Working in the Private Sector in the UAE

Labour rights in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are taken seriously to ensure the country’s better economic growth. However, many people come to the UAE from other parts of the world to find lucrative job opportunities. With multicultural dynamics in the region, the UAE government is exercising its rights to review the rights of workers, aiming to operate by international labour standards. The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 is implemented in 2022. The law ensures the protection of the labour working in the UAE private sector.

If you are working or you are an employer in the UAE, then you should have a clear understanding of the employment rights in UAE. It is crucial to have clarity about the UAE labour law, ensuring employment safety at work. You must know about labour and employment contracts, rules for terminations, protection laws against harassment and discrimination, and policies to take leave from work.

However, the labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah can assist you with all those functional values in the corporate sector. Our lawyers in Sharjah are most trusted lawyers in Emirate of Sharjah.

The UAE private sector accommodates nationals and non-nationals to promote diversity in the workplace. Certain factors are highlighted to ensure safe workplace policies:

Previously, the contracts were for an unlimited period. With the new labour law, the fixed-term contract has been introduced. It is valid for three years. The contract can be renewed after three years with a mutual agreement. The labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah can guide companies and employees about the compensation benefits, notice period, and termination clauses.  

A probation period is when the new employee joins the organization. In the first 6 months, the company and the employee both understand the working dynamics and decision to formally join the organization. During the probation period, the employee can terminate the employment with 14 days’ written notice, whereas the employee will have to provide 30 days’ notice if they are joining another organization in the UAE.

In case of leaving the country, the employee can provide a 14-day notice period. The rights exercised during probation include; the right to get full salary, leave accrual, and legal protection at work. If employee leaves the company on probation, for another employer then new employer will have to reimburse the VISA cost to previous employer. Check more with

The UAE has a fast-paced working environment. However, the UAE government still caters to employees to ensure optimum productivity. The full-time working hours are 48 hours a week. However, the Ramadan timings are reduced to 6 hours. The overtime payment is made to the employees who are working more than 8 hours a day. The overtime pay is 125% of the original salary. However, if the employee is making night shifts or working on holidays, they shall be compensated for 150% of the salary or given off for some other days.

The new ways to work in the UAE have different models. Individuals can now work full-time, part-time, temporary, or remote basis. These work models have enhanced the skill set of freelancers and provided ease to working parents and employees who want to make multiple engagements to enhance their work portfolio. The labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah can ensure the best work arrangements for you with the contract to protect your rights.

The paid annual leave can be obtained for one month after completing one year in the organisation. However, two leaves a month can be obtained within 6-12 months in the service. The sick leave can be taken for 90 days a year, depending on the intensity of the sickness. However, 15 days are given with full pay, 30 days are given with half pay, and the rest 45 days are unpaid. Medical proof is required by the employer to get a sick leave.

Maternity and paternity leave is slightly different from sick leave. Women in the UAE get maternity leave for 60 days. These leaves are full-paid for 45 days, whereas 15 days are half-paid. Men who are new to the fatherhood take the paternity leave. They get 5 days leave within 6 months of the child’s birth.

Individuals who are studying besides doing the job can get study leave. They can have 10 days a year if they have served in the organization for more than 2 years. The bereavement leave can be given for 3 – 5 days. The unpaid leave is decided through mutual and written agreement. If the employees are denied any kind of leave, they can seek legal help from the Labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah.

Employees should be working in a safe environment. It means that occupational health standards should also be reviewed for safety measures. It includes fire safety, access to clean facilities, and regular safety drills. Article 4 of the UAE labour law prohibits discrimination that is based on race, gender, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, or nationality. Any violation made to employment policies can be reported to the labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah. They will look into the legal matter for justice.

The employee can be terminated lawfully when the fixed-term contract has ended or through mutual agreement. The individual can be terminated on their poor performance at work. If the employer or the employee does not provide proper notice, they will have to pay financial penalties and face legal consequences.

Termination conducted without any significant reason can lead to compensation of 3 months’ salary in the UAE. The labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah are hired to help employees with unfair dismissal or work on labour claims. However, they are also hired by the employees for negotiation and legal compliance at work.

Violations can lead to penalties, suspension of new work permits, or company blacklisting. Many employers hire Labour and employment lawyers in Sharjah to audit HR practices and reduce legal risk.

The benefits of working in the UAE private sector include; medical insurance, housing, and transport allowance. The salaries are tax-free. Individuals can get golden visas based on their professional skills. They can also change the companies without getting a no-objection certificate (NOC).