Jun 11, 2025
Labor Relations in the UAE: A complete guide for employees and employers
The UAE has become a global talent hub. However, its labor legislation has distinct features that both employees and employers should be aware of. Let's break down the key aspects of labor relations in the Emirates.
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Who needs to understand UAE labor law
Labor law knowledge is essential for:
Employers and business owners
HR professionals and career consultants
Lawyers and investors
Future expats and employees of UAE companies
Key regulatory authorities
Labor relations in the UAE fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It develops labor market policy, monitors compliance, and issues specialized regulatory acts:
Ministerial Decisions
Administrative Decisions
Official manuals and guidelines
Document templates
MoHRE also provides useful digital services — for example, you can check and download a digital copy of your labor contract.
Besides federal laws, each of the Emirates issues its own regulations. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department issues legal acts that supplement the federal framework.
Important: Companies based in free zones are also subject to federal labor legislation, but free zone authorities may issue additional labor-related regulations.
Legal framework of labor relations
The core law is Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships, which governs:
Rights and obligations of both parties
Employment contracts and probation period
Employment types and working hours
Leave policies and termination rules
Dispute resolution
This law is supplemented by Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022, which provides executive regulations.
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2021, a unified act that systematizes UAE labor laws and standards, is also important.
Full list of laws regulating labor relations in the UAE – in the realLaw AI. Book a demo.
The information in this article is current as of June 11, 2025.
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