UAE labour law
Federal Decree law No. 20 of 2023 Amending Certain Provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, known as the ‘UAE Labour law’ governs the employer-employee relations in the private sector. The provisions of the law apply to all businesses, employees and employers in the private sector. The law became effective on 2 February 2022, replacing the previous Federal Law No. 8 of 1980.
The labour law aims to ensure the efficiency of the UAE labour market, attract top talent and future skills, create an attractive business environment for employers, and define the rights and obligations of both parties in a balanced manner. It covers matters related to employee rights, employment contracts, labour dispute resolution, working hours, overtime, leaves, vacation and public holidays, employment of juveniles, employee records, safety standards and occupational injuries, minimum wage, termination of employment, end of service gratuity payments, amongst others.
The law introduces several new work models such as full-time, part-time, temporary and flexible. It abolished the ‘unlimited’ type of contracts and admitted only limited or fixed-term contracts. It also grants new types of leaves and addresses issues related to harassment, bullying, physical violence and psychological abuse against employees.
The law prohibits forced labour and discrimination on the basis of gender, race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability. It also spells out employers’ obligations towards employees.
Scope of the law
The law applies to all employees working in the UAE, whether UAE nationals or expatriates. However, it does not apply to:
- employees and workers of the federal government and local government entities
- employees of the armed forces, police and security
- domestic workers
Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector and Its Amendments (PDF, 1.23 MB)
Domestic workers’ law
Federal Decree Law No. 21 of 2023 Amending Certain Provisions of Federal Decree Law No.9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers regulates the recruitment and employment of domestic workers in the UAE. The law defines the responsibilities of both parties in a balanced manner, safeguards their rights and obligations, and ensures a suitable working environment in line with applicable national legislation and international conventions ratified by the UAE.
Find Federal Decree Law No.9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workersand Its Amendments (PDF, 380 KB).
Entity regulating the employer-employee relations in the private sector
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is the competent authority responsible for regulating labour relations, enhancing productivity, and creating job opportunities in the private sector. Contact MoHRE for more information on your rights and obligations as per the ‘UAE labour law’.
Check out other key employment laws and regulations in the private sector on MoHRE website
Resolutions and circulars
Learn about key resolutions and circulars pertaining to employer-employee relations in the private sector.
