What Does the UAE Employment Law Cover in 2025

1. What Does the UAE Employment Law Cover in 2025? The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a thriving, dynamic workforce, with millions of expatriates contributing to the nation's economic growth. Employment laws in the UAE are designed to protect both employers and employees, ensuring fair practices in the workplace. The UAE has witnessed significant changes in its labor laws over the years, especially with the new amendments to the UAE Labor Law in 2022, which will continue to shape employment practices in 2025. Hussain Lootah is the top-notch labour lawyer in dubai that provides expert legal guidance to both employers and employees to navigate complex employment issues. Whether you are facing disputes, need clarification on rights and obligations, or require assistance with contracts and terminations, Hussain Lootah's experience ensures that your labor-related concerns are handled with expertise and professionalism.

2. 1. Employment Contracts One of the most important elements of UAE employment law is the employment contract, which must be written and signed by both the employer and the employee. As of 2025, the UAE continues to require employers to provide a formal contract to employees at the start of employment, outlining the terms and conditions of the job. The contract should specify essential details such as: • Job description and responsibilities • Salary and benefits • Working hours and days off • Employment duration (fixed or indefinite) • Termination conditions

3. 2. Working Hours and Rest Periods • In 2025, the UAE labor law continues to regulate working hours, ensuring that employees are not overburdened by excessive working hours. The standard working hours for employees in the UAE are set at 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. However, employers and employees can agree to alternative working hours depending on the industry, with some specific exemptions granted, such as for the hospitality or healthcare sectors. • Employees are also entitled to rest periods during the day, and there are mandatory weekly rest days, generally on Fridays. The law ensures that employees have at least one day off per week. In some cases, employees working in certain industries, like retail, may work on a rotational basis but should still have one full rest day during the week.

4. 3. Leave Entitlements • Annual Leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. For employees with less than a year’s service, leave is calculated pro-rata based on the number of months worked. • Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year, but only after submitting a medical certificate. The pay structure for sick leave varies—first 15 days are paid in full, next 30 days at 50%, and after that, employees are not entitled to pay. • Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 45 days of paid maternity leave, which can be extended to unpaid leave if needed. Female employees are also entitled to paternity leave, which allows fathers to take up to 5 days off following the birth of a child. • Public Holidays: The UAE provides paid leave for public holidays, including national holidays such as the UAE National Day and religious holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

5. 4. Termination and End-of-Service Benefits • In 2025, termination of employment in the UAE is governed by strict laws to protect both employers and employees. Employees can be terminated either for cause (due to misconduct, performance issues, or breach of contract) or without cause (due to redundancy, restructuring, or business requirements). • Employers must provide a notice period as outlined in the employment contract, which can range from 30 days to 90 days, depending on the length of service. If the employer terminates the contract without notice or valid reason, the employee is entitled to compensation. • 21 days of salary for each year of the first five years • 30 days of salary for each year after five years of service

6. 5. Employee Rights and Protection In 2025, the UAE Labor Law continues to offer protections for employees, ensuring they are treated fairly in the workplace. These rights include: • Equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, or nationality • Protection against discrimination, harassment, and unjust treatment • Right to join labor unions and engage in collective bargaining (in certain sectors) • Right to file complaints against unfair treatment or unlawful dismissal.

7. 6. Dispute Resolution and Labor Courts To resolve disputes between employers and employees, the UAE Labor Law provides clear mechanisms for handling conflicts. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) facilitates mediation and reconciliation services before disputes are taken to court. If the mediation does not lead to a resolution, employees have the option to file complaints with the Labor Court for further action.

8. Conclusion The UAE employment law in 2025 continues to evolve, offering comprehensive protections for both employees and employers. With a focus on ensuring fair pay, proper working conditions, and legal safeguards in place, the UAE labor law is designed to create a balanced and thriving workforce. Employers must keep up with the latest regulations, while employees should be aware of their rights to ensure a harmonious and legally sound working relationship. Whether you're searching for a law firms in Dubai, UAE, Hussain Lootah specializes in providing expert legal services in various areas, including labor law, family law, real estate law, criminal law, and commercial law. is