The UAE provides strong labor protections for employees. Understanding your rights helps you ensure fair treatment and know when to seek help if issues arise.
Working Hours Rights
Standard working hours under UAE labor law:
- Maximum 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week
- Ramadan: Maximum 6 hours per day (all employees)
- 1 hour break required after 5 consecutive hours
- At least 1 full day off per week
Overtime Rights
- Maximum 2 hours overtime per day
- Regular overtime: Basic hourly rate + 25%
- Night work (10pm–4am): Basic hourly rate + 50%
- Friday/holidays: Basic hourly rate + 50%
Leave Entitlements
Annual Leave
- 30 calendar days per year (after 1 year of service)
- 2 days per month during first year
- Leave can be carried forward
- Unused leave must be paid upon termination
Sick Leave
- First 15 days: Full pay
- Next 30 days: Half pay
- Additional 45 days: Unpaid
- Medical certificate required after 3 days
Maternity Leave
- 60 days total (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay)
- Can be extended by 45 days unpaid for illness
- Nursing breaks: 2 x 30 min daily for 6 months after birth
- No termination during maternity leave
Paternity Leave
5 working days within first 6 months of child’s birth (full pay).
Wage Protection System (WPS)
Protection Against Unfair Dismissal
You cannot be terminated for:
- Filing a complaint with MOHRE
- Pregnancy or maternity leave
- Race, religion, nationality, or gender
- Work-related illness or injury (while on medical leave)
How to File a Complaint
If your rights are violated, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE):
- Try to resolve the issue directly with your employer first
- Document everything (emails, messages, contracts)
- File complaint through MOHRE app or website
- Attend mediation session if called
- If unresolved, case may go to labor court
Key Takeaways
- Maximum 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week (6 hours during Ramadan)
- 30 days annual leave, 90 days sick leave (varying pay rates)
- Salary must be paid through WPS by 10th of each month
- File complaints with MOHRE if rights are violated