UAE, one of the best countries preserving best interest of their workers

UAE – UAE has become a second home for many around the globe, which makes its work environment exposed, unique, and interesting. Most of the population in the UAE, especially Dubai is expats, which makes it immensely necessary for the country to adopt a very accepting and holistic work culture.
The basis of business etiquette in the UAE is stemmed with respect. It’s important to understand that the UAE is an Islamic country where religion plays a very important and sensitive role in its business culture. Their culture is more conservative and blending than the rest. 

The personal touch in business is well received in the Emirates. Small talks and socialising are a form of respect and acceptance during business meetings. Similarly, loyalty is greatly valued.   
Work hours
The working hours and conditions are very adaptive and blending to the religion of the Emirates. The usual work hours are 8 hours long from 9-5 and the workweek is from Sunday to Thursday, so that the Muslims can offer their Friday prayers without any concern. And during the holy month of Ramadan, the working hours are reduced to as little as 6 hours a day.    

UAE has a good work-life balance, the employees get 30 days of annual leave along with the public holidays. And are eligible for 90 days of sick leaves. Traditional culture doesn’t offer a flexible work environment, but things are changing after the government introduced two new laws to encourage flexi-work in 2019.    

“Noon Work Ban”

Related Posts

Companies in the UAE whose employees work outdoors will put off their working hours from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm starting June 15. The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization has formally announced the implementation of the “Noon Work Ban” which will be in place until September 15.

Authorities stated that this is in line with ensuring the safety of each worker’s health to avoid any occupational hazards, according to reports from Emirates News Agency. Under the “Noon Time Ban” morning and evening shifts are only allowed a maximum of eight hours.

They stressed that all COVID-19 precautionary measures will continue to be implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Erring companies will be fined AED 5,000 for each worker, with a maximum fine of AED 50,000 for multiple workers during the ban period.

Women’s Role

With changing times women are getting more involved in business in the UAE. This is also because there are many women who are highly educated and are choosing to follow careers rather than an early married life. According to 2018 statistics, 71% of Emirati graduates were women. And many of the expat women are moving there due to better career opportunities. The government is also supporting women with part-time and flexi-work solutions.    

Women make up 66% of the public sector workforce. Moreover, 30% of those are in decision-making roles and a further 27% are in the UAE cabinet.   

The business culture in the UAE is largely familial and therefore the work-life balance in UAE is excellent. And the companies tend to take care of the employees, and most businesses provide a range of social provisions. The mandates include a 26% contribution to a pension fund. Social security is also a part of the benefit package. 

Private Sector Employees
Measures to ensure a safe, healthy, and business-conducive environment for all employees in the United Arab Emirates’ private sector are included in Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 issued by the president and effective 2 Feb 2022. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said the law responds to the rapidly changing workplace, technological advancements and the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ministry will release implementation regulations.
Here are some highlights :

• Employers may not force employees to work for them or provide a service against their will.
  
• Sexual harassment, bullying or any form of verbal, physical or psychological violence against employees by the employer, supervisors or colleagues is prohibited.
  
• All forms of discriminations based on race, color, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability that would reduce equal opportunity possibilities, prejudice equal access to or continuation of employment and employment of rights is prohibited.
  
• Employers must provide equal employment rights for women, with an emphasis on granting women the same wage as men if they are doing the same work or work of equal value — to be determined by a Cabinet decision.

Domestic Workers
There are hundreds of thousand female migrant domestic workers are in the Emirates – primarily from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal – cleaning, cooking, and caring for families. 
The United Arab Emirates’ moves to adopt a new law that will guarantee domestic workers a weekly rest day and paid leave. Human Resources and Emiratization Ministry have developed implementing regulations that will bring the country into line with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention by ensuring that migrant domestic workers enjoy the same labor protections as other workers in the UAE.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect work-life balance, the UAE is the destination for you to work; the majority of people living and working in Dubai are non-citizens.

Communities are enriched with a combination of cultures from across the globe, which as a result, allows expats and emirates the chance to mix with both Arabic charm and opulence, as well as foreign influences.

Companies also provide health insurance for all employees often these benefits also extend to the employee’s families.      Over years UAE has proven to have an excellent business environment with more and more professionals all around the world opting to plant and grow their careers there. The exposure to various cultures and ideologies encourages people to think outside the box in all kinds of scenarios.