UAE labour classification under MOHRE, fees by company category and employee skill level, company classification based on national diversity and Emiratisation

Here’s a structured overview of the latest UAE labour classification under MOHRE, including fees by company category and employee skill level, as well as company classification based on national diversity and Emiratisation.


1. ๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿฝ‍๐Ÿ’ผ Worker Skill Levels (MOHRE):

  • Skilled Workers (Level 1–3): Require post-secondary education (duties like managers, engineers, technicians)

  • Unskilled Workers (Level 4–5): Require only high school or no formal degree MoHRE


2. ๐Ÿข Company Classification (MOHRE Categories):

Private companies are divided into three main tiers, based on:

  1. Skilled-to-Unskilled Employee Ratio

  2. Cultural / National Diversity (percentage of non-Pakistani, non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi employees) 


๐ŸŸข Category 1

  • High skill OR high diversity

  • No work permit fees for new visas

  • MOHRE caps related service fees at AED 250 every two years HR+13MoHRE


๐ŸŸก Category 2 (subdivided based on skill share):

  • 2A: >50% diversity & >40% skilled

  • 2B: >50% diversity & 10–40% skilled

  • 2C: >50% diversity & 5–10% skilled

  • 2D: <50% diversity OR <5% skilled
    ➡️ Fees vary by subcategory and employee grade 


๐Ÿ”ด Category 3

  • Companies in violation of laws, low diversity/skills and other infractions

  • Pay AED 5,000 per work permit, regardless of skill level 


3. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Work Permit Fee Structure (by Company Category):

Skilled Workers:

Company TypeIn-Country IssueOutside UAE Issue
Cat 1AED 0AED 0
Cat 2AAED 250AED 500
Cat 2BAED 500AED 1,000
Cat 2CAED 750AED 1,500
Cat 2DAED 1,000AED 2,000
Cat 3AED 5,000AED 5,000

Unskilled Workers:

Company TypeIn-Country IssueOutside UAE Issue
Cat 1AED 0AED 0
Cat 2AAED 500AED 1,200
Cat 2BAED 1,000AED 2,200
Cat 2CAED 1,250AED 2,700
Cat 2DAED 1,500AED 3,200
Cat 3AED 5,000AED 5,000
(Source: MOHRE & legal summaries)

4. ๐ŸŒ Diversity Quota:

  • Companies must maintain 20% nationality diversity, avoiding over-reliance on any one nationality (e.g., >20% from same country risks application rejection) 

  • Applies to Mainland companies (Free Zone companies are exempt) 


5. ๐Ÿ› ️ Emiratisation (Local Hiring Targets):

  • Firms with 50+ employees must ensure at least 1% Emirati staff by specified deadlines (e.g., July 1, 2025) MoHRE+8MoHRE

  • Greater Emiratisation leads to incentives and higher company classification (Category 1) MoHRE


✅ Summary:

  • Worker skill levels affect visa fees.

  • Company category relies on skill levels and employee diversity.

  • Category 1 = best privileges, low/no fees; Category 3 = penalties.

  • Ensure 20% multicultural workforce to avoid rejections.

  • Emiratisation targets (≥1%) drive incentives and higher classification.

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The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has introduced a comprehensive labour classification system that affects both workers and companies, with implications for work permit fees, Emiratisation targets, and nationality diversity. Here's a breakdown of the latest updates:

๐Ÿง‘‍๐Ÿ’ผ Labour Classification by Skill Level

MOHRE classifies workers into five skill levels, primarily based on education and job type:

Skill Level

Qualification

Typical Roles

Minimum Salary Range

Level 1

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Managers, Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers

AED 12,000–15,000

Level 2

Diploma certificate

Technicians, Mechanics, Developers

AED 5,000–8,000

Level 3

High school certificate

Clerks, Sales Staff, Receptionists

AED 4,000–5,000

Level 4 & 5

No formal qualification

Labourers, Cleaners, Drivers

Not specified

===========

๐Ÿ”น Unskilled workers fall under Levels 4 & 5, and MOHRE does not mandate a minimum salary for them.

๐Ÿ’ณ Work Permit Fees Structure (Skilled vs Unskilled)

Fees vary based on:

  • Skill level
  • Company classification
  • Worker’s location (inside or outside UAE)
  • Company Category

    Skilled Worker Fee (2 yrs)

    Unskilled Worker Fee (2 yrs)

    Tier 1

    AED 300

    AED 300

    Tier 2A

    AED 500

    AED 1,200

    Tier 2B

    AED 1,000

    AED 2,200

    Tier 2C

    AED 1,500

    AED 2,700

    Tier 2D

    AED 2,000

    AED 3,200

    Tier 3

    AED 5,000

    AED 5,000

  • Tier 1 companies enjoy the lowest fees due to full compliance with labour laws and diversity policies.

