The active population in figures

Note: (e) Estimated data

Working conditions

Legal weekly duration

8 hours per day, 9 hours for employees of hotels and restaurant. During Ramadan month, the daily work duration is reduced by two hours for Muslim employees.

Retirement age

60 years, 55 years for women working in public sector and 65 years for judges.

Working contracts

The work contract is framed by the law and if desired by individual negotiation.
The formalism of the labour contract is extremely rigid. The prcedures for hiring and dismissals are easy.The contract duration should not exceed 4 years. It is renewable by mutual consent.

Cost of labor

Minimum wage

There is no legal minimum salary.

Average wage

The average annual salary is USD 25,000.

Social contributions

Social security contributions paid by employers: There is no social security system for non-national employees. The only obligation of the employer is to provide a health card to his employees, costing 300 AED. Since 2005, the Abu Dhabi Emirate has formulated the "Health Insurance Law" which imposes the obligation on companies based in this Emirate to subscribe to a social insurance for all its foreign employees and their families (spouses and minors).
The nationals belonging to them have a free access to healthcare.
Social security contributions paid by employees: Foreign employees are recommended to subscribe to an additional insurance.

Social partners

Social dialogue and involvement of social partners

Employees' Unions are banned in the UAE.

Unions

Ministry of Labour

Labor regulation bodies

Ministry of Labour