UAE Labour Law - Employee Rights Guide

UAE Labour Law governs employment relationships in the private sector across the United Arab Emirates.

Established under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, the law ensures fair treatment, defines employee rights, and sets clear obligations for both employers and employees.

For structured legal consultation on employment matters, visit our Legal Consultation page.

Key Employee Rights Under UAE Labour Law

UAE Labour Law guarantees a comprehensive set of rights for all employees working in the private sector, regardless of nationality.

Written Employment Contract

Every employee in the UAE is entitled to a written employment contract that clearly defines the terms of employment, including job title, salary, working hours, and notice period. All contracts must be limited-term under the current law.

Annual Leave

Employees who have completed one year of service are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave. Employees with less than one year of service are entitled to two days of leave per month.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to sick leave of up to 90 days per year. The first 15 days are paid in full, the following 30 days at half pay, and the remaining 45 days are unpaid, subject to medical certification requirements.

End of Service Gratuity

Employees who complete at least one year of continuous service are entitled to end of service gratuity calculated as follows: 21 days of basic wage for each year of the first five years of service, and 30 days of basic wage for each additional year thereafter. The total gratuity may not exceed two years of basic wage.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave — 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. Male employees are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave.

For legal advice on gratuity calculations or employment disputes, request a Case Evaluation.

Working Hours Under UAE Labour Law

The standard working hours under UAE Labour Law are a maximum of 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees.

Overtime work is permitted under specific conditions and must be compensated at a rate of at least 125% of the employee's basic hourly wage. Work performed on rest days or public holidays must be compensated at 150% of the basic hourly wage.

Employment Contract Types Under UAE Labour Law

Following the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, all employment contracts in the UAE private sector must be limited-term contracts not exceeding three years, renewable upon mutual agreement. Unlimited-term contracts issued prior to February 2022 were required to be converted to limited-term contracts within one year of the law's implementation.

Termination of Employment Under UAE Labour Law

Both employers and employees have the right to terminate an employment contract in accordance with the notice period stipulated in the contract, which must be a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days. Termination without valid reason or without proper notice may entitle the affected party to compensation.

Arbitrary dismissal — including termination based on gender, religion, race, or nationality — is prohibited under UAE Labour Law and may entitle the employee to compensation of up to three months of basic wage.

For legal notice drafting in employment disputes, visit our Legal Notice Drafting Services page.

Dispute Resolution Under UAE Labour Law

Employment disputes in the UAE are initially referred to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for amicable settlement. If no settlement is reached within 14 days, the dispute is referred to the competent labour court for resolution.

Employees are encouraged to seek structured legal consultation before initiating formal dispute proceedings to fully understand their rights and available legal options.

Need Legal Support for an Employment Matter in the UAE?

Mohamed Hawas Legal Consultants provides structured legal support for employment disputes, contract review, and labour law compliance in Dubai and across the UAE.

Contact us today for professional legal guidance on your employment matter.