    ๐Ÿข Company Classification Based on Diversity & Emiratisation

    MOHRE classifies companies into three tiers, with Tier 2 further split into subcategories:

    Tier 1

    • Fully compliant with labour laws
    • Promotes cultural diversity
    • Exceeds Emiratisation targets (e.g., 3× the required rate)
    • Participates in initiatives like Nafis (training 500+ Emiratis annually)

    Tier 2 (Subcategories A–D)
    Based on:

    • % of skilled workers
    • Nationality diversity (≥50% multicultural)

    Subcategory

    Skilled Workers

    Nationality Diversity

    2A

    ≥40%

    ≥50%

    2B

    10–40%

    ≥50%

    2C

    5–10%

    ≥50%

    2D

    <5% or <50%

    <50%

  • Tier 3

    • Violates labour laws or diversity policies
    • Engages in fake Emiratisation or unsafe practices
    • Faces higher fees and penalties.
    • เดฏുเดŽเด‡ เดคൊเดดിเตฝ เดตเตผเด—്เด—ീเด•เดฐเดฃം: เด’เดฐു เดตിเดถเดฆเดฎാเดฏ เด…เดตเดฒോเด•เดจം

      เดฏുเดŽเด‡เดฏിเดฒെ เดคൊเดดിเตฝ เดตเตผเด—്เด—ീเด•เดฐเดฃം เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เดณുเดŸെ เด•เดดിเดตുเด•เตพ, เดฏോเด—്เดฏเดคเด•เตพ, เด…เดจുเดญเดตം เดŽเดจ്เดจിเดตเดฏെ เด…เดŸിเดธ്เดฅാเดจเดฎാเด•്เด•ി เดต്เดฏเดค്เดฏเดธ്เดค เดตിเดญാเด—เด™്เด™เดณാเดฏി เดตേเตผเดคിเดฐിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจു. เดˆ เดตเตผเด—്เด—ീเด•เดฐเดฃം เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เดคൊเดดിเดฒുเดŸเดฎเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เดคൊเดดിเตฝ เดตിเดชเดฃിเดฏിเตฝ เด•ൂเดŸുเดคเตฝ เดธുเดคാเดฐ്เดฏเดคเดฏും เด•ാเดฐ്เดฏเด•്เดทเดฎเดคเดฏും เด‰เดฑเดช്เดชാเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจു.

      เดช്เดฐเดงാเดจ เดตเตผเด—്เด—เด™്เด™เตพ

      1. เดคൊเดดിเตฝเดตിเดฆเด—്เดงเตผ (Skilled Professionals):

        • เดˆ เดตിเดญാเด—เดค്เดคിเตฝ เดชെเดŸുเดจ്เดจเดตเตผเด•്เด•് เด‰เดฏเตผเดจ്เดจ เดตിเดฆ്เดฏാเดญ്เดฏാเดธ เดฏോเด—്เดฏเดคเดฏും เดช്เดฐเดค്เดฏേเด• เดฎേเด–เดฒเดฏിเตฝ เดช്เดฐാเดตീเดฃ്เดฏเดตും เด†เดตเดถ്เดฏเดฎാเดฃ്.

        • เดกോเด•്เดŸเตผเดฎാเตผ, เดŽเดž്เดšിเดจീเดฏเตผเดฎാเตผ, เดเดŸി เดตിเดฆเด—്เดงเตผ เดคുเดŸเด™്เด™ിเดฏเดตเดฐെ เด‡เดคിเตฝ เด‰เตพเดช്เดชെเดŸുเดค്เดคാം.

      2. เด…เตผเดฆ്เดงเดตിเดฆเด—്เดงเตผ (Semi-Skilled Workers):

        • เดฎിเดคเดฎാเดฏ เดตിเดฆ്เดฏാเดญ്เดฏാเดธ เดฏോเด—്เดฏเดคเดฏും เดšിเดฒ เดช്เดฐാเดตീเดฃ്เดฏเด™്เด™เดณും เด‰เดณ്เดณเดตเดฐാเดฃ് เดˆ เดตിเดญാเด—เดค്เดคിเตฝ เดชെเดŸുเดจ്เดจเดค്.

        • เดŸെเด•്เดจീเดท്เดฏเดจ്เดฎാเตผ, เดธൂเดช്เดชเตผเดตൈเดธเตผเดฎാเตผ เดคുเดŸเด™്เด™ിเดฏเดตเดฐെ เด‡เดคിเตฝ เด‰เตพเดช്เดชെเดŸുเดค്เดคാം.

