1. Employment Contracts
    • Mandatory Contracts: All employees must have a written employment contract.
    • Types of Contracts: Fixed-term contracts (not exceeding three years) are standard, with the possibility of renewal.
    • Language: Contracts must be in Arabic but can include translations into other languages for reference.
  2. Working Hours
    • Standard Hours: The maximum working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
    • Overtime: Employees are entitled to overtime pay, with an increase of:
    • 25% for regular overtime.
    • 50% for overtime between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM.
    • Rest Days: Employees must have at least one day off per week.
  3. Wages and Payment
    • Minimum Wage: While no fixed minimum wage exists across all sectors, certain industries and positions may have sector-specific minimum wages as per government policy.
    • Payment Frequency: Wages must be paid monthly (or as specified in the employment contract) through the Wage Protection System (WPS).
  4. Leave and Holidays
    • Annual Leave: Employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of annual leave after one year of service. Pro-rata leave applies for shorter service durations.
    • Public Holidays: Employees are entitled to paid public holidays as per UAE law.
    • Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year:
      • First 15 days: Full pay.
      • Next 30 days: Half pay.
      • Remaining 45 days: Unpaid.
    • Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave (45 days at full pay, 15 days at half pay).
    • Parental Leave: Employees are entitled to 5 days of parental leave.
  5. Termination and Notice Period
    • Notice Period: A minimum notice period of: 30 days for standard contracts.
    • Longer notice periods may be agreed upon but must not exceed 90 days.
    • Gratuity Pay (End-of-Service Benefits): Employees completing at least one year of continuous service are entitled to severance pay:
      • 21 days’ pay for each of the first five years.
      • 30 days’ pay for each year after the fifth year.
  6. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
    • Employers must ensure a safe and respectful work environment.
    • Discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, religion, or disability is prohibited.
    • Equal pay for men and women is mandated for the same role.
  7. Visa and Sponsorship
    • Employers are responsible for providing work visas and sponsorship for foreign employees.
    • Employees cannot work for a company without the appropriate visa and work permit.
  8. Health and Safety
    • Employers must provide a safe working environment and necessary safety equipment.
    • Health insurance is mandatory for all employees, provided by the employer.
  9. Grievances and Dispute Resolution
    • Employees can file complaints with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for workplace disputes.
    • Labor disputes are typically resolved through mediation; unresolved cases may proceed to labor courts.