Dubai Labour Law: Essential Guide for Job Seekers and Employees

Dubai, as the commercial and business hub of the UAE, has specific implementation mechanisms for federal labour laws along with some unique regulations. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of Dubai's labour regulations, employee rights, dispute resolution processes, and essential information for anyone working or seeking employment in Dubai.

Dubai Labour Law Overview

Dubai follows the UAE Federal Labour Law (Federal Law No. 33 of 2021) while implementing specific procedures and services through the Dubai branch of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and other local authorities. Being the business center of the UAE, Dubai has developed efficient systems for handling employment-related matters.

Key Dubai Labour Authorities

  • Dubai MOHRE Branch: Primary authority for labour regulations and work permits
  • Dubai Courts - Labour Court: Handles unresolved labour disputes
  • General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): Manages employment visas and residency
  • Dubai Free Zone Authorities: Manage employment in their respective free zones

Work Permits and Visas in Dubai

Employment Visa Process in Dubai

  1. Employer obtains entry permit approval from MOHRE and GDRFA
  2. Employee enters Dubai on entry permit
  3. Employee undergoes medical examination
  4. Employer processes Emirates ID application
  5. Employer obtains work permit and residence visa
  6. Employee obtains Emirates ID and labour card

Dubai-Specific Work Permit Types

  • Regular Work Permit: Standard permit for full-time employees (2-year validity)
  • Mission Work Permit: For temporary projects (up to 6 months)
  • Part-Time Work Permit: For employees working for multiple employers
  • Juvenile Work Permit: For employees aged 15-18 (restricted conditions)
  • Student Training and Employment Permit: For university students
  • Golden Visa: Long-term residence visa (5-10 years) for qualified professionals
  • Freelance Permit: For self-employed professionals in Dubai

Dubai Free Zone Work Permits

Dubai's free zones operate under their own employment regulations while still adhering to the basic principles of UAE labour law. Major free zones include:

  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - operates under DIFC Employment Law
  • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
  • Dubai Internet City (DIC)
  • Dubai Media City (DMC)
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

Work permits and visas for free zone companies are processed by the respective free zone authority rather than MOHRE.

Employment Contract Rules in Dubai

All employment relationships in Dubai must be documented through a contract that complies with UAE labour law. Key Dubai-specific aspects include:

Contract Authentication

  • Mainland Dubai employers must register employment contracts with MOHRE
  • Free zone employers register contracts with their respective free zone authority
  • Contracts must be in both Arabic and English (Arabic prevails in case of disputes)
  • Digital contracts are now recognized through the MOHRE smart services platform

Dubai-Specific Contract Considerations

  • Non-compete clauses are enforceable in Dubai if reasonably limited in time and geographic scope
  • Probation periods cannot exceed six months
  • Dubai employers must provide health insurance to all employees
  • Accommodation allowances or employer-provided housing is common for certain job categories

Working Hours and Public Holidays in Dubai

Standard Working Hours

  • 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week for private sector employees
  • 7 hours per day or 35 hours per week for government employees
  • 6 hours per day during Ramadan for all Muslim employees
  • Many Dubai companies operate Sunday-Thursday with Friday-Saturday weekend
  • Some companies have adopted flexible working hours or remote work options

Dubai Public Holidays

Dubai employees are entitled to paid leave during official public holidays, which include:

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Eid Al Fitr (approximately 3 days)
  • Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (approximately 3 days)
  • Islamic New Year
  • Prophet Mohammed's Birthday
  • Commemoration Day (December 1)
  • UAE National Day (December 2-3)

Dates for Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and moon sightings, so they vary each year.

Salary and Benefits in Dubai

Wage Protection System (WPS)

Dubai strictly enforces the WPS, requiring all employers to pay salaries through authorized financial institutions. Non-compliance results in:

  • Fines starting at AED 5,000 per employee
  • Ban on new work permits
  • Possible legal action from Dubai Labour Court

Minimum Wage

Dubai does not have an official minimum wage, but salary standards are often based on:

  • Industry norms and market rates
  • Nationality-based salary requirements for visa eligibility
  • Job classification in MOHRE's skill level categories

Dubai-Specific Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory for all employees (Dubai Health Authority Insurance Law)
  • Transportation: Often provided or subsidized by employers
  • Housing: Housing allowance or company accommodation for certain categories
  • Annual Flight Tickets: Common benefit for expatriate employees
  • Education Allowance: Sometimes provided for employees' children

