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UAE remote work rules explained: Hours, leave, rights, violations when working from home
Did you know employees working from home are subject to the same hours, performance standards and obligations as office-based staff?
- PUBLISHED: Wed 1 Apr 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Wed 1 Apr 2026, 7:37 AM
Working from home in the UAE does not mean fewer rules or flexible obligations. Employees are still bound by the same working hours, performance standards and legal responsibilities as office-based staff.
A new guide issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) lays out in detail how remote work operates in the private sector, covering everything from working hours and leave entitlements to employer obligations, monitoring rules and penalties for non-compliance. It offers clarity for both companies and employees navigating hybrid and remote arrangements.
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Here is a breakdown of what the rules say:
What is remote work?
Remote work allows employees to perform their duties outside the workplace, either fully or partially, using digital communication tools, as agreed in the employment contract.
Employees are entitled to the same:
Salary
Working hours
Leave
Workplace protections
What are employers required to do?
Issue a clear employment contract covering salary, role, hours and duration
Adhere to legal working hours and grant rest days
Provide annual, sick and other leave
Supply necessary devices and technical tools
Pay all dues on time when contracts end
Not charge recruitment or hiring fees
Clearly define tasks and communication systems
Monitor employees and provide records if requested by labour inspectors
What must employees do?
Complete tasks themselves (no outsourcing)
Work within agreed hours and respond promptly
Use company equipment properly
Maintain confidentiality of work data
Submit reports and complete tasks on time
Attend virtual meetings when required
How many hours can you work?
8 hours per day, up to 48 hours per week
Overtime must be paid if limits are exceeded
Daily rest breaks are mandatory (not counted as work hours)
At least one paid weekly day off is required
What leave are employees entitled to?
Annual leave
30 days per year after one year of service
Pro-rated leave if less than one year
Sick leave
15 days full pay
30 days half pay
45 days unpaid
Maternity leave
60 days (45 full pay, 15 half pay)
Termination due to pregnancy is not permitted
Other leave
Parental leave: 10 working days
Bereavement leave: 3 to 5 days depending on relation
Study and national service leave (subject to conditions)
What insurance must be provided?
Employers must provide:
Health insurance for remote workers
Worker protection insurance covering unpaid wages (up to Dh20,000)
Employees must subscribe to unemployment insurance, which provides:
60 per cent of salary for up to 3 months if job is lost
What counts as a violation?
Not responding during working hours without valid reason
Repeated delays in completing tasks
Doing personal work during official hours
Assigning tasks to others without approval
Logging in without actually working
Employers may take disciplinary action, including termination in serious cases.
Is logging in enough to prove you are working?
No. Performance is measured based on output and quality of work.
Can you set your own working hours?
No. Working hours are defined in the employment contract.
Can you do personal tasks during work hours?
No. Work hours are strictly for job responsibilities.
Can employers monitor remote employees?
Yes. Monitoring is allowed if it is appropriate and respects employee privacy and dignity.
Can poor performance lead to termination?
Yes. The same performance rules apply as for office-based employees.
What about UAE nationals under Nafis?
Eligibility depends on having a genuine, active job
Remote work does not affect benefits if conditions are met
Any employment changes must be reported
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.