Employees in the UAE who are diagnosed with a communicable disease, suspected of being infected, or identified as close contacts during an epidemic or pandemic could soon receive paid leave without it affecting their annual leave entitlement, under amendments approved by the Federal National Council (FNC).

The amendments form part of a draft federal law on combating communicable diseases, which was approved by the FNC during its session on Wednesday.

What the amendments mean

Under the proposed changes, employers will be required to prevent an employee from attending the workplace if they:

• Are infected with a communicable disease.
• Are suspected of having a communicable disease.
• Have been identified as a close contact during an epidemic or pandemic.

The measure applies if the employee’s presence is likely to pose a health risk to others in the workplace.

Paid leave without affecting annual leave

The amendments also protect employees’ leave entitlements.

If an employee is required to stay away from work for health reasons under the law, the period of absence:

• Will not be deducted from statutory leave entitlements.
• Will be fully paid, with the employee continuing to receive their wage or gross salary.

To qualify, the employee must provide a certificate issued by the competent health authority.

FNC approves amendments

The amendments were approved during an FNC session attended by Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh.

According to the FNC, the draft law was first submitted to the Council in March following approval by the Council of Ministers.

The President of the FNC referred the proposed amendments to the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, which reviewed the changes during a meeting on July 6.

After examining the proposals and their role in strengthening the implementation of the law, the committee endorsed the amendments before they were approved by the Council.

If the draft law completes the legislative process and comes into force, it will strengthen workplace health protections while ensuring employees do not lose pay or annual leave when required to isolate because of communicable diseases.

Paying for UAE visa, residency and identity services has become more flexible, with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) introducing a new instalment payment option through Tabby.

The new feature allows customers to split the cost of eligible ICP services into monthly instalments, making it easier to manage payments for applications such as visas, Emirates ID and other government services.

What’s new?

Alongside its existing Easy Payment service, which is offered in partnership with 10 national banks, ICP has added Tabby as a payment option on its electronic payment platform.

Eligible customers can pay service fees in instalments over three, six or 12 months for transactions worth up to Dh20,000, subject to Tabby’s credit assessment.

How it works

When completing an application through ICP’s digital platform, customers simply need to:

• Proceed to the payment page.
• Select their preferred payment option, Tabby or Easy Payment.
• Complete the payment process based on the available instalment plan.

Approval for instalment payments depends on the customer’s credit eligibility.

Improving customer experience

ICP said the initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to improve customer experience by offering more convenient and flexible financial solutions.

By expanding payment options, the authority aims to make government services more accessible while giving citizens and residents greater flexibility in managing service-related expenses.

Starting and growing a business in Dubai is set to become easier with the launch of Business in Dubai, a new digital platform by Dubai Chambers that brings together essential corporate services in one place.

Designed as a single gateway for companies, the platform connects businesses with trusted service providers, helping them access everything from financial solutions to technology, marketing and certification services without having to navigate multiple channels.

The initiative aims to simplify business operations while strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.

What does the platform offer?

The Business in Dubai platform currently provides 65 corporate services through seven accredited partners, offering companies a wide range of support as they establish or expand their operations in the emirate.

The services are grouped into four key categories:

• Financial services
• Marketing and business growth services
• Technology services
• Testing, inspection and certification services

The current network of partners includes ZENDATA Cybersecurity, FAST Ventures, Mamo, OCTA, SGS Gulf Limited, Vault, and Pemo.

Helping businesses grow

Dubai Chambers said the platform has been designed to save companies time and resources by bringing multiple business services under one digital roof.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating an environment that supports business growth both locally and internationally.

He said the platform will strengthen Dubai’s investment ecosystem by making it easier for companies to access the services they need to scale their operations and contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic development.

Boost for the digital economy

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the platform will particularly benefit businesses operating in the digital economy by simplifying access to trusted service providers.

He added that the initiative creates a more flexible and efficient business environment, enabling entrepreneurs and companies across different sectors to focus on growth rather than administrative processes.

A single digital gateway

By consolidating key business services onto one platform, Dubai Chambers aims to reduce the time and effort companies spend searching for service providers, allowing them to concentrate on innovation, expansion and day-to-day operations.

The launch forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its business ecosystem and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for trade, investment and entrepreneurship.