The new UAE Labour Law Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021 which replaced Federal Law No. (8) of 1980, has just came into effect on 02 February 2022. This law aims to introduce very progressive changes in the workplace and amongst labour relations. 

This update briefly summarises recent reforms in five bullet points. 

• New Work Models such as Flexible, Part-time, and Temporary work are addressed and regulated in Article seven of the new law.
• Unlimited contracts are replaced with fixed term employment contracts for a maximum period of three years.
• A minimum wage is set for workers and will later be issued by the UAE Cabinet upon a proposal of the Minister and in coordination with the concerned authorities.
• Payment of worker’s entitlement at the end of service including wages and all other entitlements stipulated in this Decree by law and the resolutions issued must be paid within 14 days as of the date of the end of the contract.
• A minimum notice of 14 days following a written notification by the employer to the new employee while on probation is also a new period that was introduced in this law.