UAE Labour Law Guide 2026
Know your rights as an employee in the UAE. Complete guide to working hours, leave, overtime, and benefits.
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This guide is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (UAE Labour Law). Stay informed and protect your rights.
Working Hours
Normal Working Hours
Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Working hours may be increased to 9 hours for certain jobs.
Ramadan Hours
During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees.
Rest Breaks
Employees working 5+ consecutive hours are entitled to 1+ hour break. Break time is not counted as working hours.
Weekly Rest Day
Friday is the normal weekly rest day. If required to work, employee gets substitute rest day or overtime pay.
Leave Entitlements
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Leave | 30 days per year | After completing 6 months of service |
| Sick Leave | 90 days per year | Full pay (15 days), Half pay (30 days), Unpaid (45 days) |
| Maternity Leave | 60 days | Full pay (45 days), Half pay (15 days) |
| Paternity Leave | 5 days | Within 6 months of birth |
| Parental Leave | 5 days | For both parents, until child is 6 months old |
| Bereavement Leave | 3-5 days | Depends on relationship (spouse, parent, child) |
| Study Leave | 10 days/year | For employees with 2+ years service |
| Public Holidays | ~10 days/year | Full pay for official UAE holidays |
Overtime Rules
Overtime Rates
- Normal Overtime: 125% of hourly rate
- Night Shift OT (9pm-4am): 150% of hourly rate
- Rest Day/Public Holiday OT: 150% of hourly rate
- Holiday + Night OT: 175% of hourly rate
Maximum overtime: 2 hours per day
Wages & Salary
Wage Protection System (WPS)
All salaries must be paid through WPS. Employers must pay wages within 15 days of the due date.
Salary Deductions
Maximum deduction is 20% of monthly wage for loans/penalties. Written consent required.
Minimum Wage
No general minimum wage, but certain categories have minimums (e.g., university graduates: AED 12,000).
Gratuity
End of service benefits calculated based on years of service. Use our gratuity calculator.
Contract & Employment Terms
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (up to 3 years, renewable) or Unlimited term
- Probation Period: Maximum 6 months
- Notice Period: Minimum 30 days, maximum 90 days
- Job Offer: Must be in writing and include all terms
- Contract Changes: Requires mutual written agreement
- Non-compete: Maximum 2 years after leaving
Termination Rules
Resignation
Employee must serve notice period as per contract (30-90 days). Gratuity paid if completing 1+ year.
Termination by Employer
Must have valid reason. Arbitrary dismissal entitles employee to compensation.
Immediate Termination
Allowed for gross misconduct (theft, assault, breach of trust, etc.)
End of Service
All dues must be paid within 14 days. Includes salary, leave balance, and gratuity.
Employee Rights
- Safe and healthy working environment
- Health insurance (employer must provide)
- Annual leave with air ticket (if contract includes)
- End of service gratuity (after 1 year)
- Joining a trade union (in some sectors)
- File complaint with MOHRE for disputes
- Transfer sponsorship (with new employer approval)
Prohibited Practices
- Forced labour or human trafficking
- Withholding employee passport
- Discrimination based on gender, race, religion
- Sexual harassment
- Employing children under 15
- Dangerous work without safety measures
How to File a Complaint
Contact MOHRE
Call 80060 or use the MOHRE app/website to file a complaint.
Tasheel Center
Visit any Tasheel center to file a formal complaint in person.
Mediation
MOHRE will attempt to mediate between employer and employee.
Labour Court
If mediation fails, case is referred to labour court for resolution.
Calculate Your End of Service Benefits
Use our gratuity calculator to know exactly what you're entitled to.
Gratuity Calculator