How Do Labor Laws in the United Arab Emirates Address the Four-Day Workweek and the Right to Disconnect?
The right to disconnect refers to the ability of employees to log off from work and not engage in work-related communications outside of working hours. While the United Arab Emirates’s (UAE) labor law doesn’t explicitly use the term “right to disconnect,” several provisions reflect its principles.
Key Provisions in UAE Labor Law
Article 17 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, regarding the organization of labor relations, specifies that private-sector employees are to work no more than eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. While there may be exceptions for certain sectors, this serves as a baseline.
Under UAE labor law, employees cannot be required to work beyond the agreed-upon hours in their employment contract unless they provide written consent.
Reduced Working Hours
Despite not having a formal “right to disconnect,” in recent years, the UAE has updated its labor laws to reflect modern workplace dynamics. One significant change was in 2022 when the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) of the federal government reduced the standard work week from 5 days to 4.5 days for workers within the public sector, with full days from Monday to Thursday and a half-day on Friday.
From January 1, 2022, federal employees work from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 7.30 a.m. to noon Friday. Working hours vary across cities and sectors.
During the month of Ramadan, working hours are further reduced by two hours, allowing employees to prioritize religious observances and personal commitments.
Four Day Work Week in Sharjah
Whilst many cities in the UAE follow a 4.5 day work week in accordance with the federal government, Sharjah, has a 4 day work week for all public sector employees. This has been in practice since January 2022. Sharjah was the first local government in the UAE to adopt a 4 day work week, from Monday to Thursday with a three day weekend of Friday to Sunday.
Dubai’s Flexible Summer Project
Dubai authorities recently introduced a new pilot project aimed at improving work-life balance for government employees during the summer months. The initiative, called 'Our Flexible Summer,' will run from August 12 to September 30, 2024, across 15 government entities.
Under this program, work hours will be reduced to seven hours per day, and work will be suspended on Fridays. The goal of the initiative is to enhance employee well-being.
Implications for Employers
Employers must ensure their operations are aligned with the UAE’s federal law and reduced work week.
Employers must ensure they are aware of and comply with regional differences across cities.