Understanding Legal Saudi Labor Law working hours

Saudi Labor Law working hours are essential for both employers and employees operating in the Kingdom. The law, as outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, defines clear standards to ensure employee well-being, regulate fair labor practices, and support workplace efficiency. From daily and weekly work hour limits to special considerations during Ramadan and hazardous work, Saudi Arabia’s legal framework seeks to balance productivity with human dignity.

This guide explains everything you need to know about legal working hours, rest periods, and employer obligations — all in alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on occupational safety and labor rights.

Saudi Labor Law working hours

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has established clear regulations regarding actual working hours under the Labor Law Saudi. Employers are strictly prohibited from forcing employees to work overtime without their explicit consent, and any additional hours must be fairly compensated.

Here are the official provisions for working hours in both public and private sectors:

• Standard working hours as per Saudi labor law​ are limited to 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
• During Ramadan, Saudi labor law for Ramadan working hours​ is reduced to 6 hours per day for Muslim employees, resulting in a weekly average of 36 hours.
• Employees must not work more than 5 consecutive hours without a rest break, which may be used for prayer or meals according to Saudi Labor Law working hours.
  No employee should be present at the workplace for more than 12 hours in total per day; violating this rule could lead to legal consequences for the employer.
• Employers have no authority over workers during rest periods.
• The weekly rest day is generally Friday, but for certain industries, this may be replaced by another day of the week, provided the relevant labor office is informed.

According to Article 99 of the Saudi Labour Law:

• Working hours may be extended to 9 hours per day instead of 8 for specific worker categories or in particular industries.
• Conversely, for hazardous or physically demanding work, daily working hours may be reduced to 7 hours.

As per Article 100, shift-based or alternating schedules are permissible, provided that the average daily working time does not exceed 8 hours over the scheduling period

Check out: Saudi Labor Law Article 81: The Employee Rights

Rest Breaks Under the Saudi Labour Law

As outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, employers must organize rest periods during the workday in a way that safeguards the employee’s well-being. Workers must not be required to work more than five continuous hours without being granted a rest break of no less than 30 minutes to recover and resume work productively.

During this break, the employee may perform prayers, have a meal, or use the time for any personal reason. The employer is not allowed to control the worker’s actions during this time or assign tasks without the worker’s explicit consent.

In total, the worker must not remain at the workplace for more than 11 hours per day, including both working hours and rest time.

For legal inquiries related to work hours or employee rights, you can consult a specialized labor attorney from Etqan Law Firm, who can provide clear legal explanations of Saudi Labor Law working hours.

Read also: A Comprehensive Guide: Saudi Labor Law Resignation Benefits

How Working Hours Are Calculated & Occupational Safety Requirements in SA?

In Saudi Arabia, working hours are calculated based on one of two standards, depending on the employer’s chosen system:

• Daily Standard: The employee works 8 actual hours per day.
• Weekly Standard: Working hours are limited to 48 hours per week, as per Article 98 of the Saudi Labour Law.

During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day, or 36 hours per week, to accommodate fasting employees.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom places significant emphasis on implementing occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations in both public and private institutions to ensure safe and healthy work environments.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development mandates that employers meet specific safety standards, including:

• Maintaining the workplace in a clean, well-lit condition, with access to clean drinking water and wash facilities.
• Taking all necessary precautions to protect workers from occupational hazards.
• Informing employees about job-related risks before they begin their duties, and providing adequate protective equipment.
• Requiring employees to use safety tools properly, maintain them, and follow safety instructions.
• Implementing fire prevention measures and ensuring emergency exits are accessible and maintained.
• The employer bears full responsibility for workplace emergencies and any accidents involving employees.

Conclusion

Navigating Saudi Labor Law working hours require awareness of not only the daily and weekly limits but also the broader occupational safety responsibilities placed on employers.

Learn about: Saudi Labor Law Article 80: Employee Termination Rights

For those seeking legal clarity, support, or representation in employment-related matters, Etqan Law Firm offers specialized guidance tailored to Saudi labor regulations. Their legal experts ensure that both workers and companies operate within full legal compliance while safeguarding rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +96656113776, +966541110440, +966504315333.

Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:

• Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
• Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
• Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.

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