Written Contract Of Employment Template for the United Arab Emirates
Generate a bespoke document
What is a Written Contract Of Employment?
The Written Contract Of Employment is a mandatory document required under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 for all employment relationships in the United Arab Emirates. This contract serves as the primary reference point for both employer and employee, defining their rights, obligations, and the terms of employment. It must be issued in Arabic (with optional English translation) and should include all mandatory provisions required by UAE labor law, such as remuneration, benefits, working hours, and termination terms. The contract is essential for obtaining work permits and residency visas for expatriate employees and provides legal protection for both parties in case of disputes.
About the Written Contract Of Employment
A Written Contract Of Employment is your essential legal document for establishing formal employment relationships in the United Arab Emirates. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, all employment arrangements must be documented through a comprehensive written agreement that protects both employer and employee rights while ensuring compliance with local labor regulations.
When do you need this document?
You need this contract whenever you're hiring employees or accepting employment in the UAE. Whether you're a multinational corporation establishing local operations, a small business expanding your workforce, or an individual accepting a job offer, this document is legally required before work can commence. The contract is particularly crucial for expatriate workers who need it to obtain work permits and residency visas. You'll also need it when converting from probationary employment to permanent status, or when modifying existing employment terms.
Key legal considerations
Your employment contract must include mandatory provisions specified by UAE labor law. These include precise job descriptions, salary details with breakdown of basic pay and allowances, working hours that comply with the 8-hour daily maximum, annual leave entitlements of at least 30 days, and clear termination procedures. Pay special attention to probationary periods, which cannot exceed six months, and end-of-service benefit calculations. The contract should specify whether employment is limited or unlimited term, as this affects termination rights and notice periods. Include clauses covering overtime compensation, sick leave policies, and any restrictive covenants such as non-compete agreements, ensuring they comply with UAE legal standards.
Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates
UAE law mandates that employment contracts be written in Arabic as the primary language, though English translations are commonly provided for clarity. The contract must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and comply with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and related ministerial resolutions. Ensure your contract includes provisions for unemployment insurance as required under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2021, and addresses pension contributions under Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 where applicable. The agreement must respect UAE cultural and religious considerations, including prayer time allowances and Ramadan working hour adjustments. For certain categories of workers, additional approvals may be required from relevant authorities before employment can begin.
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Written Contract Of Employment is drafted to comply with United Arab Emirates law. Key legislation includes:
Ministerial Resolution No. 27 of 2022: Regulations concerning work types and employment contracts, including specific rules for full-time, part-time, temporary and flexible work arrangements
UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2021: Law concerning the unified general rules of work in the UAE, including provisions for work permits and labor relations
UAE Ministerial Decision No. 46 of 2022: Regulations regarding unemployment insurance and related employment protection schemes
UAE Federal Law No. 7 of 1999: Law concerning pension and social security, applicable to UAE national employees
UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 71 of 2023: Regulations regarding end of service benefits calculation and payment procedures
UAE Ministerial Decision No. 47 of 2022: Regulations concerning internal work regulations and disciplinary rules that must be reflected in employment contracts
Explore 208,390+ legal templates
Explore 208,390+ legal templates
Genie's Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here's how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your data is private:
We do not train on your data; Genie's AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security:
You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it