If you live and work in the UAE, you’re likely familiar with the country’s strict laws. While most residents follow the rules, understanding your rights as an employee is just as important. Whether you’re starting a new job, leading a team, or simply staying informed, knowing these regulations will help you navigate the UAE’s work environment with confidence.

Dubai Welcomes 2024

As we step into the new year, employment laws in the UAE continue to evolve, ensuring a balance between business efficiency and employee well-being. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about working in the UAE:

1. What are the standard working hours in the UAE?
According to Article 65 of the UAE Labour Law, private sector employees can work a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. However, for jobs that are considered physically demanding or hazardous, the daily limit is capped at 7 hours.

2. Is there a 4-day workweek in the UAE?
Yes, but only for Sharjah Government employees, who enjoy a three-day weekend. A 2022 survey found that after implementing the 4-day workweek, employees reported an 88% increase in productivity and a 90% boost in job satisfaction.

The private sector still follows the standard 5 or 6-day workweek, depending on company policies.

3. What is the notice period for resigning or termination?
Under UAE law, the notice period must be:

At least 30 days
No more than 90 days

Employees are required to fulfill their duties during this notice period unless an agreement is made otherwise.

4. How many sick leaves are granted in the UAE?
Employees are entitled to 45 days of paid sick leave per year, as stated in Article 31(3) of the UAE Employment Law.

5. How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
Employees working overtime are entitled to an additional 25% of their basic salary for extra hours worked. If overtime is required between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM, the rate increases to 50% extra. However, overtime cannot exceed two hours per day.

6. Is there a minimum wage in Dubai?
As of 2021, there is no officially defined minimum wage in Dubai. However, Article 27 of the UAE Labour Law states that the Cabinet may issue a resolution to determine minimum wages for specific worker categories in coordination with relevant authorities.

7. Is the lunch break included in working hours?
No. Employees are entitled to at least one hour of unpaid break after working for five consecutive hours.

8. What are the rules for end-of-service benefits in the UAE?
Gratuity Pay (End-of-Service Benefits) – Article 51
Employees who complete at least one year of continuous service are entitled to gratuity payments based on their basic wage:

21 days’ salary per year for the first five years
30 days’ salary per year for each additional year after five years
The total gratuity cannot exceed two years’ salary
Unpaid leave days are not included in gratuity calculations

Final Settlement – Article 53
Employers must pay all outstanding dues within 14 days after an employee’s contract ends.

Unlawful Termination – Article 47
If an employee is dismissed unfairly, they may be entitled to compensation of up to three months’ salary, subject to court judgment.

Notice Period & Compensation – Article 43

Both employers and employees can terminate a contract with a 30 to 90-day notice.
If notice is not given, the violating party must compensate the other party with an amount equal to the salary of the notice period.

Know Your Rights & Stay Informed

Employment contracts in the UAE can be limited-term (fixed-term) or unlimited-term, and different rules apply to each. To fully understand the laws surrounding termination, severance pay, and workplace rights, visit www.exoticdubai.com for the latest updates on UAE labor regulations.

By staying informed, you can ensure a smoother work experience while making the most of your career in the UAE.

More about Work Types in UAE

Six types of work

• Full-time: Working for one employer for a full work day.

• Remote work: The scheme enables full-time and part-time employees to work completely or partially outside the office should the nature of their work allow it.

• Shared job model: Splitting job responsibilities and pay among more than one employee based on an agreement with the employer. The employees’ contracts under this model are governed by part-time job regulations.

• Part-time: Working for one or more employers for a specified number of hours or days.

• Temporary work: A contract for a specific period of time or for one project that ends with the job’s completion.

• Flexible work: Giving employees the freedom to work at different times depending on the conditions and requirements of the job based on a contract that covers hours, days and duties required.

12 work permits

• Temporary work permit: enables employers to hire on a project basis or for work that lasts for a fixed period.

• One-mission permit: enables companies and establishments to recruit an employee from abroad for temporary work or a specific project to be completed in a certain period of time.

• Part-time work permit: allows employees to work for more than one employer based on a fixed number of hours or days.

• Juvenile permit: enables employers to hire juveniles aged between 15 and 18 under the conditions outlined in the law.

• Student training permit: enables companies and establishments to train and recruit teenagers aged 15 under specific regulations that ensure a healthy work environment.

• UAE/GCC National permit: issued when hiring UAE and GCC nationals.

• Golden Visa Holders permit: issued when hiring a Golden Visa holder inside the UAE.
• National Trainee permit: enables companies and establishments to train UAE nationals based on their qualifications or fields.
• Freelancer permit: issued for self-sponsored expats wishing to provide a certain service, complete a task or work for a fixed period of time for an individual or a company without sponsorship or existing contracts.
• A permit to hire a worker from outside the country.
• A permit to transfer an expatriate worker’s employment from one facility registered in the ministry to another.
• A permit for expats sponsored by family.