Understanding salary expectations is crucial for both nationals and expats looking for work in the UAE. While the country doesn’t have a universal federal minimum wage, it has established salary benchmarks determined by employment contracts, job type, skills, sector, and, in some cases, nationality.
Knowing your rights and the factors that affect pay can help ensure a safe and transparent working environment. This Remitly guide will walk you through UAE labour laws, salary considerations, and employment rights for 2025.
Understanding the UAE labour law on wages
The primary legislation governing employment relationships in the private sector is Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2023. This doesn’t include federal government workers, military or security personnel, police, or domestic workers.
While there’s no fixed minimum wage, the law states that wages must be sufficient to meet the basic needs of employees. Contracts must clearly state the salary and outline all the terms of employment, in compliance with regulations set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Employers must register contracts with the Wages Protection System (WPS), an electronic platform managed by MoHRE and the Central Bank that ensures on-time and accurate payment of salaries.
Domestic workers are covered separately under Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers. This provides essential rights and protections, including rest periods and fair recruitment practices, to ensure safe working conditions for all domestic employees.
Is there any form of minimum wage in practice?
While there’s no legally fixed minimum wage across all sectors in the UAE, in practice, there are market benchmarks, government programmes, and classification systems that affect what employees are paid. These often vary by sector, employer, role and skill level.
During the hiring process, companies often refer to current salary ranges when making offers, with higher-level roles generally paying much more than entry-level positions. For example, recent reports suggest that mid-to-senior IT roles may see a salary range between 12,000 AED and 45,000 AED. That said, these are voluntary benchmarks, not legal requirements.
For UAE nationals
The UAE has increased efforts to integrate more Emiratis into the private sector through formal Emiratisation policies, including quotas, incentives, and legal requirements.
For example, private companies with 50 or more employees are required to increase the number of Emiratis in skilled roles by 2% per year, with a long-term goal of 10% Emiratisation by the end of 2026. Smaller companies have other targets to meet. Failure to meet quotas results in financial contributions or fines.
Beyond quotas, the Nafis programme supports private-sector Emirati employees through incentives like training, salary top-ups, and employment incentives, aiming to make private-sector work more attractive.
For skilled foreign workers & visa requirements
For foreign workers, salaries are generally determined by skill level, experience, and visa type. The UAE classifies jobs into nine occupational skill levels, with the first five typically covering professional and technical roles and the remaining levels including general or manual labour. Level three, for example, is for technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields, while level seven is for craftsmen.
Your skill level can also affect your visa eligibility and whether or not you can sponsor your family members to join you. For example, some visa types have a minimum monthly salary requirement in order to sponsor family members. Understanding how your role is classified can help you assess your eligibility.
Domestic workers & special roles
Domestic workers, such as housemaids, nannies, or drivers, are governed by
Federal Decree Law No.9 of 2022, as amended by Federal Decree Law No. 21 of 2023. This law regulates the recruitment, contracts, and working conditions of domestic workers in order to safeguard their rights.
Like the private sector, there is no set minimum wage for domestic workers. Pay must be negotiated, and both parties must agree on the contract terms. The UAE government also provides online portals for domestic workers seeking assistance with wage or employment-related issues.
Your rights around salaries & how the UAE protects you
The UAE has strong systems in place to protect workers. If you’re working in the UAE as a national or an expat, the law ensures your salary is paid correctly, on time, and in full. Understanding the terms of your employment contract is one of the best ways to avoid problems later on. Vague or incomplete clauses about salary, overtime, or leave can create unnecessary difficulties.
The Wage Protection System (WPS): your safety net
The WPS is one of the most important protections you have as an employee in the UAE. It’s a government-run system that ensures all salaries are paid electronically through approved UAE banks. Every payment is recorded, traceable, and paid through an approved bank or financial institution.
If an employer doesn’t pay within 15 days of the due date (unless a shorter period is set by your contract), they’re considered late. If you’re not paid, you have the right to complain to MoHRE. Penalties for late payment include fines per worker, suspension of issuing new work permits, or other disciplinary action by MoHRE.
