United Arab Emirates flag United Arab Emirates: Operating a Business in the United Arab Emirates

Work conditions in the United Arab Emirates

The Active Population in Figures

	2018	2019	2020
Labour Force	6,753,143	6,834,748	6,820,222

Source: International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database

Source: International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database

For Further Information About the Labour Market: The National Human Resource Development & Employment Authority

Legal Weekly Duration: 8 hours per day, 9 hours for employees of hotels and restaurants. During the month of Ramadan, the daily work duration is reduced by two hours for Muslim employees.
Retirement Age: 60 years old.
Working Contracts: Work contracts are framed by the law and if desired by individual negotiation.
Labour contract formalities are extremely rigid. Procedures for hiring and dismissals are easy. Contract duration should not exceed 4 years, and is renewable by mutual consent.
Labour Laws: Consult Doing Business Website, to obtain a summary of the labour regulations that apply to local entreprises.

Minimum Wage: There is no universal minimum wage for all workers, but the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has set a minimum wage of AED 6,000 (approx. USD 1,633) per month for UAE nationals in the private sector effective 1 January 2026.
Average Wage: The average wage varies a lot depending on Emirates and even within them. A person working in United Arab Emirates typically earns around 19,600 AED per month (Salary Explorer, 2022).
Social Contributions: Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: Please note that social security contributions are applicable in the UAE only for UAE nationals, and nationals of the GCC. If UAE/ GCC nationals are employed, then both the employer and the employee will be required to make social security contributions to the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA). A payment of 12.5% by the employer (15% if the employer is a public entity). Emirati nationals have free access to healthcare.
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employees: Employees who are UAE nationals pay a 5% contribution which is deducted from their salary. Emirati nationals have free access to healthcare. Foreign employees are recommended to subscribe to an additional insurance.

Social Dialogue and Involvement of Social Partners: Trade unions are banned in the UAE.
Labour Unions: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Labour Regulation Bodies: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

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