Gulf News

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Labour Law Clarifies Rules on Employer Penalties and Reward Frameworks

Legal experts clarified statutory provisions governing workplace disciplinary and incentive guidelines under UAE labour legislation. Under Article 13 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers with 50 or more workers must implement formal guidelines covering penalties, promotions, work instructions, and terminations. Internal workplace rules must strictly conform to statutory provisions and public order to maintain legal enforceability.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Workplace Privacy Laws Protect Employee Mental Health and Medical Records

Legal and compliance specialists clarified that employee medical history, psychiatric evaluations, and therapy records remain confidential under UAE privacy provisions. Employers cannot legally demand disclosure of these records even when addressing declining workplace performance. For sick leave under UAE Labour Law, workers are only required to provide official medical certificates without disclosing specific diagnoses.

Industry News

Abu Dhabi to Host Second Al Shifaa Summit on Integrative Medicine and AI

The second edition of the Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine is scheduled to take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 20 to 22 October 2026. Organised by the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, the three-day gathering forms part of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026. The event focuses on integrating traditional medical knowledge with scientific evidence, emerging technologies, and national regulatory standards.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE MoHRE Issues Five-Day Absence Reporting Directive for Domestic Workers

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued regulatory guidance requiring employers to report domestic worker absence within five days. Filings must be submitted through the official MoHRE smart application or website. The timeline is stricter than the seven-day period designated for commercial private sector workers.