UAE Labour Law 2026: Every Right You Have as an Employee
Your full 2026 UAE employee rights explained: paid leave, salary protection, end-of-service gratuity, notice periods, and how to enforce them.
Paid Leave You Can Actually Take
Every private-sector employee receives 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. You can carry forward up to half of this entitlement to the next year. Sick leave is paid in full for the first 15 days, half pay for the next 30 days, then unpaid for another 15 days. Maternity leave is 60 calendar days at full pay. Paternity leave gives five working days within six months of the birth.
Salary Protection Rules
Your employer must pay wages on time through the Wage Protection System. Late payment beyond 10 days triggers automatic complaints to MOHRE. The minimum wage remains AED 2,500 for skilled roles with accommodation or AED 3,000 without. Your contract must state the exact basic salary, allowances, and payment frequency in writing. Cash payments are no longer accepted for contracts registered after 2024.
End-of-Service Gratuity
Gratuity is calculated on your basic salary only. After one year you receive 21 days basic pay for each of the first five years. From year six onward the rate rises to 30 days basic pay per year. The total is capped at the last three years of service. You lose gratuity only if you resign before completing one full year or if you are dismissed for gross misconduct proven by MOHRE.
Notice Periods and Resignation
Fixed-term contracts require 30 days written notice unless both sides agree to a shorter period. Unlimited contracts also use the 30-day rule. During notice you continue to receive full pay and benefits. If your employer waives the notice period you still receive payment for those days. You must settle any outstanding loans or visa costs before final exit is approved by ICP.
How to File a Complaint
Start with an internal grievance to HR in writing. If unresolved after seven days, open a case on the MOHRE app or website. Attach your contract, salary slips, and any WhatsApp evidence. Most salary and gratuity cases are resolved within 21 days through conciliation. If conciliation fails, the case moves to the labour court at no cost to the employee. Keep copies of every document; digital records from the MOHRE portal are accepted as official proof.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days of paid annual leave do I get?▾
30 calendar days after one year of service, with up to 15 days carry-forward allowed.
When is end-of-service gratuity paid?▾
Within 14 days of your last working day once the labour card is cancelled.
Can my employer delay my salary?▾
No. Wages must arrive by the 10th; delays trigger automatic MOHRE complaints.
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