Not legal advice
Content summarises labour law as published by each GCC ministry, current as of May 2026. Not a substitute for legal advice. Employment law is jurisdiction-specific and subject to change. For contracts, disputes, visa issues, or any decision with legal consequences, consult a qualified labour lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.
Not legal advice
This guide summarizes Kuwait employment law for informational use only. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified labour lawyer. Employment law is complex and jurisdiction-specific. For contracts, disputes, visas, or decisions with legal consequences, consult a licensed labour lawyer in your jurisdiction.
Quick summary
Standard hours are 48 per week or 8 per day. During Ramadan, hours are reduced to 36 per week (6 per day). Overtime is paid at 125% of basic wage with night and weekend premiums. Outdoor work in extreme summer heat is regulated. Friday is the weekly rest day.
Standard working hours
Article 64 of Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 caps standard working hours at 48 per week or 8 per day. During Ramadan the daily standard drops to 6 hours (36 per week) for Muslim employees. The reduction applies to working hours, not pay. Some employers extend the reduction to all staff as a policy matter.
The weekly rest day
Article 67 makes Friday the statutory weekly rest day, paid. The Kuwait private sector commonly runs a Friday–Saturday weekend, mirroring the public-sector reform. Six-day weeks (Sun–Fri with Friday off) persist in some retail and hospitality contexts.
Overtime
Article 66 sets the overtime regime:
- 125% of basic wage for daytime overtime.
- 150% of basic wage for overtime worked between specified night hours.
- 150% of basic wage + compensatory day off for work on the weekly rest day or a public holiday.
Overtime is capped at two hours per day in standard circumstances. Total daily working time including overtime generally cannot exceed 11 hours.
Outdoor-work summer regulation
Ministerial decisions prohibit outdoor work in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of summer (typically 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, June to August). The ban applies to construction, agriculture, and other outdoor sectors. Workers must be given shaded rest areas, cool water, and breaks.
Who is exempt
Senior management and supervisory roles with delegated authority are typically exempt from the working-hours regime under Article 65. The test is the substance of the role , executive authority over others, decision-making power. Title alone is not sufficient.
Worked example
Hassan earns KWD 900 basic on a 48-hour week. His hourly basic rate is approximately KWD 900 ÷ (48 × 4.33) ≈ KWD 4.33/hour. He works 4 extra hours on a Tuesday evening and 6 hours on Friday (rest day). Tuesday overtime: 4 × KWD 4.33 × 1.25 = KWD 21.65. Friday overtime: 6 × KWD 4.33 × 1.5 = KWD 39.00, plus a compensatory day off. Total weekly premium: ~KWD 60 on top of standard wage.
Frequently asked questions
Do Ramadan reduced hours apply to non-Muslim employees?
Statutorily the reduction is for Muslim employees. Many Kuwaiti employers extend it to all staff for operational simplicity. The reduction cannot be unilaterally imposed on non-Muslim staff against their wishes.
Is my weekend Friday or Friday-Saturday?
Friday is the statutory weekly rest day. Most private-sector employers run a Friday–Saturday weekend, mirroring the public-sector reform. Some retail and hospitality firms still operate a six-day week with Friday off.
Can I be required to work on Kuwait National Day or Liberation Day?
Yes, with the 150% premium and a compensatory day off in lieu. Continuous-operation industries (oil, hospitality, security, healthcare) routinely staff public holidays under these rules.
What if my employer calls me a manager but I have no direct reports?
The Article 65 exemption depends on the substance of the role, executive authority, decision-making power, supervisory responsibility, not the job title. A 'manager' without delegated authority is typically still inside the working-hours regime.
When to consult a labour lawyer
Consult a labour lawyer if your employer claims you're exempt from overtime based on a job title that doesn't match real authority, refuses overtime for evening or rest-day work, or directs outdoor work during the prohibited summer hours.