UAE Labour Law

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations

القانون الاتحادي بالمرسوم رقم 33 لسنة 2021 بشأن تنظيم علاقات العمل

Code: FDL-33-2021
Authority: Federal
Category: employment
Enacted: 2021

Articles

Article Article 1
Definitions and scope of the labour law applicable to private-sector employees in the UAE.
Article Article 2 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Article 2 of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) sets out the law's scope of application. The article establishes that this labour regulation applies to all workers and employers within the United Arab Emirates, governing the relationship between them. The law covers employment contracts, worker rights, employer obligations, and workplace conditions. It applies to both nationals and expatriates working in the UAE, with specific exemptions outlined for certain sectors or categories as may be determined by regulation. The provisions establish a comprehensive legal framework governing working hours, wages, leave entitlements, health and safety, and dispute resolution mechanisms between employers and employees.
Article Article 3, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Article 3 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 establishes the scope of application for labour regulations in the UAE. The law applies to all workers and employers engaged in employment relationships within the territory of the United Arab Emirates, except where specific exemptions are provided by law. The provisions govern private sector employment and establish the fundamental rights and obligations of both parties. Certain categories, including domestic workers and those in sectors designated by federal decree, may be subject to separate or modified regulations. The law ensures comprehensive coverage of labour relations while allowing for sectoral distinctions necessary for effective workforce regulation.
Article Article 4, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Article 4 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 establishes the scope and application of labour law in the UAE. The law applies to all workers and employers engaged in employment relationships within the emirate, regardless of the nature of work, except for certain categories specified by regulation. The law governs private sector employment relationships and sets out fundamental principles governing contracts, rights, and obligations of both employers and employees. It ensures that labour relations comply with standards protecting worker welfare, safety, and fair treatment. The provisions apply to both UAE nationals and expatriate workers, establishing uniform protections and standards across the labour market in accordance with international labour principles.
Article Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 establishes the fundamental principles governing labour relations in the UAE. It affirms that employment relationships must respect workers' rights and dignity, ensure safe and healthy working conditions, and comply with applicable legislation. The article emphasizes that labour agreements cannot diminish protections granted under the law and that all parties must act in good faith. This provision forms the foundational basis for regulating the employment contract and the obligations of both employers and employees throughout their working relationship.
Article Article 6 — Scope of Application
Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 establishes the scope of labour law application across the UAE. The provision clarifies which workers and employment relationships fall under the law's protection, including both citizens and non-citizens engaged in work within the emirate. It excludes certain categories such as members of the armed forces and security services. The article ensures that the labour law applies comprehensively to all sectors unless specifically exempted by law, establishing uniform employment standards across the private and semi-public sectors. This foundational provision guarantees broad protections for eligible workers throughout the UAE.
Article Article 8
Employment contract types: limited (fixed-term up to 3 years renewable) and the prohibition of unlimited contracts under the new framework.
Article Article 19
Probation period: maximum six months from the start date of employment.
Article Article 21
Termination by notice: minimum 30 days, maximum 90 days written notice for termination during the contract.
Article Article 29
Annual leave: 30 calendar days per year for employees who have completed one year of service.
Article Article 31
Maternity leave: 60 days (45 fully paid + 15 at half pay).
Article Article 32
Sick leave: up to 90 days per year — 15 fully paid, 30 at half pay, 45 unpaid.
Article Article 47
Wage Protection System (WPS): mandatory salary payment through approved channels in UAE Dirhams.
Article Article 51
End-of-service gratuity calculation: 21 days of basic wage per year for first 5 years; 30 days per year thereafter; capped at 2 years total wage.
Article Article 53
Forfeiture of gratuity: gratuity may be reduced for resignation under specific conditions in limited contracts.

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Information, not legal advice. UAE laws change. Always verify the current text via the official source linked above and consult a UAE-licensed lawyer for advice on your situation.