Labour Employment Law Dubai

Labour Law in UAE:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has labor laws and regulations in place to ensure that employees are treated fairly and to protect their rights. These laws cover various aspects of employment, including contracts, wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination of employment.

Here is some detailed information on the labor laws and regulations in the UAE:

Employment Contracts:

Employment contracts must be in writing and must specify the job description, remuneration, working hours, and duration of the contract. The contract must be in Arabic, but a translated version in another language may also be provided.

Working Hours:

The maximum working hours for employees in the UAE are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, with a maximum of 6 working days per week. However, during Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees.

Overtime:

If an employee works beyond the stipulated working hours, they are entitled to overtime pay. The overtime rate is usually 1.25 times the normal hourly rate for weekdays, and 1.5 times the normal hourly rate for weekends and public holidays.

Leave Entitlement:

Employees in the UAE are entitled to various types of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave. The annual leave entitlement is 30 calendar days per year, and the sick leave entitlement is 90 calendar days per year.

Wages:

Employers must pay employees their wages on time and in full, as agreed in the employment contract. If an employee is terminated, they must be paid all outstanding wages within seven days of termination.

Termination of Employment:

Both employers and employees have the right to terminate the employment contract. However, there are specific conditions that must be met, depending on the type of contract and the reason for termination. For instance, if an employer terminates an employee for no reason, they must pay end-of-service benefits to the employee.

End-of-Service Benefits:

Employers must provide end-of-service benefits to employees who complete their contract term or are terminated for reasons other than misconduct. The benefits include payment for unpaid leave, gratuity payment, and repatriation expenses.

Health and Safety:

Employers in the UAE are required to provide a safe working environment for their employees, and must comply with the health and safety regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

In summary, the UAE has comprehensive labor laws and regulations that protect the rights of employees and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Employers must comply with these laws and regulations to avoid legal issues and penalties.