UAE Salary Payment Options: 6 Flexible Ways to Get Paid

Key Takeaways

• UAE employers must pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
• Salary delays beyond 15 days can be reported to MOHRE for investigation
• Illegal salary deductions can result in fines of up to AED 50,000 for employers

When starting a new job in the UAE, most employees assume monthly salary is the only payment option available. However, under Federal Decree-Law No.33 of 2021, the UAE Labour Law offers significantly more flexibility than many workers realize. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) recognizes six distinct salary payment structures, each designed to accommodate different employment

types and business needs.Whether you're a full-time corporate employee, sales professional, temporary worker, or contractor, understanding your salary payment options is essential for negotiating employment terms and ensuring your rights are protected. The key requirement is simple: whatever payment structure you choose must be clearly specified in your employment contract and properly registered

with MOHRE.Understanding the 6 UAE Salary Payment OptionsThe UAE labour market accommodates diverse payment structures to serve various industries and employment arrangements. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of each option:1. Monthly WagesMonthly wages remain the most common payment structure in the UAE. Employees receive their complete salary at the end of each calendar month, typically including

basic salary, allowances, and any applicable bonuses. This payment structure works well for permanent positions and corporate roles where income stability is important.Under this arrangement, your basic salary and allowances are combined into a single monthly payment. Employers must process these payments through the Wages Protection System to ensure timely delivery.2. Weekly WagesWeekly wage payment

provides faster cash flow, with employees receiving payment every seven days. This structure benefits workers who prefer more frequent payment cycles and helps employers maintain flexible wage management. It's particularly common in hospitality, retail, and service industries where working hours may vary week to week.3. Daily WagesDaily wage structures calculate payment based on each day worked. This

option suits temporary employment, seasonal positions, or project-based work where employment duration is short-term or irregular. Workers receive compensation for actual days worked, making it ideal for event staffing, construction projects, or agricultural work.4. Hourly WagesHourly wage calculation depends on the number of hours worked, with rates determined by experience, skills, and job nature.

This payment structure works well for part-time employees, consultants, and contractors who work variable schedules. The hourly rate should be clearly specified in your employment contract, along with any overtime provisions.5. Commission-Based WagesCommission-based payment is standard in sales and certain service industries. Your income derives from a percentage of goods or services sold, creating

a direct link between performance and earnings. While commission structures can result in higher income potential, they also mean variable monthly earnings based on sales performance...

About This Article

This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).