      3. เด…เดตിเดฆเด—്เดงเตผ (Unskilled Workers):

        • เดˆ เดตിเดญാเด—เดค്เดคിเตฝ เดชെเดŸുเดจ്เดจเดตเตผเด•്เด•് เดช്เดฐเดค്เดฏേเด• เดตിเดฆ്เดฏാเดญ്เดฏാเดธ เดฏോเด—്เดฏเดค เด†เดตเดถ്เดฏเดฎിเดฒ്เดฒ.

        • เดจിเตผเดฎ്เดฎാเดฃ เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เตพ, เด•്เดฒീเดจเตผเดฎാเตผ เดคുเดŸเด™്เด™ിเดฏเดตเดฐെ เด‡เดคിเตฝ เด‰เตพเดช്เดชെเดŸുเดค്เดคാം.

      เดตเตผเด—്เด—ീเด•เดฐเดฃเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดช്เดฐാเดงാเดจ്เดฏം

      • เดคൊเดดിเตฝ เดตിเดชเดฃിเดฏുเดŸെ เด•ാเดฐ്เดฏเด•്เดทเดฎเดค: เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เดณുเดŸെ เด•เดดിเดตുเด•เตพ เด…เดจുเดธเดฐിเดš്เดš് เด…เดตเดฐെ เดจിเดฏเดฎിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจเดค് เด‰เตฝเดช്เดชാเดฆเดจเด•്เดทเดฎเดค เดตเตผเดฆ്เดงിเดช്เดชിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจു.

      • เดธുเดคാเดฐ്เดฏเดค: เดคൊเดดിเดฒുเดŸเดฎเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เด…เดตเดฐുเดŸെ เดšുเดฎเดคเดฒเด•เตพ เดต്เดฏเด•്เดคเดฎാเดฏി เดฎเดจเดธിเดฒാเด•്เด•ാเตป เดธเดนാเดฏിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจു.

      • เดตിเด•เดธเดจเดค്เดคിเดจുเดณ്เดณ เด…เดตเดธเดฐเด™്เด™เตพ: เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เตพเด•്เด•് เด…เดตเดฐുเดŸെ เด•เดดിเดตുเด•เตพ เดฎെเดš്เดšเดช്เดชെเดŸുเดค്เดคാเดจും เด‰เดฏเตผเดจ്เดจ เดคเดธ്เดคിเด•เด•เดณിเดฒേเด•്เด•് เด‰เดฏเดฐാเดจും เดธเดนാเดฏിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจു.

      เดธเดฎാเดชเดจം

      เดฏുเดŽเด‡เดฏിเดฒെ เดคൊเดดിเตฝ เดตเตผเด—്เด—ീเด•เดฐเดฃം เดคൊเดดിเดฒാเดณിเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เดคൊเดดിเดฒുเดŸเดฎเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เด’เดฐുเดชോเดฒെ เด—ുเดฃเด•เดฐเดฎാเดฃ്. เด‡เดค് เดคൊเดดിเตฝ เดตിเดชเดฃിเดฏിเตฝ เด’เดฐു เดธเดฎเดคുเดฒിเดคാเดตเดธ്เดฅ เด‰เดฑเดช്เดชാเด•്เด•ുเด•เดฏും เดฐാเดœ്เดฏเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดธเดฎเด—്เดฐเดฎാเดฏ เดตിเด•เดธเดจเดค്เดคിเตฝ เดธംเดญാเดตเดจ เดšെเดฏ്เดฏുเด•เดฏും เดšെเดฏ്เดฏുเดจ്เดจു.

      เดˆ เดตിเดทเดฏเดค്เดคിเตฝ เด•ൂเดŸുเดคเตฝ เดตിเดตเดฐเด™്เด™เตพ เด†เดตเดถ്เดฏเดฎുเดฃ്เดŸെเด™്เด•ിเตฝ, เดฆเดฏเดตാเดฏി เด…เดฑിเดฏിเด•്เด•ുเด•.

    • ==================


    เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏിเดฒും เดชเดฃเดฎเดŸเด•്เด•ാเตป เด‡เดจി เดฏു.เดชി.เด; เดฐൂเดชเดฏിเตฝเดคเดจ്เดจെ เด‡เดŸเดชാเดŸ് เดจเดŸเดค്เดคാം

    เดŸാเด•്เดธ‌ി เดจിเดฐเด•്เด•ും เด•്เดฏു. เด†เตผ เด•ോเดก് เดธ്เด•‌ാเตป เดšെเดฏ്เดค് เด…เดŸเด•്เด•ാം

    เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏിเดฒേเด•്เด•് เดฏാเดค്เดฐ เดšെเดฏ്เดฏുเดจ്เดจ เด‡เดจ്เดค്เดฏเด•്เด•ാเตผเด•്เด•് เด•ൈเดฏിเตฝ เดฆിเตผเดนเดฎോ เดฌാเด™്เด•് เด•ാเตผเดกുเด•เดณോ เด‡เดฒ്เดฒാเดคെ เดฎുเดดുเดตเตป เด‡เดŸเดชാเดŸുเด•เดณും เดฏു.เดชി.เด เด†เดช് เดดി เดจเดŸเดค്เดคാเตป เดธൗเด•เดฐ്เดฏം เด’เดฐുเด™്เด™ുเดจ്เดจു. เดฏു.เดชി.เด เด…เดงിเดท്เด ിเดค เดชേเดฎെเดจ്เดฑ് เดธംเดตിเดงാเดจം เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏിเตฝ เดต്เดฏാเดชเด•เดฎാเด•്เด•ാเดจാเดฃ് เดจാเดทเดจเตฝ เดชേเดฎെเดจ്เดฑ് เด•ോเตผเดชเดฑേเดทเตป เด“เดซ് เด‡เดจ്เดค്เดฏ (เดŽเตป.เดชി.เดธി.เด) เดคീเดฐുเดฎാเดจം.

    เดชเดฆ്เดงเดคി เดฏാเดฅാเตผเดฅ്เดฏเดฎാเดฏാเตฝ เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏിเตฝ เดคാเดฎเดธിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจ เด‡เดจ്เดค്เดฏเด•്เด•ാเตผเด•്เด•ും เดตിเดจോเดฆ เดธเดž്เดšാเดฐിเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เดฏു.เดชി.เด เด†เดช് เด‰เดชเดฏോเด—ിเดš്เดš് เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏിเตฝ เดŽเดตിเดŸെ เดตേเดฃเดฎെเด™്เด•ിเดฒും เดฐൂเดชเดฏിเตฝ เดคเดจ്เดจെ เดชเดฃเดฎിเดŸเดชാเดŸ് เดจเดŸเดค്เดคാเดจാเดตും. เดฆിเตผเดนเดฎിเดจ് เด†เดจുเดชാเดคിเด•เดฎാเดฏ เดคുเด•เดฏാเดฏിเดฐിเด•്เด•ും เด‡เดจ്เดค്เดฏเตป เด…เด•്เด•ൗเดฃ്เดŸിเตฝเดจിเดจ്เดจ് เด•ുเดฑเดต് เดตเดฐുเด•. เด“เดฐോ เดฆിเดตเดธเดค്เดคേเดฏും เดตിเดจിเดฎเดฏ เดจിเดฐเด•്เด•് เด…เดจുเดธเดฐിเดš്เดšാเดฏിเดฐിเด•്เด•ും เด‡เดŸเดชാเดŸ്. เด‰เดฆാเดนเดฐเดฃเดค്เดคിเดจ് เด’เดฐു เดฆിเตผเดนเดฎിเดจ് 23 เดฐൂเดชเดฏാเดฃ് เดตിเดจിเดฎเดฏ เดจിเดฐเด•്เด•് เดŽเด™്เด•ിเตฝ 10 เดฆിเตผเดนเดฎിเตป്เดฑെ เดธാเดงเดจം เดตാเด™്เด™ിเดฏാเตฝ

    230 เดฐൂเดช เด…เด•്เด•ൗเดฃ്เดŸിเตฝเดจിเดจ്เดจ് เดชിเดŸിเด•്เด•ും. เดตเตปเด•ിเดŸ เดนൈเดช്เดชเตผ เดฎാเตผเด•്เด•เดฑ്เดฑുเด•เตพ เดฎുเดคเตฝ เดŸാเด•്เดธിเด•เดณിเตฝ เดตเดฐെ เด•്เดฏു.เด†เตผ เด•ോเดก് เดธ്เด•ാเตป เดšെเดฏ്เดค് เดˆ เดฐീเดคിเดฏിเตฝ เดชเดฃเดฎเดŸเด•്เด•ാเดจാเดตും. เดฎൊเดฌൈเดฒിเดฒെ เดฏു.เดชി.เด เด…เดงിเดท്เด ിเดคเดฎാเดฏി เดช്เดฐเดตเตผเดค്เดคിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจ เดเดค് เด†เดช്เดช് เด‰เดชเดฏോเด—ിเดš്เดšും เด‡เดŸเดชാเดŸ് เดจเดŸเดค്เดคാเดจാเดตും. เดฆുเดฌൈ เดก്เดฏൂเดŸ്เดŸി เดซ്เดฐീเดฏിเดฒും เดฒുเดฒു เดนൈเดช്เดชเตผ เดฎാเตผเด•്เด•เดฑ്เดฑുเด•เดณിเดฒും เดจിเดฒเดตിเตฝ เดˆ เดธൗเด•เดฐ്เดฏം เดฒเดญ്เดฏเดฎാเดฃ്. เดฐเดฃ്เดŸാം เด˜เดŸ്เดŸเดค്เดคിเตฝ เดธേเดตเดจം เด•ൂเดŸുเดคเตฝ เดฎേเด–เดฒเด•เดณിเดฒേเด•്เด•് เดต്เดฏാเดชിเดช്เดชിเด•്เด•ാเดจാเดฃ് เดŽเตป.เดชി.เดธി.เด เดคീเดฐുเดฎാเดจം.

