Employment laws for the government sector

Federal government employees are governed by the Federal Decree Law No. 49 of 2022 on Human Resources Law in the Federal Government. In addition, there are several workplace guidelines that all employees need to abide by.

Employment laws for the federal sector

At the federal level, Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) is in charge of managing human resources for ministries and federal authorities as per the Federal Decree Law No. 49 of 2022 on Human Resources Law in the Federal Government.

The laws applies to the civil servants who are earning their salaries from the federal budget. It also applies to the civil employees working at federal authorities and corporations.

Ministries and federal authorities whose laws provide that they will have exclusive job regulations, are exempt from the above Decree within the limits of its stipulations.

Employment laws for UAE local governments

Law No. 6 of 2016 Concerning Human Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – (in Arabic, PDF 1.93 MB) - Department of Government Enablement
Human Resources Law - Dubai Government Human Resources Department
Laws and regulations-Department of Human Resources -Government of Sharjah
Human Resources Law - Department of Human Resources - Government of Ras Al Khaimah
Policies and guides (Arabic only) - Department of Human Resources Ajman
Laws and regulations - Department of Human Resources Fujairah.

Resources on health and safety at workplace

Guidelines for Health and Safety in Workplace in the Federal Government (PDF, 350 KB)
UAE Occupational Health and Safety management System (OHSMS) National Standard (PDF, 450 KB)
Public health programmes - Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.

Work guidelines

A Guide to Happiness and Well-being at workplace (PDF, 500 KB) - National Programme for Happiness and Well-Being
Publications - Dubai Government Human Resources Department.

Updated on 11 Aug 2025

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