Work Injury Compensation in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates ensures that all workers are protected under the law in the event of a work-related injury or occupational illness. Employers are legally required to provide medical care, paid leave, and financial compensation in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships and Cabinet Resolution No. 33 of 2022.
Definition of a Work Injury
A work injury is defined as any occupational injury or illness listed in the schedule attached to Cabinet Resolution No. (33) of 2022, or any other injury sustained during the performance of work or as a result thereof. This includes accidents that occur while commuting to or from the workplace, provided there is no interruption or deviation from the usual route.
Medical Care and Wage Entitlements
Employers must cover the full cost of medical treatment until the employee recovers or a disability is confirmed.
During the treatment period, employees are entitled to wages as follows:
- Full pay for up to six months.
- Half pay for an additional six months, if treatment continues beyond the initial period.
Medical expenses covered include hospital stays, surgeries, medical tests, medications, rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthopaedic devices, and transport to medical facilities.
Compensation for Disability or Death
If a work injury results in disability or death, compensation is calculated based on the employee’s basic salary:
- Permanent total disability: Compensation equal to 24 months of basic salary (between AED 18,000 and AED 200,000).
- Permanent partial disability: Compensation is determined according to the following formula:
(Percentage of permanent partial disability as stated in the schedules attached to Cabinet Resolution No. (33) of 2022 × basic wage for 24 months),
provided the amount is not less than AED 18,000 and not more than AED 200,000. - Death due to work injury or illness: The employee’s family receives compensation equal to 24 months of the basic salary, within the same AED 18,000–200,000 range.
In addition, the family is entitled to end-of-service benefits and other accrued entitlements.
Compensation for Non Occupational Illness Sick Leave
Non-work-related illnesses are covered under standard sick leave provisions outlined in the UAE Labour Law:
- Eligibility: After the probation period, employees may take up to 90 days of sick leave per year (consecutive or intermittent).
- Pay structure:
- First 15 days: Full pay
- Next 30 days: Half pay
- Remaining 45 days: Unpaid
Employer Obligations
Employers are required to:
- Compensate the injured worker for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses.
- Report any work-related injury or occupational illness to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) within 48 hours of the incident.
- Pay compensation within 10 days of receiving the medical report confirming the injury or disability.
- Maintain a safe work environment that complies with occupational health and safety standards.
Disqualification from Compensation
An employee may forfeit their right to compensation if it is proven that:
- The injury was deliberately self-inflicted.
- The injury occurred while the worker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The worker intentionally violated posted safety instructions.
- The worker refused medical examination or prescribed treatment.
References
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, its amendments and implementing regulations.
- Cabinet Resolution No. 33 of 2022 on Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases
- Ministerial Resolution No. 657 of 2022 on the rules and guidelines for dealing with work injuries and occupational diseases
- Administrative Decision No. 28 of 2022 concerning occupational health & safety and labour accommodations.
- The Health Insurance Package
- Wages Protection
- Submission of Comments, Complaints And Inquires
- My Salary Complaint – Private Sector Employees
Updated On :
22 Oct 2025
