Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Consultation: 1 hour
The Wage and Hour Law in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE is governed by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980). This law regulates matters related to employee wages, working hours, overtime, holidays, leave, termination rights, and other labour disputes. A key provision is that the employer must pay the agreed upon wage on time and in the lawful currency. The Wage Protection System (WPS) also ensures that employees in the UAE receive their wages in full and on time.
There may be several situations where one would require legal help in matters of Wage & Hour. For example, if your employer is not providing the agreed upon wage or salary, delaying it, or refusing to pay overtime, a lawyer can help you understand and pursue your rights. If you are at risk of or have already been terminated without clear violation of the employment contract, legal advice can be beneficial. A lawyer can also assist in situations of forced labour where an employer is enforcing work beyond stipulated hours without proper compensation.
As per the UAE Labor Law, the standard work days are 5 to 6 days a week with a maximum of 8 hours per day. This can extend up to 9 hours for certain types of work. Overtime should not exceed two hours daily. Workers are entitled to one day off per week, and to annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. At the end of service, the employee is entitled to an end of service gratuity, unless the employment contract stipulates otherwise. Employers must provide a safe working environment, and cannot arbitrarily dismiss employees. If an employer fails to meet any of these obligations, they can face legal consequences.
The maximum standard work week in the UAE is 48 hours, that is, 6 days a week for 8 hours per day. However, this may extend on agreement.
Yes, employees who work more than the normal working hours are entitled to overtime pay as per UAE Labour Law.
If your employer does not pay the agreed wage, you can report the matter to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or seek advice from a lawyer.
Yes, you are entitled to one day off per week under the UAE Labour Law.
Upon termination, you are entitled to an end of service gratuity, payment for unutilized leave days, and any other dues according to your employment contract or the Labour Law.
Some additional resources related to Wage & Hour in Abu Dhabi, UAE include the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for any labor-related complaints or inquiries, the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980), and the Wage Protection System (WPS), a system initiated by the government to ensure timely and full payment of agreed-upon wages.
If you believe your wage or hour rights have been violated and need legal assistance, you should consult with a lawyer who specializes in labor law. You can gather any relevant documentation such as your employment contract, pay slips, and any records you have of the hours you've worked. Additionally, you can prepare to provide a detailed explanation of your situation to your lawyer so they can help you understand your rights and the best course of action.
