Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship and its amendments, known as the ‘UAE Labour law’, governs the labour rights of employees in the private sector. It applies to all employees working in the UAE, whether UAE nationals or expatriates. However, there are certain categories of employees who are exempt from the law and may have to follow another set of regulations. Learn about employment laws and regulations in the private sector.
UAE Labour law
Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship and its amendments, known as the ‘UAE Labour law’ governs the employer-employee relations in the private sector. The provisions of the law apply to all businesses, employees and employers in the private sector. The law became effective on 2 February 2022. It repealed the previous Federal Law No. 8 of 1980.
The new law aims to protect both parties in the employment relationship and enables them to obtain their rights in a balanced manner. It covers matters related to working hours, overtime, leaves, vacation and public holidays, employing juveniles, employee records, safety standards, minimum wage, termination of employment, end of service gratuity payments, work injuries amongst others.
The new law introduces several work models such as full-time, part-time, temporary and flexible. It abolishes the ‘unlimited’ type of contracts and admitted only limited or fixed-term contracts. It grants new types of leaves and tackles issues related to harassment, bullying, physical violence and psychological abuse against employees.
The law prohibits forced labour and discrimination on the basis of gender, race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability. It also spells out employers’ obligations towards employees.
Scope of the law
The law applies to all employees working in the UAE, whether UAE nationals or expatriates. However, it does not apply to:
Note: Federal Decree law No. 20 of 2023 Amending Certain Provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships (PDF, 165 KB) will come into effect on 1 January 2024.
Domestic helpers law
Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers (PDF, 806 KB) regulates the recruitment and employment of domestic workers in the UAE.
Note: Federal Decree Law No. 21 of 2023 Amending Certain Provisions of Federal Decree Law No.9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers (PDF, 147 KB), will come inti effect on 1 January 2024.
Entity overseeing the employer-employee relations in the private sector
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is responsible for overseeing the employer-employee relations and maintaining labour rights in the private sector. Contact MoHRE for more information on your rights and obligations as per the ‘UAE labour law’.
Check out other key employment laws and regulations in the private sector on MoHRE website
Resolutions and circulars
Learn about key resolutions and circulars pertaining to employer-employee relations in the private sector.
The UAE is implementing a strategic plan to promote Emiratisation in the private sector. This includes:
Read A Warm Emirati Welcome to all Arriving Guest Workers (PDF file).
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