UAE Labor Law – The Essentials for Workers and Employers

If you’re living or working in the UAE, the labor law is the rulebook that decides what’s fair at work. It covers everything from contract types to overtime pay, and it’s meant to protect both you and your boss. Below you’ll find the most useful bits you’ll need to stay on the right side of the law.

Key Points of the UAE Labor Law

First off, any job in the UAE needs a written contract. The contract spells out salary, working hours, leave, and end‑of‑service benefits. Most full‑time roles follow a 40‑hour week, with a maximum of eight hours a day. If you work more, you’re entitled to overtime pay – usually 1.25 times your normal rate, and higher for night shifts.

Annual leave is another must‑know. After a year of service you get at least 30 days of paid leave. If you haven’t hit the year mark, you still earn leave on a pro‑rated basis. Sick leave is paid for up to 90 days, but you’ll need a medical certificate after the first two days.

Termination rules are strict. Employers must give notice (or pay in lieu) based on your contract length: 30 days for contracts under a year, 60 days for longer ones. If you’re let go without cause, you get end‑of‑service gratuity – usually 21 days’ pay for each of the first five years, then 30 days for each additional year.

Women’s rights are protected, too. Pregnant workers get 45 days of maternity leave, with full pay for the first 45 days if they’ve completed a year of service. After the leave, you’re guaranteed the same job or a similar one.

How It Affects the Escort Industry

While the escort world operates in a gray area, anyone who works as a companion, massage girl, or similar role is still covered by the labor law if they have a formal contract. That means they should receive the same minimum wages, overtime, and leave as any other employee.

Many agencies label workers as “independent contractors” to dodge labor obligations. In practice, if the agency controls schedule, sets rates, and dictates how work is done, the law sees them as employees. That’s a big reason why you’ll hear about disputes over unpaid overtime or missing gratuity in this sector.

Legal alternatives, like licensed spa services or entertainment venues, follow the labor code more closely. They register workers, provide contracts, and handle end‑of‑service benefits. If you’re looking for a safe way to work or hire in the UAE, stick to businesses that can show a proper labor contract.For workers, it’s smart to keep copies of contracts, pay slips, and any communication about hours or leave. If something feels off, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The ministry offers a free hotline and an online portal to track cases.

Employers, on the other hand, should review their contracts regularly and make sure they match the latest law updates. The UAE rolled out a new labor law in 2022, and many of those changes still apply in 2025, especially around remote work and flexible hours.

Bottom line: whether you’re a bartender in Business Bay, a massage therapist in Dubai Marina, or an independent companion, the UAE labor law sets clear standards. Knowing those standards helps you avoid headaches, claim what you’re owed, and keep your work life on track.