The UAE President Issues a Law Regulating Labor Relations in the Private Sector from February 2022

Based on ARN News Centre, a new federal law regulating labor relations in the private sector will effect on February 2, 2022.

The UAE's President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 to ensure more flexibility in the employment market.

It will apply to all establishments, employers, and workers in the private sector, including the free zones, except those zones with their laws (e.g., DIFC, ADGM).

The new law considers all stakeholders' rights and has specific provisions related to gender equality as well as discrimination, bullying, and harassment at the workplace.

It also covers aspects related to part-time work and flexible working arrangements.

Some of the provisions of the new law include:

Introduction of a mourning leave ranging from 3 to 5 days according to the degree of the deceased's relatives, in addition to five-day parental leave.

Prohibition of discrimination in jobs based on race, color, gender, religion, or nationality.

More protection to employees against bullying, harassment, and unlawful seizure of documents.