The New Labour Law (33/2021) and its implementing Regulations (together the “New Laws”) were introduced in February 2022. They apply to all private sector employers in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) with the exception of employers within the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) financial centre free zones. The New Laws represent the biggest change in the employment law landscape in the UAE for 40 years and while there will be continue to be a period of time over which the Courts will test and probe the New Laws, HR practitioners, business owners and legal counsel with responsibility for people related matters in the UAE need to be familiar with the changes and, critically, ensure compliance.
This resource was originally published on the website of Eversheds Sutherland on January 12, 2023.