leave keeps a happy team. It also helps employers follow Saudi labour law.
Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights Related to Working Hours
Employers in Saudi Arabia have some key jobs when it comes to following the rules about working hours. They need to give workers clear contracts that show the right hours. They must also watch the number of working hours and keep good records of any overtime work. In recent years, employees in Saudi Arabia should get fair pay for their work and enough rest. They also need to feel safe and not work for too many hours.
If someone breaks the labour law about working hours in Saudi Arabia, the fines and punishments can be serious. It is important for both employers and employees to stay up-to-date with new rules and changes. This way, everyone can avoid problems and make sure their rights at work are protected.
Preventing Excessive Working Hours
Saudi labour law does not allow employees to work too many hours. This is there to protect the rights of people who work. Employers have to keep a close look at the working hours and make sure staff do not go over the daily or weekly limits. There are some cases set out in law, where staff can work extra but then must get overtime pay.
The law says employers must:
- Do regular checks of work schedules and payroll records.
- Give social security registration to all staff who should have it.
- Fix any mistakes right away so they do not get any penalties.
If employers do not control working hours the way the law wants, they can have to pay fines or maybe be stopped from doing business for some time. Employees who think they are not being treated well can put in a report to the ministry of human resources. The ministry of human resources will then look into what happened and make the employer fix the problem.
Protections Against Workplace Abuse
Safeguards against workplace abuse play a big part in Saudi Arabia’s labour law. Every employee has the right to tell someone about abuse, unfair treatment, or unsafe working conditions. They do not need to be scared of getting punished for speaking up. This covers many things, such as being forced to work extra hours, not getting paid, or doing the job in ways that are not safe.
Employers must give clear ways for workers to make complaints. They also have to check all claims quickly. The Ministry of Human Resources may give fines, ask for things to be fixed, or take really bad cases to the courts.
Both workers and bosses need to help keep workplaces safe and kind. If you know your rights and what the law says about your place of work, you can take action if something bad happens. This helps everyone do the right thing and makes work better for all. The labour law in Saudi Arabia is set up to protect people and build trust on the job with help from human resources and the Ministry of Human Resources.
Penalties and Enforcement for Working Hour Violations
Not following set working hours in Saudi Arabia can cost employers a lot. If they break labor law rules, like not sticking to agreed work times, the Ministry of Human Resources can give fines and other punishments. Companies that keep doing this may lose their business license. Expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia should know their rights under labor law. The law gives you protection from unfair work and makes sure the company treats you well and sticks to your work contract. This helps everyone work in a fair and safe way, with support from human resources if there are problems.
Legal Recourse for Expatriate Workers
Expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia can use different legal steps to protect their rights under the labor law. These rights help them deal with problems about working hours like overtime pay and annual leave. If there is a problem with the termination process or their employment contract, expatriates can go to the Ministry of Human Resources for help or to file a formal complaint. It is important to fully know what is in the employment contract. This includes details about health insurance, health insurance coverage, and severance pay. Knowing your rights will help you get fair treatment and protect you from being treated badly in the private sector.
Conclusion
Dealing with working hours in Saudi Arabia can be tricky if you do not know the rules. It’s important for expatriate workers to know their rights about jobs, regular hours, overtime pay, and types of leave like sick leave or maternity leave. If you learn and understand how the Ministry of Human Resources sets the rules and what your work contract has in it, you can look out for yourself and be sure you follow the rules set for working in Saudi Arabia. This helps make sure you get a good work-life balance and that you do not miss out on anything the law says should be yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in working hours for expatriates versus Saudi nationals?
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often work under different rules than Saudi nationals. While Saudi nationals may have some rights at work, expatriates usually must follow stricter rules in their contracts. They might work longer hours and not get extra benefits. It is important for expatriates to know about these differences so they can handle their work life in Saudi Arabia in a better way.
Can my employer require me to work through rest periods or on official holidays?
In Saudi Arabia, an employer can ask people to work during rest times or holidays. But the rules for this are very strict. If you are working extra hours, you should get compensation for the time you give. To know more about your rights, look at your work contract and the local labor laws in Saudi Arabia.
What should I do if my employer violates working hours laws?
If you see that your boss breaks the rules about working hours, be sure to write down every time it happens. Note the dates and times of each event. Then tell the right authorities or your local labor office about it. You might also want to talk to a lawyer to know your rights and what steps you can take.
How many hours do you work per week?
In Saudi Arabia, the standard working hours are typically 40 to 48 hours per week. Most employees work five to six days a week, with Friday being a common day off. It’s important for expatriate workers to be aware of local labor laws regarding overtime and holidays.
