The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has released a detailed guide explaining how remote and hybrid work is regulated in the UAE’s private sector, and the key takeaway is simple: working from home doesn’t mean relaxed rules. Here’s a lowdown on what the rules are:
Are remote workers treated differently?
Not really. Employees working remotely are entitled to the same salary, working hours, leave, and legal protections as office-based staff. The only thing that changes is where the work gets done.
What are employers required to do?
Companies must:
- Provide clear contracts covering salary, role, and working hours
- Ensure legal work limits (8 hours/day, 48 hours/week)
- Grant all leave benefits (annual, sick, maternity, etc.)
- Provide necessary devices and tools
- Pay dues on time and avoid charging recruitment fees
- Monitor performance responsibly
What’s expected from employees?
Remote workers must:
- Complete tasks themselves (no outsourcing)
- Stick to agreed working hours
- Respond promptly and attend virtual meetings
- Protect company data and use tools properly
- Deliver work on time and maintain quality
What about working hours and overtime?
- Standard: 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week
- Extra hours = paid overtime
- At least one weekly day off is mandatory
How does leave work?
- Annual leave: 30 days after 1 year
- Sick leave:
- 15 days full pay
- 30 days half pay
- 45 days unpaid
- Maternity leave: 60 days (45 full + 15 half pay)
- Additional: parental, bereavement, study, and national service leave
Can employers monitor remote workers?
Yes, but monitoring must be reasonable and respect privacy.
What counts as misconduct?
- Ignoring work during official hours
- Missing deadlines repeatedly
- Doing personal tasks during work time
- Delegating tasks without approval
- Logging in without actually working
Serious violations can lead to disciplinary action or termination.
How is performance measured?
Not by being “online” but by output and quality of work.
Why this matters
Remote work offers flexibility in location, not in responsibility. The rules make it clear: professional expectations remain just as strict as in the office.
Work-from-home in the UAE is structured, regulated, and performance-driven, same rules, different setting.