UAE Labour Law 2026: The Complete Guide for Private Sector Workers
Every key UAE Labour Law rule in one place: working hours, overtime, annual leave, probation, notice, gratuity, salary dates, ILOE and how to complain to MoHRE. With links to detailed guides.
UAEIn brief
- UAE private-sector work is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and enforced by MoHRE.
- Hours are capped at 8 a day or 48 a week; overtime pays basic wage plus 25%, or plus 50% at night.
- Workers get 30 days' paid annual leave a year, and gratuity of 21 days' basic pay per year for the first 5 years, then 30 days.
- Salaries are due on the 1st of the following month, and final dues within 14 days of the job ending.
- Complaints to MoHRE are free on 600590000.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) / Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 |
| Official source | UAE Government portal – Employment in the private sector ✓ u.ae |
This page brings together the main rules of the UAE Labour Law for private-sector workers, in plain English. Each section links to a detailed guide with worked examples.
The law is Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, and it is enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
The rules at a glance
| Topic | The rule | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| Working hours | Up to 8 hours a day / 48 a week; 2 hours less a day in Ramadan | Working hours and overtime |
| Overtime | Max 2 hours a day; basic wage +25%, or +50% from 10 pm to 4 am | Working hours and overtime |
| Annual leave | 30 days a year after 1 year; 2 days a month from 6 months to 1 year | Annual leave rules |
| Probation | Max 6 months, cannot be extended | Probation rules |
| Notice period | 30 to 90 days, in writing, on full pay | Notice, resignation and termination |
| Gratuity | 21 days' basic pay a year for years 1 to 5, 30 days after; capped at 2 years' wages | Gratuity calculator guide |
| Salary date | Due on the 1st of the following month, through WPS | Salary due date rule |
| Final settlement | Within 14 days of the job ending | Gratuity calculator guide |
| Job-loss insurance | ILOE from AED 5 a month; pays 60% of basic pay for up to 3 months | ILOE guide |
| Work permits | 13 types, issued by MoHRE and paid for by the employer | Work permit types |
Your contract
- All private-sector contracts are now fixed-term. They can be renewed, and renewals count towards gratuity.
- Work can be full-time, part-time, temporary or flexible.
- Make sure your contract on the MoHRE system shows the same basic salary as your offer letter. Gratuity, overtime and leave pay are all calculated on basic salary, not total pay.
Pay and the Wage Protection System
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, wages for each month are due on the first day of the following month and must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) or another approved system. Pay after that date is legally treated as delayed.
Leaving a job
- During probation: give 1 month's notice to move to another UAE employer, or 14 days to leave the UAE. An employer must give you 14 days.
- After probation: follow the notice in your contract, between 30 and 90 days.
- Without notice: only in specific cases, such as unpaid wages that the employer fails to fix after you have informed MoHRE.
- Unfair dismissal: a court can award up to 3 months' wages in compensation.
Health and safety at work
- After 5 hours in a row, you are entitled to at least 1 hour of breaks.
- From 15 June to 15 September, outdoor work in the sun is banned between 12:30 pm and 3 pm.
Visas and working legally
- You cannot work on a visit visa. Your employer must get you a work permit and residence visa. Read: Can you work on a visit visa in the UAE?
- Your employer pays for your work permit. Being asked to pay for a job or visa is a classic scam sign. Read: Warning signs of a fake UAE job offer
How to get help
- Put your complaint to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- If it is not resolved, file a complaint with MoHRE through its app, website or call centre on 600590000. It is free, and you do not need a lawyer.
- Keep your contract, payslips, bank statements and any messages as evidence.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check MoHRE's official channels for your own case. We update this page when the rules change.
Looking for work in the UAE? Read our guide to finding a job in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main labour law in the UAE?
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the regulation of labour relations, which covers private-sector workers and is enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
How many hours can you legally work in the UAE?
A maximum of 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week, reduced by 2 hours a day during Ramadan. Overtime is limited to 2 extra hours a day.
How much annual leave and gratuity do UAE workers get?
30 days of paid annual leave a year after one year of service, and gratuity of 21 days' basic salary per year for the first 5 years and 30 days per year after that, capped at two years' wages.
How do I complain about my employer in the UAE?
Raise the issue with your employer in writing first. If it is not fixed, file a free complaint with MoHRE through its app, website or call centre on 600590000.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
