UAE Employee Rights Guide

Know your rights as an employee in the UAE including wages, leave entitlements, benefits, and legal protections.

Your Rights as an Employee in the UAE

UAE labour law provides comprehensive protection for employees working in the private sector. Understanding your rights is essential for maintaining a fair employment relationship and knowing when to seek assistance from authorities if these rights are violated.

Wage and Salary Rights

• Timely Payment: Employers must pay wages within 10 days of the due date through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
• No Unauthorized Deductions: Salary deductions are only permitted for specific reasons defined by law (loans, court orders, social insurance)
• Overtime Compensation: 125% of normal wage for extra hours; 150% for night work or rest days
• Equal Pay: Equal remuneration for work of equal value regardless of gender

Leave Entitlements

• Annual Leave: 30 calendar days after one year of service; 2 days per month during first year
• Sick Leave: Up to 90 days per year (15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, 45 days unpaid)
• Maternity Leave: 60 days (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay) plus optional 45 days unpaid
• Parental Leave: 5 working days within 6 months of child birth
• Bereavement Leave: 5 days for spouse death; 3 days for other immediate family
• Study Leave: 10 days per year for employees enrolled in accredited institutions

End of Service Gratuity

Upon completing one year of continuous service, employees are entitled to end-of-service gratuity calculated as follows: 21 days basic salary for each of the first five years of service, plus 30 days basic salary for each additional year thereafter. The total gratuity cannot exceed two years salary. Gratuity is calculated on basic salary only, excluding allowances and bonuses.

Protection Against Discrimination and Harassment

UAE law prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin, or disability. Sexual harassment is a criminal offense, and employees have the right to file complaints with MOHRE or local police. Employers must maintain a safe, harassment-free work environment.