UAE Workplace Policy Guide
Complete guide to essential workplace policies in the UAE. Learn about working hours, leave policies, health and safety, IT security, remote work, and dress code requirements.
Quick Summary: Complete guide to essential workplace policies in the UAE. Learn about working hours, leave policies, health and safety, IT security, remote work, and dress code requirements.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 |
| Requirement | Many policies legally required |
| Language | Arabic required, English common |
| Distribution | Must provide to employees |
| Updates | Review annually |
Why Workplace Policies Matter
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Legal compliance | Avoid penalties and disputes |
| Clear expectations | Reduced misunderstandings |
| Consistent treatment | Fair workplace for all |
| Risk management | Protection for company and employees |
| Operational efficiency | Standard procedures for all |
Essential Workplace Policies
Legally Required Policies
| Policy | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Employment contracts | Article 8 |
| Working hours | Article 17-19 |
| Leave policies | Article 29-32 |
| End of service | Article 51-53 |
| Health and safety | Article 13 |
| Non-discrimination | Article 4 |
Recommended Policies
Working Hours Policy
Legal Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum hours | 48 per week |
| Daily hours | 8 hours (excluding breaks) |
| Ramadan hours | Reduced by 2 hours |
| Rest day | Minimum 1 day per week |
| Overtime limit | 2 hours per day |
Overtime Compensation
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Weekday overtime | Basic hourly rate + 25% |
| Night overtime (9PM-4AM) | Basic + 50% |
| Weekend/holiday | Basic + 50% |
Leave Policy
| Leave Type | Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 30 calendar days (after 1 year) |
| Annual leave (6-12 months) | 2 days per month |
| Sick leave | 90 days per year (15 full, 30 half, 45 unpaid) |
| Maternity leave | 60 days (45 full pay, 15 half pay) |
| Paternity/Parental | 5 working days |
| Bereavement | 3-5 days depending on relation |
| Hajj leave | 30 days unpaid (once, Muslim employees) |
| Study leave | 10 days (5+ year employees) |
Health and Safety Policy
Employer Responsibilities
Summer Working Restrictions
IT and Data Security Policy
Key Policy Areas
Remote/Hybrid Work Policy
Key Considerations
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Contract | Must specify if remote |
| Working hours | Same as office |
| Equipment | Define responsibility |
| Data security | Must be maintained |
| Communication | Channels defined |
Policy Elements
Dress Code Policy
Dress Code Levels
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Professional | Suits, formal attire for client-facing roles |
| Business Casual | Collared shirts, dress pants (common for Fridays) |
| Smart Casual | Clean, neat appearance with some flexibility |
Cultural Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
Digitize Your Workplace Policies
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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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