UAE Code of Conduct Guide
Complete guide to developing employee codes of conduct in the UAE. Learn about behavioral standards, ethical requirements, policy templates, and implementation best practices.
Quick Summary: Complete guide to developing employee codes of conduct in the UAE. Learn about behavioral standards, ethical requirements, policy templates, and implementation best practices.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Define expected behavior |
| Scope | All employees |
| Legal Basis | Articles 14-16, UAE Labor Law |
| Distribution | All employees must receive |
| Acknowledgment | Written sign-off required |
What is a Code of Conduct?
UAE Legal Framework
Employee Obligations Under Law
| Article | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Article 14 | Perform work personally and diligently |
| Article 15 | Follow employer instructions |
| Article 16 | Maintain confidentiality |
| Article 16 | Not compete during employment |
| Article 16 | Protect employer property |
| Article 16 | Comply with safety requirements |
Grounds for Termination Without Notice
| Ground | Description |
|---|---|
| False identity | Fraudulent documents |
| Gross negligence | Serious work failure |
| Repeated violations | Despite warnings |
| Intoxication | Alcohol/drugs at work |
| Physical assault | Violence at workplace |
| Abandonment | 7+ consecutive days |
| Confidentiality breach | Sharing secrets |
| Sexual harassment | Including assault |
Key Conduct Areas
Professional Standards
| Area | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Performance | Meet role requirements |
| Quality | High standards |
| Reliability | Dependable |
| Communication | Professional |
| Appearance | Appropriate |
Ethical Standards
| Area | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Honesty | Truthful |
| Integrity | Consistent values |
| Fairness | Impartial |
| Transparency | Open |
| Compliance | Follow rules |
Code of Conduct Template
Ethical Behavior Standards
Key Ethical Areas
Implementation Steps
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draft code with input from leadership |
| 2 | Legal review for UAE compliance |
| 3 | Management approval |
| 4 | Translate to Arabic (required) |
| 5 | Communicate to all employees |
| 6 | Conduct training sessions |
| 7 | Obtain signed acknowledgments |
| 8 | Store documentation securely |
Handling Violations
Investigation Process
Possible Consequences
Best Practices
| For | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Companies | Clear language, regular updates, consistent enforcement |
| Managers | Model behavior, address issues promptly, document everything |
| Employees | Read and understand, ask questions, report concerns |
Frequently Asked Questions
Digitize Your Code of Conduct
NeuralHR helps you distribute, track acknowledgments, and ensure compliance with your code of conduct across your organization.
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NeuralHR Team
VerifiedUAE HR Compliance Experts
Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
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