Dubai Labour Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Process

  1. Amicable Settlement: Initial attempt to resolve the issue with the employer
  2. MOHRE Complaint: File a complaint through:
    • MOHRE Dubai office (Al Muhaisnah Service Center)
    • MOHRE mobile application
    • MOHRE call center (800 60)
    • Tasheel service centers throughout Dubai
  3. Mediation: MOHRE attempts to mediate the dispute (14-day process)
  4. Referral to Labour Court: If mediation fails, the case is referred to Dubai Labour Court
  5. Labour Court Proceedings: Case is heard and decided by specialized judges

Dubai Labour Court Features

  • No court fees for claims under AED 100,000
  • Fast-track procedures for straightforward cases
  • One Day Labour Court for simple disputes
  • Available interpretation services
  • Option for remote hearings via video conferencing

Termination of Employment in Dubai

Notice Periods and Procedures

  • Minimum 30 days, maximum 90 days notice (as specified in contract)
  • Notice must be in writing and acknowledged by both parties
  • Payment in lieu of notice is permissible by mutual agreement
  • Employee must be allowed reasonable time off during notice period to seek new employment

End of Service Benefits

Dubai strictly enforces end-of-service gratuity payments calculated as:

  • 21 days' basic salary for each year of the first five years of service
  • 30 days' basic salary for each additional year
  • Maximum gratuity capped at two years' total salary
  • Gratuity is calculated on basic salary excluding allowances
  • Pro-rata calculation for partial years (if exceeding one year of total service)

Dubai-Specific Termination Rules

  • Employer must cancel work permit and visa within 30 days of employment termination
  • Employer must provide end-of-service documentation including:
    • Experience certificate
    • Final settlement statement
    • Gratuity calculation
    • Clearance letter for new employment
  • Labour bans no longer apply in most legitimate termination cases

Special Categories of Workers in Dubai

Domestic Workers

Domestic workers in Dubai are now covered by Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, which provides basic protections including:

  • Maximum 12 working hours per day with rest breaks
  • One day off per week
  • 30 days of paid annual leave
  • Medical insurance coverage
  • Round-trip tickets home every two years
  • Decent accommodation and meals

Part-Time Workers

Dubai has specific regulations for part-time employment, including:

  • Part-time work permits for 20 hours or less per week
  • Option to work for multiple employers simultaneously
  • Proportional benefits based on hours worked
  • Flexibility to convert between full-time and part-time status

Pregnant Women and New Mothers

Dubai enforces maternity protections including:

  • 60 calendar days of maternity leave (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay)
  • Additional 45 days unpaid leave for illness related to pregnancy or delivery
  • Two daily 30-minute breaks for nursing for 18 months after delivery
  • Protection from termination due to pregnancy

Common Labour Violations and Fines in Dubai

Employer Violations and Penalties

Violation Fine (AED)
Employing workers without work permits 50,000 per worker
Hiring workers sponsored by other companies 50,000 per worker
Late salary payment 5,000-50,000 (depends on days delayed and number of workers)
Failure to provide health insurance 500-150,000 (depending on number of employees)
Failing to maintain employee records 1,000-20,000
Forcing employees to work during midday break (June-September) 5,000-50,000

Employee Violations and Penalties

Violation Penalty
Working without a valid work permit AED 5,000 fine and possible deportation
Absconding (leaving job without proper notice) One-year employment ban and visa cancellation
Violating confidentiality or competitive restrictions Fines, compensation for damages, and possible employment ban

COVID-19 Labour Measures in Dubai

Dubai has implemented various labour measures in response to the pandemic, including:

  • Remote work regulations and guidelines
  • Workplace safety and health protocols
  • Virtual dispute resolution services
  • Digital contract registration and visa processing
  • Support programs for affected businesses and employees

Essential Tips for Job Seekers in Dubai

  • Only accept job offers from legally established Dubai companies
  • Verify that your employer has obtained proper work permits and visas
  • Keep digital copies of all important documents (passport, visa, contract, qualifications)
  • Ensure your contract is registered with MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority
  • Understand Dubai's cost of living before negotiating your salary package
  • Know your rights regarding working hours, overtime, and leave
  • Calculate your end-of-service benefits before resigning
  • Follow proper resignation procedures to avoid employment bans
  • Register complaints promptly if your rights are violated

Additional Resources

This information is provided as a general guide to Dubai labour laws. Laws and regulations may change, and specific cases may vary. For the most current and personalized advice, consult with a legal professional specializing in UAE employment law.