Annual Leave to Increase for Some Dubai Employees

The three main changes that come as part of this new Dubai HR law effects annual leave allowances, working remotely and promotions.

1. Extended annual leave

It grants employees in grade 8 to 11 to have 25 days annual leave, an increase from the previous 22 days per year. Employees of grade 7 and below will receive 18 days holiday, instead of 15.

Employees can now also take up to five days off for mourning leave, instead of three days, upon the death of a relative of the second degree.

2. Working remotely a possiblity

The new law will also see 'remote working' introduced, allowing employees the freedoms of not having to work from the office.

People of determination will receive additional bonuses, also. They will be eligible for shorter working hours if needed, subject to medical approval.

3. Easier to be promoted

Lastly, the other major change is the opportunity for promotion; the newly approved law will provide an opportunity for employees to apply internally for any vacant position, and to be transferred without the need to meet promotion conditions when that employee deserves it.

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Sheikh Mohammed said that human resources represents a key element of the development formula in Dubai. And the law will help to attract the right talent that can help strengthen the emirate's stature as a model.

“We are committed to providing a supportive environment for all Dubai government employees as the performance of the government sector is key to our development journey. Our objective is to ensure a strong work life balance and stability for all government employees,” Sheikh Mohammad said.

As well as the above, there are several other changes to HR processes for Dubai government employees, which are as follows:

• It grants an annual travel allowance for an employee's family members who are under the age of 21, instead of 18 years old
• The limited travel allowance to three children has also been abolished, and no longer has a cap
• Employees will have the right to receive an overtime allowance directly with the approval of their immediate supervisor, provided the extra working hours are recorded and occur after official working hours
• It grants a five-day comprehensive leave for an employee who is preparing researches, projects and graduation letters
• It allows the promotion of an employee, who as a result of an evaluation of their performance, meets the expectations and there was a need for achievements and experience which gives more flexibility in the application of career paths

The new HR law is in line with the futuristic mission of Dubai government.

A part of this is to seek and enhance team spirit and knowledge exchange, and streamline efforts to drive Dubai's development forward.

Of course, this is all superb news for public sector workers - but for private sector employees? Lets hope companies follow this example led by Dubai's government.