    เดฎเดท്‌เดฐിเด•് เดฌാเด™്เด•ിเดจ്เดฑെ เดจിเดฏോเดชേ, เดจെเดฑ്เดฑ‌്เดตเตผเด•്เด•് เด‡เดจ്เดฑเตผเดจാเดทเดจเตฝ, เดฎാเด—് เดจാเดŸ്เดŸി เดคുเดŸเด™്เด™ിเดฏ เดชേเดฎെเดจ്เดฑ് เดธേเดตเดจ เดฆാเดคാเด•്เด•เดณുเดŸെ เดชเด™്เด•ാเดณിเดค്เดคเดค്เดคിเดฒൂเดŸെเดฏാเดฃ് เด‡เดคു เดธാเดง്เดฏเดฎാเด•്เด•ുเด•. เดฏു.เดชി.เดเดฏുเดŸെเดฏും เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏു เดŸെ เด†เดจി (เดŽ.เดŽ.เดŽเตป.เด) เดฏുเดŸെเดฏും เดกിเดœിเดฑ്เดฑเตฝ เดชേเดฎെเดจ്เดฑ് เดช്เดฒാเดฑ്เดฑ്เดซോเดฎുเด•เดณുเดŸെ เดธംเดฏോเดœเดจം เด‡เดคിเดจാเดฏി เดชൂเตผเดค്เดคിเดฏാเด•േเดฃ്เดŸเดคുเดฃ്เดŸ്. เด’เดฐു เดตเตผเดทเดค്เดคിเดจുเดณเดณിเตฝ เดฏു.เดŽ.เด‡เดฏിเดฒുเดŸเดจീเดณเดฎുเดณ്เดณ เดต്เดฏാเดชാเดฐ เดธ്เดฅാเดชเดจเด™്เด™เดณിเตฝ เดชเดฆ്เดงเดคി เดต്เดฏാเดชിเดช്เดชിเด•്เด•ും. เดฆുเดฌൈ เดฑോเดก് เด—เดคാเด—เดค เด…เดคോเดฑเดฑ്เดฑി (เด†เตผ.เดŸി.เดŽ)เดฏുเดŸെ เดชเด™്เด•ാเดณിเดค്เดคเดค്เดคിเตฝ เด…เดŸുเดค്เดค เดจാเดฒുเดฎാเดธเดค്เดคിเดจเด•ം เดฆുเดฌൈเดฏിเดฒെ เดŸാเด•്เดธിเด•เดณിเตฝ เด•്เดฏു.เด†เตผ เดธ്เด•ാเตป เดšെเดฏ്เดคുเดณ്เดณ เดชเดฃเดฎിเดŸเดชാเดŸ് เดจเดŸเดค്เดคാเดจാเดตുเดฎെเดจ്เดจാเดฃ് เดŽเตป.เดชി.เดธി.เด เดตൃเดค്เดคเด™്เด™เตพ เดจเตฝเด•ുเดจ്เดจ เดตിเดตเดฐം.

    Sheikh Mohammed issues new law to speed up, resolve housing contract disputes in Dubai



    Sheikh Mohammed issues new law to speed up, resolve housing contract disputes in Dubai
    Law to take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to enhance construction sector stability while safeguarding citizens rights

    Published: Mon 21 Jul 2025, 2:08 PMUpdated: Mon 21 Jul 2025, 4:18 PM
    By:
    Ajanta Paul
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday issued a new law focused on resolving disputes related to the execution of citizen housing building contracts in the emirate.

    The move is aimed at strengthening social stability and improving citizens' well-being.

    31 Dec, 2023
    Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Festival fireworks
    Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, the law introduces a dedicated legal framework to swiftly and efficiently handle disagreements, without disrupting the progress of housing development projects.

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    Key objectives of the new law

    The law is designed to:

    Developing an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system for construction contracts, protecting the rights of all involved parties.

    Promoting amicable and consensual solutions, encouraging the continuation of contractual relationships.

    Providing a swift and more efficient mechanism for resolving disputes, to streamline dispute resolution in citizen housing projects.

    Ensure that construction progress remains uninterrupted, even during contractual disagreements.

    Considering and adjudicating disputes:

    To implement the new law, the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will form a specialised branch to manage disputes specifically related to citizen housing construction contracts.

    Under the new system disputes will first undergo mediation, to be concluded within 20 days, with a possible extension of another 20 days if both parties agree.