These measures are designed to ensure workers are paid fairly and on time, while also ensuring employers remain accountable.
Why your employment contract matters
Your employment contract is the most important document you’ll receive from your employer. It’s not just a formality that states your role in the company, but a legally binding agreement that protects your rights.
Your contract must detail your salary, payment schedule, overtime policy, time off, and notice period. It should also describe your role and responsibilities.
The UAE recognises several types of contracts, each with its own terms:
- Fixed-terms (limited): Set duration, typically one to three years. The contract expires automatically at the end of the term unless renewed. If an employer ends this type of contract early without a valid reason, the employee may be entitled to compensation of up to three months’ salary or the remainder of the contract (whichever is less).
- Unlimited term: An open-ended agreement with no defined end date. Termination requires notice, and compensation is based on the notice period or the agreed terms.
- Part-time or temporary: Flexible contracts that specify shorter hours or project-based work.
What you can expect for salaries in 2025—trends & realities
As of 2025, there is still no official announcement of a nationwide minimum wage. That means salaries will continue to be based on contracts, skill levels, market demand, and what companies are willing to offer to attract top talent.
The Emirates continue to have a strong rate of economic growth, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and sustainability. With this growth, the cost of living has also increased, especially in large cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This tends to push up salary expectations.
For 2025, salary increases of around 4% were projected across many industries, with some industries expected to experience higher increases.
What this means for workers in the UAE
With many salaries increasing, researching your industry, the current job market, trends, and similar roles can really help. If you’re discussing a new job or renewing your contract, consider the following:
- Review your position’s basic salary and allowances, as these will also determine your visa eligibility if you’re an expat.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate your package if your skills and experience are in demand. Consider the full offer—housing, transport, insurance, bonuses—not just the salary. The total compensation can make a big difference.
- Do your homework. Research recent salary trends, speak to peers, and compare similar roles.
No minimum wage means that there is flexibility—but it also means that offers can vary widely. If you have the experience your potential employer is looking for, and you’re well-informed, you may be able to secure a better deal. Be prepared to negotiate, and always review the full offer before accepting.
Knowing your rights is key
While there might not be a set minimum wage, the UAE maintains a strong legal framework to protect employers and employees. The UAE Labour Law and systems like the WPS exist to ensure these protections are enforced and that employees get paid fairly and on time.
As a worker, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with your rights and the conditions of your employment. Having an understanding of federal labour laws, carefully reviewing your contract, and knowing where to turn if issues arise help you safeguard your livelihood and build a stable career in the UAE.
If you’re working in the UAE in 2025, read your contract carefully and keep copies of all employment documents, such as offer letters and contracts. Don’t accept unauthorised deductions or delays in your salary payments, and stay informed with MoHRE announcements or amendments to Article 27, which addresses fair wages and minimum wage standards.
The more you know, the more empowered you are to make informed choices about your work in the UAE.
FAQs
Is there a minimum wage in the UAE?
No, there is no single, fixed minimum wage in the UAE. Wages are generally determined by factors such as sector, skill level, experience, and, in certain cases, nationality.
What is the Wage Protection System?
The WPS is a government-run system that requires employers to pay employees electronically through approved banks. This ensures payments are recorded, traceable, and paid on time.
What should I do if my employer suddenly makes deductions from my wages?
If your employer has no justified reason for making deductions from your wages, you can contact MoHRE for assistance in resolving the matter.
Where can I file a complaint?
There are several routes to take, but many workers and employers with complaints contact MoHRE. Domestic workers also have dedicated government portals where they can seek help with an issue.
What types of employment contracts exist in the UAE?
There are fixed-term (limited), unlimited, and part-time or temporary contracts. Each contract type defines a worker’s salary, working hours, notice period, and rights to compensation if an employer ends a contract early.
Can I negotiate my salary in the UAE?
Yes. Salaries are based on skills, experience, and market demand, and many companies are open to negotiating total packages.