Expats in Dubai win shorter working hours and longer leaves

A new Dubai human resources law is good news for expat employees in government jobs as they’ll enjoy longer leaves and shorter working hours.

Employees of grades between eight and 11 are due to gain three additional paid leave days as well as shorter working hours. The new law was announced Sunday by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai’s Primer Minister and ruler, with the intent to provide a ‘supportive environment’ for government sector workers. Taking to Twitter to explain further, the ruler said the law is part of his vision for employees’ better and happier futures within a stable environment both in the employment and social sectors.

In addition, expat employees are set to receive annual travel allowances for three children under the age of 21. As regards, shorter working hours, these will be allocated due to necessity, with five special paid leaves and priority for employment opportunities. The formerly mandatory 40-hour working week is now a thing of the past, and employees are now eligible for overtime as well as periodic bonuses. Also, the new law encourages further study, with a five-day paid leave granted for employees working on academic papers and research.

Dubai’s crown prince is also in favour of the new law, saying it’s an important change which will boost the emirate’s efforts in updating the work environment as well as the government’s institutional infrastructure in order to maintain international standards. The law also brings in remote working as well as other more innovative hiring methods and more flexibility as regards in-house promotions.