The United Arab Emirates has formally institutionalized remote work arrangements through specific legislative measures, creating a structured legal environment for both employers and employees. According to Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, remote work is recognized as a legitimate employment type when mutually agreed upon in writing.
The regulatory framework mandates that remote work arrangements, whether full-time or partial, must be explicitly documented through employment contracts or formal amendments. These documents must comprehensively detail all employment terms, including but not limited to: identification of both parties, job role specifications, compensation structure, designated workplace parameters, precise working hours, leave entitlements, probationary conditions, and termination procedures.
Article 17 (6) of the Federal Decree-Law specifically addresses remote work scenarios, stating that employees may perform duties remotely within or outside the UAE with employer approval, while reserving the employer’s right to establish specific working hours. The legislation further stipulates that conversion to remote work arrangements requires mutual consent, settlement of all outstanding entitlements from original contracts, and strict adherence to procedures established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The legal provisions emphasize that while employers maintain the authority to set operational parameters for remote work, employees gain protected status under UAE labor law when working remotely. This represents a significant modernization of the Emirates’ employment landscape, providing clarity on statutory obligations including working hour calculations, leave entitlements, and other regulatory requirements for remote arrangements.
Legal experts recommend that businesses seeking to implement remote work policies should formalize these arrangements through proper contractual documentation and seek specialized legal counsel to ensure full compliance with the evolving regulatory environment.