Gulf News

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Outlines Automated Notifications and Enforcement Actions for Delayed Salaries

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that private-sector employers will receive automated notifications before administrative measures take effect under the Wage Protection System. Officials clarified that the decision introduces a gradual enforcement approach without imposing new substantive legal obligations. The standardized framework is designed to detect delayed wages early across more than 600,000 registered companies.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Labour Regulations Clarify Unused Annual Leave Entitlements Upon Resignation

Private-sector employees in the UAE are entitled to cash compensation for accrued, untaken annual leave when resigning or leaving a job, according to UAE Labour Law guidance published by Gulf News. Payouts for unused leave in final settlements are calculated on the worker's basic salary rather than total compensation. Regulations also permit carrying forward up to half of an annual leave balance or receiving cash in lieu upon agreement with the employer.

Industry News

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rank Among Leading Global Cities in BCG Study

Abu Dhabi and Dubai placed among the world's leading cities for economic opportunity and quality of life in Boston Consulting Group's Cities of Choice 4.0 report. Dubai ranked fifth globally for economic opportunities—the only Middle Eastern city in the top five—and twelfth in social capital while leading globally in social connections. The 80-city study found both UAE hubs consistently outperforming global averages across resident experience indicators.

Policy & Legal Updates

LexisNexis Warns Generic AI Risks Misapplying UAE and GCC Legal Frameworks

Generic artificial intelligence models frequently apply incorrect legal frameworks when addressing GCC legal matters, according to LexisNexis Legal & Professional. In the UAE alone, practitioners must navigate federal legislation, emirate-level regulations, and over 40 free zones with independent jurisdictions such as DIFC and ADGM. LexisNexis highlighted that Legal AI must be structured around regional legal hierarchies rather than treating the GCC as a single system.