    If mediation fails, the case will be referred to a dedicated committee comprising one judge and two industry specialists. This committee must issue a decision within 30 days, extendable once by the same period.


    Parties have the right to appeal the committee’s ruling to the Court of First Instance within 30 days of the decision.

    Streamlining contractual relationships

    Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said, "The law for settling citizen house building contract disputes relating to contract execution, represents a significant step towards strengthening Dubai's housing sector."


    Bin Ghalita explained that the law streamlines the contractual relationships between citizens, contractors, and consultants, serving as a vital tool for ensuring the sustainability of housing projects and mitigating potential repercussions arising from construction disputes. He noted that this system will ultimately enhance citizen satisfaction and promote greater comfort and stability for families.

    Valuable addition

    Prof Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, affirmed that the law marks a valuable addition to Dubai's judicial system, as it reflects the strategic focus on strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring swift and efficient justice.

    Al Sabousi added: “The mechanism stipulated in the law, to be implemented through the establishment of a specialised branch for the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes, represents an advanced model for resolving disputes amicably and effectively without resorting directly to litigation. Highly qualified specialised personnel will be available to ensure the speed and quality of procedures, serving the public interest and fulfilling citizens' aspirations for a secure and stable housing environment.”

    UAE: Meet residents who work abroad but spend every weekend in Dubai




     UAE: Meet residents who work abroad but spend every weekend in Dubai

    As job opportunities in the Gulf grow, a new commuter class is emerging — residents who fly weekly to work in neighbouring countries

    Published: Mon 21 Jul 2025

    UAE: Meet residents who work abroad but spend every weekend in Dubai

    At 6am on a Monday, some residents are already suited up and en route to the airport. By 9am, they’re stepping into a client's office in Riyadh or another GCC capital. Come Thursday evening or Friday morning, they’re back in the UAE, ready for the weekend with family and friends.

    For some residents, the UAE is not just where their life is based, it’s where their weekend begins. As economic opportunities expand across the Gulf, a new kind of commuter has emerged: residents who live in the Emirates but work full-time in neighbouring countries, flying in and out each week as if hopping between city blocks.

    Their routine is seamless, if unconventional. Sunday nights are for packing. Monday mornings begin on the tarmac. By now, many of them have second wardrobes tucked into hotel closets.

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    'Still live in Dubai'

    For Rauf Elgamati, a 33-year-old Dubai resident, he spends his Mondays to Thursdays in Riyadh leading projects for Saudi clients. On weekends, he returns to the UAE — splitting his time between Abu Dhabi, where his family is based, and Dubai, where he’s lived for over a decade.

    A partner at the consulting firm Four Principles, Rauf is no stranger to life on the move. “Travel comes with the job,” he said. “Consulting is built on it. You grow faster, learn more, and build your network that way."

    Rauf Elgamati

    "You have to commit. I always tell my team, if you’re half in, you won’t make it. When someone has a second closet in Saudi, I know they’re serious,” added the head of Digital Transformation.

    Rauf started working in the region fresh out of university, and Dubai became home by age 20. Over the years, he’s held roles at top firms like PwC and tech startups like Swvl, growing comfortable with the pace and lifestyle.

    Still, the logistics aren’t always simple. “Flights, hotels, schedules — it gets hectic. But once you streamline everything — direct billing, planned bookings — it becomes manageable.”

    When asked why he always comes back to the UAE: “My family is in Abu Dhabi. My friends are here. And I just never wanted to fully move somewhere else. I’ve built a life here,” he said.

    Even with a packed schedule, Rauf said the UAE feels like home. “I’ve been in Dubai for over 13 years. I still say I live in Dubai, it just rolls off the tongue.”

    Simple routines

    For others, this lifestyle was a deliberate choice from day one.

    David Fakhouri, 28, a senior consultant at Four Principles, moved to the region in early 2024 and quickly set up base in Dubai Marina. His week kicks off with a 7.50am flight to Riyadh on Monday and ends with a Thursday night return.

    “It’s like a regular commute now, just with a plane instead of a car," David said.

    With friends and family already in Dubai, the decision to stay in the emirate made sense. “Professionally, Riyadh is where the action is. But personally, Dubai feels like home. The lifestyle here suits me.”

    David Fakhouri

    Over time, he’s found ways to simplify the routine. “I only travel with my laptop now. My clothes are in my second wardrobe in Riyadh. Hotels and flights are all pre-booked through company systems, so the admin side is lighter.”

    But the lifestyle comes with trade-offs. “You miss out on things during the week," he admitted. “But once I land back on Thursday, I’ve got my weekend rituals: padel, games night with friends, and trying new places. That keeps me grounded.”

    Both Rauf and David pointed out that staying healthy while constantly on the move is another challenge. From trying to stick to one gym to making healthy food choices at hotels or airports, the consistency isn’t always easy. But with a structured routine, both say it’s manageable, it just takes a bit more planning.

