minimum wage in UAE

Dubai, UAE Minimum Salary & Wages 2024

The first thing you need to know is that, in the United Arab Emirates, there is no minimum wage according to the Labor Law. However, it must be taken into account that there are certain requirements regarding the minimum wage in UAE. Specifically, it has to cover the basic needs of employees. This includes food, accommodation, and transportation. Additionally, salaries are expected to be sufficient to allow employees and their families to live in security and dignity.

In this article, we will discuss the topic of the UAE minimum wage. Specifically, everything that appears in the labor law in the UAE regarding its minimum wage and how this benefits employees will be explored. In addition, we will analyze the salary ranges received by different workers in the country. We will also show you the payment methods that employers use to pay workers. Finally, you will see what the cost of living is and how the minimum wage in Dubai is sufficient.

What is the minimum wage in UAE?

minimum wage in UAE

The basic salary in the UAE is the amount that each employee receives for their services in the company. Furthermore, this has to be specified in the contract after making the agreement with the employer. Generally, the base salary excludes benefits, expenses, per diems, and any others. That is, it is the amount that the employer pays employees for fulfilling their contractual obligations.

In summary, there is no minimum wage in Dubai, but there are other types of wages:

  • Gross salary: Allowances + basic remuneration.
  • Basic salary: Basic salary that appears in the employment contract.
  • Net salary: Gross salary – deductions.

Does the UAE have a mandatory minimum wage?

One of the most common questions among people seeking employment in the country is whether there is a UAE minimum salary. Likewise, all expat employers also want to know if there is a basic salary in UAE. The reason is that they have to have this knowledge in order to comply with labor law.

The truth is, there is no Dubai minimum wage. That is, there is no mandatory minimum amount that an employer has to pay to employees. Because of this, companies have to negotiate salary rates.

Most people believe there is a minimum salary in Dubai, however, the Labor Law in the UAE does not mention anything about it. However, in the law, you can find that the salary has to be sufficient so that employees can cover their basic needs.

According to Article 27 of the Labor Law in the UAE, the Cabinet can issue a resolution on the minimum wage for employees of any category. That is, there is a possibility that in the future the UAE will issue legislation on the minimum wage.

What are the average salaries of different job roles in the UAE?

In the UAE, although there is no minimum salary, there is an average salary that depends on the job that the person is going to perform. For instance, the domestic worker can earn approximately AED 1,500.

It is very useful for job seekers to have an idea of ​​what their salary will be. Additionally, this helps them negotiate to reach a better agreement.

Therefore, although there is no minimum salary in Dubai, people cannot accept a labor salary in Dubai lower than the following:

  • People with university degrees have to earn a minimum of 12,000 AED per month.
  • Skilled workers have to earn a minimum of AED 5,000 per month.
  • Qualified technicians have to earn a minimum of 7,000 AED per month.

What does the UAE Labour Law state about a minimum wage?

All employers have to know that the labor law in the UAE is the main source of labor legislation. This is why employers have to check if there are changes to the UAE average salary.

The article in the Labor Law that specifies everything about the minimum wage in UAE is Article 27. Article 27 establishes the possibility of enacting legislation on the minimum wage in Dubai. Also, you have to know that although it does not mention anything about the minimum wage in the UAE, it does mention some guidelines about it. Specifically, deductions and basic salary.

It is important that all employers have to stay up to date on the issue of minimum wage in the UAE. This is in case there is a modification in these laws.

How can you pay employees in the UAE?

It is important to learn how to offer salaries, contracts, and benefits that comply with regulations. This can be overwhelming for a foreign business owner. Even when you still understand all the aspects, you still need to process your payroll, which is a complicated process.

There are several regulations that you need to follow regarding job salary in Dubai. Next, you will see a list with the details of these regulations.

Pay salaries on due date: Employers have to pay salaries on time. Otherwise, you will have delays, which will involve paying fines and will be detrimental to your business.

WPS System: All employers must use the Wage Protection System to pay their employees. Otherwise, they may incur fines, sanctions, and infractions.

The WPS, or Wage Protection System, is an electronic system that employers use to pay their workers. You have to know that currently, it is mandatory to use WPS as a means of paying salaries to employees.

The Wage Protection System (WPS) allows employers to pay their workforce through financial institutions or banks. The purpose of this system is to protect workers and ensure wages or salaries.

Any employer, who plans to manage their payroll, has to know how to use this system. The benefit of the WPS is that it is guaranteed to satisfy both the employee and the employer. That is, it increases worker satisfaction and reduces the probability of errors. To use the System, you must send a salary information file to a WPS agent. Afterward, you can proceed with the registration process.

What is the living cost in Dubai?

While it is true, that it is important to know how many the salaries are for certain jobs in Dubai, there is other more relevant information. That is, the type of life since this determines the amount of the salary. It is essential to know the cost of living as you need to pay for basic living expenses. For example, education, transportation, housing, and healthcare.

In summary, it is important to know the cost of living in Dubai, taking into account basic expenses. Thus, you can analyze the salary of the job you want to do in Dubai will cover the cost of living.

Housing: The cost of accommodation in Dubai largely depends on the area in which you choose to live. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center has a monthly rent of AED 5,530. But, a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately 3,690AED.

Education: In Dubai, there are private and public schools available for students. Generally, public schools charge a maximum of 6,000 AED in a year. Additionally, according to a recent study, expatriates pay more for education than citizens.

Transport: Dubai has an excellent public transport system, with taxis and buses circulating the city at all hours. The average price of a taxi ride is AED 2.44 per kilometer of the route. On the other hand, the price of a bus ticket is 5 AED.

Health Care: An excellent government-sponsored health insurance system that provides health coverage to residents in Dubai. According to Dubai Health Authority legislation, foreigners have to have a private health insurance plan (DHA).

How can EOR Middle East help you with wages and payroll?

minimum wage in UAE

As companies expand into new markets, salary and payroll management can be a challenge. EOR Middle East can help companies simplify everything regarding salaries and payroll management in the Middle East markets.

EOR Middle East can assist businesses with salaries and payroll management in the Middle East markets. This company offers a wide range of services, thus, companies can have solutions to issues. Specifically, they offer payroll and human resources outsourcing services, recruiting, and outplacement services. As a result, companies can simplify a lot of processes regarding salaries in the Middle East markets.

EOR Middle East can help business owners comply with local regulations throughout the Middle East. EOR Middle East has a deep understanding of the local business environment. That is, it can help employers comply with all local wage and payroll regulations. Which will include making sure you make tax deductions correctly. In addition, they take the task of helping to meet all legal requirements regarding minimum wage and comply with all regulations with jobs.

If you want to further improve salaries and payroll management in the Middle East markets, you need to work closely with EOR Middle East. They will help you develop a solid strategy around payroll and salary management. These strategies include working together to develop specific policies on how salaries should be paid. In addition, how tax deductions should be made and how all local regulations should be complied with. Specifically, payroll and salaries.

Sahiba

Sahiba Maini is the Finance Head in Connect Resources who specializes in Managing finance functions involving determining financial objectives along with designing & implementing systems, policies & procedures, preparing financial reports to facilitate internal financial control. She is capable of Monitoring receivables through a team to ensure credit terms are properly authorized. She is in charge of overseeing the payroll department