New Labor Laws in the UAE
Dubai guide

New Labor Laws in the UAE

حمیدرضا دری فر 4 min read 1658 views

The labor laws in the UAE have undergone fundamental changes in recent years to meet the needs of the modern labor market and create fairer and more flexible working conditions for employees. The aim of these reforms is to enhance job security, reduce discrimination, facilitate work flexibility, and provide greater support for vulnerable groups, especially women and youth.

If you intend to work in the UAE or are currently employed in this country, understanding these changes is essential for you.

New Work Models in the UAE

The UAE labor law has introduced diverse work models that align with today's lifestyle and job needs:

1. Part-Time Work

Employees can work part-time for one or multiple employers.
This model is suitable for students, individuals with a second job, or those seeking flexible working hours.

2. Temporary Work

This is a contract for completing a specific project or for a defined period.
Upon completion of the project, the contract automatically terminates.

3. Flexible Work

In this model, employees and employers can agree on flexible working hours and days.
This model has become very common for employees in the technology sector and freelancers.

4. Remote Work

The new law officially allows for full-time or hybrid remote work.
Companies can hire employees without the need for permanent office presence.

5. Job Sharing

Two employees can share a job and divide the work responsibilities between them.

Working for Multiple Employers Simultaneously

According to the new reforms, employees can work for more than one company without needing full permission from their primary employer;
the only condition is that their contract type must be part-time, temporary, or flexible.

This change has increased job opportunities for residents of the UAE, especially for freelancers and professionals who can work on multiple projects.

Three-Year Contracts and Elimination of Unlimited Contracts

Unlimited contracts (Permanent Contracts) have been eliminated in the UAE, and all contracts must be fixed-term.

Features of Fixed-Term Contracts:

  • Maximum contract duration: 3 years

  • Renewable by mutual agreement

  • Possibility to amend and update contract terms upon renewal

This change has led to greater transparency and reduced labor disputes.

Exemption from Court Costs for Employees

To support workers' rights, the new law stipulates:

  • Employees and their heirs are exempt from paying court costs for labor disputes up to a specified limit.

  • This benefit has enabled workers to pursue their legal claims without fear of heavy costs.

New Leave and Benefits for Employees

1. Maternity Leave

  • 45 days with full pay

  • 15 days with half pay

  • Possibility of additional leave in case of complications after childbirth
    This is considered one of the greatest supports in the region and has greatly assisted working mothers.

2. Paternity Leave

Fathers can receive several days of paid leave for the birth of their child.

3. Bereavement Leave

Depending on the family relationship, employees receive 3 to 5 days of paid leave.

4. Educational Leave

Employees who have worked for a company for at least two years can receive 10 days of educational leave.

5. Sick Leave

If an employee becomes ill, they can take up to 90 days of sick leave under specified conditions.

Legal Protection Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying

The new law explicitly states:

  • Any form of sexual harassment, verbal, psychological, or physical violence is prohibited.

  • No employer has the right to treat employees in a discriminatory manner based on gender, race, nationality, religion, or disability.

  • In case of such incidents, employees can benefit from related legal and supportive advantages.

This law is considered one of the most advanced labor frameworks in the region.

New Laws Regarding the Employment of Minors

  • Employment of individuals under 15 years is prohibited.

  • Minors over 15 years can only work with written consent from a guardian and a medical health report.

  • Maximum daily working hours for minors: 6 hours

  • Performing hard and dangerous jobs is prohibited for minors.

Limitation on Consecutive Work Hours Over Five

According to the new law:

  • Working more than 5 consecutive hours without at least a one-hour break is prohibited.

  • Overtime exceeding 2 hours per day must be paid with a 25% pay increase.

  • Overtime during night hours or on holidays has a higher rate.

Combination of Multiple Work Models for One Employee

The UAE law allows employees to:

  • Combine multiple work models as long as their working hours do not exceed 48 hours per week or 144 hours over 3 weeks.

For example:

  • Employees can simultaneously be remote + part-time.

  • Or they can engage in flexible work + project-based work.

This combination of models has made the UAE one of the most flexible labor markets in the region.

Conclusion

The new labor laws in the UAE focus heavily on protecting employee rights, improving work-life balance, increasing flexibility in work models, preventing discrimination, and enhancing job security.
Understanding these laws will help you work in the UAE with full awareness and benefit from your legal rights.