Changes In The Workweek As Per The Law

The United Arab Emirates recently introduced the Federal Decree-Law no. 33 of 2021 on the ‘regulations of labour relations', which would be in effect from 2nd February 2022 (“new decree law”). The new decree-law aims to bring about more efficiency in the labour functions in the UAE. The rules have been specially formulated to strike a balance between attracting and retention of the best talents and skills, as well as providing an attractive business environment for employers. Thus, to empower both the parties and to ensure heightened participation in pursuing the national development goals.

The UAE also recently announced that all the UAE federal government entities would have a four and a half work week, starting from Monday to Friday, with Fridays being half days. The changes are, however, applicable only to the federal or government staff, and the private employers are not obliged to follow them. However, schools and banking institutions are going ahead to