    'It's worth it'

    For Arijit Nandi, who works in Riyadh’s financial sector, returning to Dubai every weekend is about more than convenience,  it’s about being there for his family.

    “I’ve been doing this for four years. At first, it was once every two weeks. Now I come back every weekend,” he said. “My son is growing up and I don’t want to miss it. I take him for tennis, we sit down and study together, it’s our time.”

    His wife works in Dubai, and their son goes to school here. “At this stage in his life, it’s important for my kid to feel settled. He’s got his friends here, his school. My wife’s career is here, too. So for now, we keep it this way, but the long-term plan is for them to join me eventually.”

    Arijit noted that he covers the cost of the weekly flights himself. “I leave the office and go straight to the airport. I book flights in advance. Sometimes I have to cancel last-minute if meetings come up, and those flights go to waste. (But I don’t mind). For me, it’s worth it.






    No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID system using facial recognition

     No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID system using facial recognition




    Authorities are currently working to expand the use of e-Emirates IDs in sectors such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications.

    Published: Wed 16 Apr 2025, 3:07 PM

    By:

    Ruqayya Al Qaydi

    The UAE is set to roll out an alternative digital identification system that will eliminate the need to present physical Emirates ID cards to access key services. The system, expected to launch within a year, will use facial recognition and biometric identification to streamline service access across various sectors.

    The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) is currently working to expand the use of e-Emirates IDs in sectors such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications.

    31 Dec, 2023

    Ras Al Khaimah rings in the New Year

    This came during a Federal National Council (FNC) session, where member Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns over the continued requirement for physical Emirates ID cards cards, despite the country’s significant strides in digital transformation.

    Al Hammadi noted that this requirement continues to pose challenges for residents. Patients still need to present physical ID cards to access healthcare services, while banks demand them for financial transactions. Additionally, hotel guests are often unable to check in without showing their original Emirates ID.

    “There is an urgent need for fast, effective solutions to streamline identity verification in these essential sectors,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the ICP, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, confirmed that e-Emirates ID has already been successfully implemented across many services. He added that the authority will prioritise expanding its use in the sectors highlighted by the FNC.

    The authority earlier launched the face recognition service during GITEX 2021 for UAEPASS app which is the first secure national digital identity for citizens and residents that enables them to access to many services.

    One of these services is requesting a digital version of their official documents including e-Emirates ID, the electronic version of your physical Emirates ID card which stored securely on phone through government apps like UAEPASS or ICP UAE. 

    According to ICP, the new system, which will be facilitated via the UAEPASS app, will have challenges related to identity verification. Collaboration with various partners will help develop and test advanced biometric identification systems, while also encouraging key partners from all sectors to adopt these technologies within the authority's systems.

    The authority follows a clear approach that ensures it complies with laws and data protection standards to build trust and maintain the benefits of its smart services for all users.





    UAE jobs: Some Indian professionals earn up to Dh 45,000 salary in these careers

    UAE jobs: Some Indian professionals earn up to Dh45,000 salary in these careers

    There are currently more than 3.6 million Indians living and working in the UAE and over 9 million across the GCC region


    Published: Mon 21 Jul 2025, 6:00 AM

    By:

    Waheed Abbas

    Indian professionals in mid- to senior-level roles within artificial intelligence (AI), digital, and other emerging industries are earning up to Dh45,000 per month in the UAE, according to Careernet Group, one of India’s leading talent solutions firms.

    Speaking to Khaleej Times, Anshuman Das, CEO and co-founder of Careernet Group, said that Indian technology professionals in the UAE typically earn two to three times more than they would in India.

    31 Dec, 2023

    Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Festival fireworks

    “Depending on the role and level of seniority, monthly compensation for Indian professionals in technology, digital, or product roles usually ranges between Dh25,000 and Dh45,000,” said Das. "For highly specialised and senior management roles, the salaries can be even higher."

    He added that today's candidates consider more than just base pay. "They’re also looking at relocation support, performance bonuses, long-term growth opportunities, and the overall value the role brings to their career. It’s no longer just about finding a job — it's about finding purpose, growth, and international exposure. And the UAE checks all those boxes."

    Das noted that salaries vary significantly based on role and experience. However, professionals in digital, engineering, technology, or consulting can generally expect to earn two to three times their Indian salaries. "Additionally, tax advantages in the UAE can effectively boost take-home earnings by another 20 to 35 per cent."

    He also pointed out that many employers offer attractive perks such as housing allowances, medical insurance, and even educational benefits for families — making these roles not just financially rewarding, but also enhancing quality of life.

    In-demand roles

    According to Das, the UAE — particularly Dubai — has long attracted Indian professionals. “Historically, sectors like hospitality, real estate, banking, and oil and gas dominated the employment landscape. But now, the UAE is rapidly evolving into a hub for tech, AI, digital, and innovation-led roles,” he said.

