New law on labour relations in UAE

The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the new law regulating labour relations to be effective from 2022. It aims to enhance the flexibility and sustainability of the labour market in the country.

The law — issued by the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan — aims to govern different work categories, including part-time and temporary work, and provide more employee protection.

Тhe rules introduce flexible working hours for the private sector:

“If an employee works 40 hours a week as per the contract, he can now perform the 40 hours in three days”

The Federal Decree-Law no. 33 of 2021 concerning the regulation of labor relations will take effect on February 2, 2022. It is the biggest amendment of its kind since the law’s establishment.
Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said in a media briefing that the new decree-law comes in response to the rapidly-changing workplace amid technological advancements and the outbreak of Covid-19.
He added that it comes as part of the UAE Government’s efforts to create a flexible and competitive work environment as the country prepares to embark on its journey towards the next 50 years.