How overtime is calculated in Bahrain
Hourly = wage ÷ 30 ÷ 8 (48-hour week, 36 in Ramadan). Work on the weekly rest day or a public holiday is paid at 150% and compensated with another day off.
Worked example
BHD 400: hourly = 400 ÷ 30 ÷ 8 = 1.67. Ten hours of daytime overtime (125%) = 10 × 1.67 × 1.25 = BHD 20.83.
Overtime rates across the GCC
| Country | Weekday | Night | Rest day / holiday | Hourly basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 125% | 150% | 150% | basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8 |
| Qatar | 125% | 150% | 150% | basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8 |
| Saudi Arabia | 150% | 150% | 150% | basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8 |
| Oman | 125% | 150% | 200% | basic ÷ 30 ÷ 9 |
| Bahrain | 125% | 150% | 150% | full ÷ 30 ÷ 8 |
| Kuwait | 125% | — | 150% / 200% | full ÷ 26 ÷ 8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the overtime rate in Bahrain?
Daytime overtime (125%); Night 7pm–7am (150%); Rest day / public holiday (150% + day off). Legal basis: Law 36/2012, Art. 54–55.
How do I calculate my hourly rate for overtime in Bahrain?
Monthly wage ÷ 30 days ÷ 8 hours. Example: BHD 400 → BHD 1.67 per hour; one weekday overtime hour = BHD 2.08.
Is overtime calculated on basic or gross salary in Bahrain?
On the full wage including regular allowances.
Is there a limit on overtime hours in Bahrain?
No fixed daily cap in the law, but annual limits and health-and-safety rules apply. See the notes above.
Can my employer give time off instead of overtime pay?
For work on the weekly rest day most GCC laws allow a substitute day off (sometimes plus a premium). For ordinary weekday overtime the law requires payment; time-off-in-lieu arrangements need your agreement.
Are managers entitled to overtime?
Most GCC labour laws allow employers to exclude senior managerial or supervisory staff from working-hours provisions by contract or ministerial decision. Check your contract and job classification.
Is overtime pay subject to tax or social insurance?
There is no personal income tax in the GCC. For nationals, overtime is generally excluded from the pensionable wage used for GOSI/PASI/GRSIA contributions.