Most expat workers in the UAE do not know their basic rights. That is a problem. When disputes happen — and they do — workers who know the law are in a much stronger position than those who do not.
This guide covers the key employment rights every expat should know before signing a contract in the UAE.
What Law Governs Employment in the UAE?
The primary legislation is Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, which came into force in February 2022. This law replaced the older Labour Law No. 8 of 1980 and made significant changes to how employment contracts, leave, and termination work in the UAE.
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If you work in a UAE Free Zone, additional Free Zone regulations may apply, but Federal Labour Law is the baseline across all sectors including hospitality.
Employment Contracts in the UAE
Since February 2022, all UAE employment contracts must be fixed-term. Unlimited-term contracts were phased out. Your contract must state:
- Your basic salary and any allowances (housing, transport, meals)
- Your job title and duties
- Working hours
- Annual leave entitlement
- Notice period for termination
- End-of-service benefit details
Always read your contract before signing. If it is in Arabic only, request an English version. A legal translation is your right.
Working Hours
Standard working hours in the UAE are eight hours per day and 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, Muslim employees work six hours per day. Overtime is payable at 125% of the regular hourly rate. Work performed on rest days or during the period from 9pm to 4am is payable at 150%.
In the hospitality sector, shift patterns often exceed standard hours. Your contract must specify the shift system and how overtime is calculated.
Annual Leave
Under UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to:
- 30 calendar days of annual leave per year after completing one year of service
- Two days per month of leave if you have served between six months and one year
Leave must be taken at a time agreed with your employer. Annual leave pay must be paid before the employee takes leave. If your employment ends before you take accrued leave, the employer must pay it out at your daily wage rate.
Sick Leave
After completing three months of service, you are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year:
- First 15 days: full pay
- Next 30 days: half pay
- Remaining 45 days: unpaid
Sick leave must be supported by a medical certificate from a recognised UAE healthcare provider.
End-of-Service Gratuity
This is one of the most important benefits under UAE Labour Law. After one year of continuous service, you are entitled to end-of-service gratuity calculated as follows:
- 21 calendar days of basic salary for each of the first five years of service
- 30 calendar days of basic salary for each year of service beyond five years
Gratuity is calculated on your basic salary only — it does not include housing allowance, transport, or other benefits. The total gratuity must not exceed two years of your total basic salary.
If you resign before completing one year of service, you are not entitled to gratuity. Between one and three years of service, partial gratuity applies. After five or more full years of service, you receive the full entitlement regardless of whether you resigned or were terminated.
Notice Period
The minimum notice period for termination in the UAE is 30 days. Your contract may specify up to 90 days. Both the employer and employee must give notice to end the contract. If the employer terminates without notice (except in cases of summary dismissal), they must pay the employee their salary for the notice period.
Summary Dismissal (Termination Without Notice)
An employer may terminate without notice only in specific circumstances defined by law. These include:
- The employee assumed a false identity or submitted forged documents
- The employee caused serious material loss to the employer
- The employee assaulted a colleague or customer physically
- The employee was repeatedly absent without justification
- The employee was found intoxicated at work
- The employee disclosed confidential company information
Summary dismissal for any reason outside this list may be treated as arbitrary dismissal, giving the employee the right to compensation.
How to File a Labour Complaint
If your employer violates your rights, you have the right to file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You can file online at mohre.gov.ae, through the MOHRE app, or by calling 800-60.
MOHRE will attempt to mediate between you and your employer. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the Labour Courts. There is no fee to file a labour complaint. Keep copies of your contract, payslips, and any written communication with your employer throughout your employment.
Important Rights to Remember
- Your employer cannot confiscate your passport. It is a criminal offence under UAE law.
- Your employer must provide health insurance. This is a legal requirement in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- You have the right to transfer your employment (change jobs) without requiring your employer’s permission, subject to your contract’s notice period.
- Domestic workers have separate protections under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017.
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