    “This shift presents exciting new opportunities for Indian talent. With strong bilateral ties, cultural alignment, and a mutual emphasis on innovation, the UAE is becoming an increasingly attractive market for professionals aiming to build globally relevant careers.”

    Das highlighted the UAE's forward-looking investments in digital transformation, AI, fintech, and innovation as major drivers behind the surge in demand for global talent. “We’ve seen a steady increase in interest from mid-career professionals, especially those with backgrounds in startups or consulting, exploring opportunities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider Middle East.”

    He added that substantial investment in emerging fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, fintech, and semiconductors is fuelling demand for specialists in Web3, AI/ML, semiconductor engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital finance.

    “At the same time, traditional sectors are reimagining their workforce strategies by embracing automation, digital transformation, and improved customer experiences. This convergence of traditional industry expertise with forward-looking innovation is reshaping talent demand across the board.”

    He noted that professionals with startup or consulting experience are particularly sought after. “They bring adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and cross-functional skills — all of which are crucial in fast-paced, evolving work environments.”

    Shift to long-term careers

    There are currently more than 3.6 million Indian nationals living and working in the UAE and over 9 million across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, working in various professions.

    “Previously, many professionals viewed roles in the UAE as short-term or transitional. But that perception is changing," Das said. "With the rise of knowledge-economy jobs, increased global exposure, long-term visas, and strong career prospects, more Indian professionals are choosing to establish long-term roots in the region.”

    “The UAE is no longer just a stepping stone — it’s rapidly becoming a preferred long-term career destination.”

    Expansion in the Middle East

    India’s top talent solutions provider, Careernet Group, has recently established its regional headquarters in Dubai to support its expansion across the Middle East.

    “The Middle East is emerging as a dynamic talent hub. We don’t just view it as a market — it's a strategic pillar in our long-term growth vision,” said Das.

    “For years, we’ve helped UAE-based companies with their hiring needs in India. Now, with a direct presence in the region, we’re strengthening those partnerships and bringing our full suite of services to support the region’s growth."

    He concluded: “From identifying next-generation leaders to scaling high-impact talent pipelines, our goal is to deliver unmatched value to our clients and contribute to the UAE’s transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.”







    UAE allows 52 nationalities to drive on home licenses or swap for local ones: Here's full list For residents from these nations, a UAE driving license can now be obtained through a direct exchange, no theory or road test required


    • Updated Jul 18, 2025 5:34 PM IST
    UAE allows 52 nationalities to drive on home licenses or swap for local ones: Here's full listUAE expands license policy—drive or exchange permit with ease under new Markhoos rules


    The United Arab Emirates has expanded its “Markhoos” initiative, allowing citizens from 52 countries to drive in the UAE using their home-country licenses while visiting, according to Gulf News. For residents from these nations, a UAE driving license can now be obtained through a direct exchange, no theory or road test required. The update, introduced by the Ministry of Interior, is part of the UAE’s push to streamline public services and improve digital access across sectors.

    ADVERTISEM

    Originally introduced to simplify administrative procedures, the Markhoos initiative now supports both recognition and exchange of foreign driving licenses under clearly defined conditions for visitors and residents.

    Recognition for Visitors

    Non-residents from approved countries can drive in the UAE using their national licenses, as long as they are visiting, not residing, and hold valid documentation for the vehicle type. No temporary permits or additional testing is required. However, this privilege does not extend to South Korean visitors, who are only eligible for license exchange upon acquiring UAE residency.

    Exchange for Residents

    For residents, the policy allows the direct exchange of a national driving license for a UAE license without the need for any theory or road exams. To qualify, individuals must:


    • Hold a valid UAE residence permit

    • Be citizens of one of the 52 eligible countries

    • Meet the minimum driving age (17+)

    • Clear a medical (vision) test

    • Provide a legal translation and copy of their existing license

    In some cases, applicants may be required to surrender their original licenses depending on the bilateral agreement between the UAE and their home country.

    The application process is conducted via the digital “MuroorKhous” platform, with a fee of AED 600. The final UAE license can be delivered electronically or by courier.

    Eligible Countries

    The updated list includes: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Greece, Denmark, Austria, and many others across Europe, Central Asia, and Oceania. Texas is also listed as a separate entry due to specific state-level agreements.


    Benefits and Broader Impact

    For visitors, the policy removes barriers such as obtaining temporary permits, making travel more convenient. For residents, especially new expats, it eliminates the stress of retesting and speeds up the process of integration and mobility.

    The system also works in reverse. UAE citizens can drive in partner countries or exchange their UAE licenses where bilateral recognition exists. In other regions, they can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in line with UN agreements.