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There is a widespread belief that in Dubai, and in general in the United Arab Emirates, there are no clear labor laws and that workers are being exploited. However, this is not entirely true. Although inequality has increased in some areas, all legal workers in Dubai have regulated labor rights, including holidays, social security and protection from wrongful dismissal.
Dubai, as part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), regulates labor relations under the UAE Federal Labor Law. This legislation covers both domestic and foreign workers who work legally in the country.
Social security affiliation in Dubai varies depending on the worker's nationality:
Nationals of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE are required to contribute.
In this case, the distribution of the contributions is as follows:
- 12.5% the employer
- 5% of the employee
- 2% of the government
Foreigners or nationals with a foreign passport: They are not required to pay social security, but they must have compulsory private health insurance.
Standard working hours in Dubai are similar to those in Western countries:
Working day: Between 40 and 48 hours a week, depending on the sector.
Overtime:
- 25% additional to the base salary for work outside normal hours.
- 50% extra on holidays or weekends.
Exceptions during Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced by 2 hours a day, regardless of the worker's religion.
Working hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m./3:30 p.m.
Either party (employer or employee) can terminate the contract for legitimate reasons, provided that they are notified in writing with the stipulated notice period.
The reasons may be: poor performance, misconduct, bankruptcy or insolvency, or non-renewal of the work permit
The standard trial period lasts 3 months, but can last up to 6 months.
Minimum notice:
- 14 days if the worker terminates the contract to leave the country
- 30 days if the worker moves to another company in the UAE
Yes, but with mandatory notice according to seniority:
- From 1 to 5 months: 2 weeks
- Up to 5 years: 1 month
- More than 5 years: 90 days
Labor law in Dubai guarantees a minimum of 30 days of paid annual vacation.
Conditions: Unused holidays can be paid in salary or transferred to the next year (maximum 5 days guaranteed by the government), usable before March 31 of the following year. Transfers longer than 5 days must be negotiated with the company.
All employees who are more than three months old have the right to:
- 15 days of 100% paid leave
- 30 days At 50% of the salary
- 45 days without compensation
*A medical certificate is required within 48 hours of the start of the discharge.
In this case, the leave can last 60 days, with 45 days with full salary and 15 days at 50%. In addition, Up to 45 additional days without pay in case of medical complications (with certificate).
Dismissal due to pregnancy or maternity is prohibited.
In this case, the father has 5 days of paid leave. Some companies may offer up to 3 paid weeks.
Also protected by law against dismissal.
- Mandatory health insurance for all domestic employees (between 3,000 and 6,000 AED annually)
- Health insurance for spouses and children
- Food vouchers
- Bonuses (up to 10% of monthly salary)
- Help for education, transportation, housing
- Additional holidays (up to 10 extra days)
- An annual flight to the country of origin
Working in Dubai isn't that different from working in other parts of the world. Labor law in Dubai protects the rights of legal workers with regulated contracts, holidays, medical leave and parental leave. In addition, many companies offer additional benefits that significantly improve the employee's quality of life.
