UAE Remote Work Rules Explained: Hours, Leave, Rights, Violations When Working From Home

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Did you know employees working from home are subject to the same hours, performance standards and obligations as office-based staff?

By: Sahim Salim

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.

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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

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