Employment in the UAE private sector is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, in force since 2 February 2022, together with its executive regulations and later amendments. This page summarises the parts most employees ask about.
This is a general summary, not legal advice. For the official text and the latest updates, use mohre.gov.ae.
Who the law covers
The law applies to employers and employees in the private sector across all seven emirates, including most free zones. It does not cover federal and local government staff, members of the armed forces and police, or domestic workers, who have their own law. The DIFC and ADGM financial free zones apply their own employment regulations.
Employment contracts
Every employee must have a written contract registered with MOHRE. Contracts are fixed-term and can be renewed by agreement. The older unlimited contracts have been phased out. The law also recognises several work patterns: full time, part time, temporary, flexible, remote and job sharing.
More detail: limited and unlimited contracts.
Probation
Probation can last up to six months and cannot be repeated with the same employer. During probation the employer must give at least 14 days' written notice to end the contract. An employee who leaves during probation to join another UAE employer must give at least one month's notice, or 14 days if leaving the country.
Working hours and overtime
- Normal hours are up to 8 a day or 48 a week.
- Overtime is paid at basic pay plus at least 25 per cent, or plus at least 50 per cent between 10 pm and 4 am. Shift workers are an exception to the night rate.
- Work on your weekly rest day earns a day off in lieu or basic pay plus at least 50 per cent.
- Working hours are reduced by two hours a day during Ramadan.
Leave
| Type of leave | Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 30 days a year after one year of service; 2 days a month between six months and one year |
| Sick leave | Up to 90 days a year after probation: 15 days at full pay, 30 at half pay, 45 unpaid |
| Maternity leave | 60 days: 45 at full pay and 15 at half pay |
| Parental leave | 5 working days for either parent, within six months of the birth |
| Bereavement leave | 5 days for a spouse; 3 days for a parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild |
| Public holidays | Paid, as announced each year |
Wages
Wages must be paid on time through the Wages Protection System (WPS), which lets MOHRE monitor payment. Your contract should state your basic salary separately from allowances. That basic figure matters, because gratuity and several other payments are calculated from it.
Ending the contract and notice
Either side can end the contract for a legitimate reason by giving written notice of between 30 and 90 days, as set out in the contract. You keep working and are paid as normal during notice. A party that does not give notice owes the other pay in lieu for the missing period. The law lists a small number of serious cases in which an employer may dismiss without notice after a written investigation.
End of service gratuity
A full-time foreign employee who completes at least one year of continuous service earns:
- 21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years
- 30 days of basic salary for each year after that
Part years count in proportion once the first year is complete, unpaid absence is not counted, and the total cannot be more than two years of basic salary. End of service dues must be paid within 14 days of the contract ending. Employers may instead enrol staff in the government's voluntary savings scheme, which replaces gratuity for the period covered.
See how to calculate gratuity in the UAE or use the gratuity calculator.
Disputes and time limits
If you cannot settle a problem with your employer, the first step is a complaint to MOHRE, which tries to reach an amicable settlement. MOHRE can issue a binding decision on smaller claims. Other cases are referred to the labour court. Claims must be brought within a limited time after the employment ends, so do not delay.
Step by step: how to file a labour complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Which law governs private sector employment in the UAE?
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships, with its executive regulations and amendments. It replaced Federal Law No. 8 of 1980.
How long can probation last?
Up to six months. It cannot be extended beyond that or repeated with the same employer.
How much annual leave do I get?
30 calendar days a year once you have completed one year of service, and two days a month if you have worked between six months and one year.
Does the Labour Law apply in free zones?
Yes in most of them. DIFC and ADGM are the exceptions and have their own employment regulations.