Working hours in Saudi Arabia are strictly regulated under the Labor Law, and every private-sector employee should know their rights.
This guide explains normal working hours, Ramadan hours, overtime rules, breaks, rest days, and exceptions for specific industries.
Standard Working Hours in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Labor Law sets the maximum normal working hours at 8 hours per day. If calculated weekly, the limit is 48 hours per week.
This means most companies follow a six-day workweek of eight hours daily. Some companies use a five-day schedule while keeping the total under 48 hours weekly.
Ramadan Working Hours for Muslims
Ramadan has special rules for Muslim employees. Their working hours must not exceed 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week.
These shorter hours apply only to Muslim workers who are fasting. Non-Muslim employees usually follow the normal schedule unless their employer voluntarily reduces hours.
Overtime: Pay and Rules
Any work beyond the daily or weekly limit becomes overtime. Overtime pay must be at least 150% of the hourly wage.
Work done on official holidays or weekends is also treated as overtime. Employees can agree with their employer to receive compensatory paid leave instead of cash overtime.
Daily Breaks and Maximum Presence
Workers cannot work more than 5 continuous hours without a break. Breaks must be at least 30 minutes for rest, meals, or prayers.
A worker cannot remain at the workplace for more than 12 total hours in a single day. Break times do not count as working hours.
Weekly Rest Days
Under Saudi Labor Law, employees must receive at least one full paid weekly rest day of 24 hours. Friday is usually the official weekly holiday.
Employees cannot be required to work more than six consecutive days without a full day of rest. Some companies voluntarily offer two weekly days off, but it is not mandatory by law.
Calculation of Monthly and Yearly Working Hours
Although not stated directly in the law, the limits can be estimated. At 48 hours per week, employees work about 192 hours per month.
On a yearly basis, that becomes approximately 2,496 hours. These numbers only apply if no overtime is worked.
Industry Exceptions and Special Cases
Some jobs have different rules due to their nature. The Labor Law allows modified working hours for such roles.
1. Jobs Requiring Longer Daily Hours
For certain lighter or non-continuous jobs, companies may extend hours to 9 hours per day. For dangerous or physically demanding jobs, the limit may reduce to 7 hours.
2. Shift-Based or 24-Hour Operations
Hospitals, factories, hotels, and similar workplaces often use shift systems. These businesses may adjust daily hours as long as the 3-week average stays within the legal limits.
3. Seasonal or Emergency Work
During inventory periods or emergencies, the law may allow up to 10 hours per day. Weekly hours may reach 60 hours, but only for short periods.
4. Remote Locations
Worksites such as oil fields or desert projects may combine weekly rest days. This allows longer working stretches followed by long breaks, with ministry approval.
5. Domestic Workers
Domestic workers follow a separate law, not the standard Labor Law. They must receive at least 9 hours of continuous daily rest and one weekly rest day.
Overtime Limits
Overtime must be paid at 150% of the normal hourly wage. This applies whenever hours exceed the daily or weekly standard.
Even in exceptional cases, the temporary limit is 10 hours per day and 60 hours per week. These exceptions cannot be used continuously throughout the year.
Recent Labor Law Updates (2024–2025)
Saudi Arabia approved new Labor Law amendments in 2024. These changes took effect in early 2025.The updates do not change the core working-hours rules.
The 8-hour daily and 48-hour weekly maximums remain in place. The amendments strengthen overtime-in-lieu-of-leave rules and clarify other benefits.
Future regulations may add more details, so employees should stay updated.
Summary of Saudi Working Hours
Here’s a quick recap of the key limits.
This helps employees understand their rights at a glance:
- Standard hours: 8 hours per day, 48 per week
- Ramadan (Muslims): 6 hours per day, 36 per week
- Overtime pay: 150% minimum
- Breaks: 30 minutes after 5 continuous hours
- Weekly rest: Minimum one paid 24-hour rest day
- Exceptions: Some jobs may have 7, 9, or 10-hour limits depending on industry
- Domestic workers: Separate rules apply
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Working hours and labor regulations may vary based on job type, industry, or updated government directives. Employees and employers should refer to the official Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) resources or seek professional guidance for specific cases.