Developments
UAE labour-law updates
Verified Federal and DIFC developments.
Heat-stress midday work ban: 15 June – 15 September
Outdoor work under direct sunlight is prohibited annually from 15 June to 15 September, 12:30pm–3:00pm.
Emiratisation: two-band framework reaches 10% by end of 2026
Two-band Emiratisation framework: firms with 50+ skilled employees follow a 2% annual increase reaching 10% by end of 2026; firms with 20–49 skilled employees in specified activities appoint at least one UAE national in 2024 and two in 2025.
Health insurance now required for UAE residency visas
Since 1 January 2025, health insurance is a requirement for issuing or renewing a UAE residency visa.
Penalty amendments effective August 2024
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024 amended Articles 54 and 60 of the Labour Law, effective 31 August 2024, raising penalty ranges significantly.
DIFC DEWS: employer top-up rule for UAE/GCC nationals
A 2024 amendment to DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 added an employer top-up obligation for UAE and GCC national employees.