Working from home in the UAE does not mean fewer rules or flexible obligations. Employees are still bound by the same working hours, performance standards and legal responsibilities as office-based staff.

A new guide issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) lays out in detail how remote work operates in the private sector, covering everything from working hours and leave entitlements to employer obligations, monitoring rules and penalties for non-compliance. It offers clarity for both companies and employees navigating hybrid and remote arrangements.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels

Here is a breakdown of what the rules say:

What is remote work?

Remote work allows employees to perform their duties outside the workplace, either fully or partially, using digital communication tools, as agreed in the employment contract.

Employees are entitled to the same:

• Salary

• Working hours

• Leave

• Workplace protections

What are employers required to do?

• Issue a clear employment contract covering salary, role, hours and duration

• Adhere to legal working hours and grant rest days

• Provide annual, sick and other leave

• Supply necessary devices and technical tools

• Pay all dues on time when contracts end

• Not charge recruitment or hiring fees

• Clearly define tasks and communication systems

• Monitor employees and provide records if requested by labour inspectors

What must employees do?

• Complete tasks themselves (no outsourcing)

• Work within agreed hours and respond promptly

• Use company equipment properly

• Maintain confidentiality of work data

• Submit reports and complete tasks on time

• Attend virtual meetings when required

How many hours can you work?

• 8 hours per day, up to 48 hours per week

• Overtime must be paid if limits are exceeded

• Daily rest breaks are mandatory (not counted as work hours)

• At least one paid weekly day off is required

What leave are employees entitled to?

Annual leave

• 30 days per year after one year of service

• Pro-rated leave if less than one year

Sick leave

• 15 days full pay

• 30 days half pay

• 45 days unpaid

Maternity leave

• 60 days (45 full pay, 15 half pay)

• Termination due to pregnancy is not permitted

Other leave

• Parental leave: 10 working days

• Bereavement leave: 3 to 5 days depending on relation

• Study and national service leave (subject to conditions)

What insurance must be provided?

Employers must provide:

• Health insurance for remote workers

• Worker protection insurance covering unpaid wages (up to Dh20,000)

Employees must subscribe to unemployment insurance, which provides:

• 60 per cent of salary for up to 3 months if job is lost

What counts as a violation?

• Not responding during working hours without valid reason

• Repeated delays in completing tasks

• Doing personal work during official hours

• Assigning tasks to others without approval

• Logging in without actually working

Employers may take disciplinary action, including termination in serious cases.

Is logging in enough to prove you are working?

No. Performance is measured based on output and quality of work.

Can you set your own working hours?

No. Working hours are defined in the employment contract.

Can you do personal tasks during work hours?

No. Work hours are strictly for job responsibilities.

Can employers monitor remote employees?

Yes. Monitoring is allowed if it is appropriate and respects employee privacy and dignity.

Can poor performance lead to termination?

Yes. The same performance rules apply as for office-based employees.

What about UAE nationals under Nafis?

• Eligibility depends on having a genuine, active job

• Remote work does not affect benefits if conditions are met

• Any employment changes must be reported

ALSO READ

• Stranded abroad during leave? Here’s what UAE law says about your job security

• Salary cuts in the UAE: Know your rights as an employee