MOHRE's Big Announcements for 2025
Quick Answer: Three main changes: 1) Higher Emiratisation targets with big fines for non-compliance, 2) All fired employees now get full gratuity (no cuts for any reason), 3) MOHRE decisions under AED 50,000 are now court orders. Plus new probation notice rules.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) made several big changes in 2025. Here's what you need to know.
1. Emiratisation Got Stricter
The UAE wants more Emiratis in private sector jobs.
If Your Company Has 50+ Workers
- Must have 8% Emirati staff by end of 2025
- Increases 1% every 6 months (June and December)
If Your Company Has 20-49 Workers
- Must hire at least 2 Emiratis by December 31, 2025
- Applies to 14 key sectors (healthcare, tech, construction, etc.)
Penalties
- AED 108,000 per unfilled position (AED 9,000/month)
- Collected in January 2026
- Fake Emiratisation (hiring Emiratis who don't really work)? Up to AED 100,000 fine
Register at: nafis.gov.ae
2. Labour Law Changes (Started August 2024)
Several key changes are now in effect:
Salary During Disputes
MOHRE can make employers keep paying you for up to 2 months while your dispute is being resolved.
MOHRE Decisions Are Now Court Orders
For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE's ruling is automatically enforceable. No need to go to court.
Probation Notice Rules
| Situation | Notice Required | |-----------|-----------------| | Employer fires you during probation | 14 days | | You quit to leave UAE | 14 days | | You quit to take another UAE job | 1 month |
Everyone Gets Full End-of-Service
Big change: All fired employees get full benefits now. The old rules that cut your pay for certain reasons? Gone.
Flexible Work is Official
The law now clearly covers:
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Temporary
- Remote
- Job-sharing
3. Public Holidays 2025
Here are this year's paid holidays for private sector:
| Holiday | Date | Notes | |---------|------|-------| | New Year | Jan 1 (Wed) | | | Eid Al Fitr | Mar 30 - Apr 1 | May extend to Apr 2 | | Arafat + Eid Al Adha | Jun 5-8 | | | Islamic New Year | Jun 27 (Fri) | | | Prophet's Birthday | Sep 5 (Fri) | | | National Day | Dec 1-3 | |
Summer Midday Break
From June 15 to September 15: No outdoor work between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
Ramadan Hours
Private sector workers get 2 hours less per day during Ramadan.
What This Means for You
If you're an employee:
- You get full gratuity now, no matter why you were fired
- Disputes under AED 50,000? MOHRE decides, no court needed
- Know your probation notice rights
If you're an employer:
- Review contracts for new probation rules
- Keep digital records (MOHRE audits happen)
- Meet Emiratisation targets or pay big fines
Need Help?
MOHRE Call Centre: 600 590 000
Email: ask@mohre.gov.ae
Summary
MOHRE's 2025 updates mean:
- Better protections for workers
- Stronger Emiratisation push
- Fairer and faster dispute resolution
This all fits with the UAE's goal of a modern, fair job market.
Use our free gratuity calculator to see your entitlement.
