Key Employee Rights Under the UAE Labour Law: What Every Worker Should Know

The UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, governs the relationship between employers and employees in the private sector. Since taking effect, it has modernised the framework around contracts, working hours, leave and termination. Yet many employees are still unaware of the protections available to them.

Fixed-Term Contracts and Probation

All private-sector employment contracts are now fixed-term. Probation may not exceed six months, and an employer who wishes to dismiss an employee during probation must give at least fourteen days’ written notice. An employee resigning during probation to join another UAE employer must generally give one month’s notice.

Working Hours, Overtime and Leave

The standard working time is eight hours per day or forty-eight hours per week. Overtime is generally compensated at the basic wage plus at least twenty-five per cent, rising to fifty per cent for night hours. Employees are entitled to thirty days of annual leave per year after completing one year of service, in addition to sick leave and maternity and parental leave entitlements.

End-of-Service Gratuity

An employee who completes one year of continuous service is entitled to an end-of-service gratuity calculated on the basic wage: twenty-one days’ pay for each of the first five years of service and thirty days’ pay for each additional year, subject to a cap of two years’ total wage.

If a Dispute Arises

Labour complaints are filed first with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which attempts an amicable settlement before referring the matter to the competent court. Strict time limits apply to labour claims, so employees should act promptly and keep copies of their contract, pay slips and correspondence.

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific circumstances, please contact Al Yazia Law.