Remote work in United Arab Emirates

Working from Home Policy in the UAE

Remote work is permitted in the UAE and is regulated under the labour law framework. Employees working remotely must be issued a compliant employment contract and are entitled to the same rights and protections as on-site employees unless explicitly stated otherwise in their contract.

Employers must ensure remote workers receive statutory entitlements such as medical insurance, gratuity, and paid leave. Salaries must be paid monthly through the Wage Protection System (WPS), regardless of the employee’s location.

Standard working hours remain in place (48 per week), with reduced hours during Ramadan. Overtime rules also apply, unless the employee is in an exempt category such as managerial or supervisory roles

A well-designed remote work policy in the UAE should cover:

• Work schedule and hours of availability
• Costs and expenses covered by the employer (e.g. internet, telecom, electricity)
• Equipment provided or reimbursed by the company
• Data protection, confidentiality, and monitoring rules in line with UAE law
• Health and safety measures for the home workspace
• Use of digital tools and acceptable use standards
• Duration of the remote work arrangement and conditions for review

Workspace guidelines in the UAE