In the last quarter of 2024, the Registration Authority (RA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) published the New Employment Regulations 2024, effective April 1st, 2025. The three-month provision provided employers ample time to align their internal policies, contracts, and procedures with the new requirements to take a fresh start from the second quarter of 2025.
These regulations reflect global shifts in workplace practices and provide greater clarity for employers and employees on their rights and responsibilities. ADGM aims to promote best employment practices within the institution as well as in the capital to enhance the overall business environment.
Key updates in the New Employment Regulations include:
- Remote Work Flexibility: The definition of ‘employee’ is expanded to accommodate remote workers and flexible working arrangements.
- Employee Entitlements: Ambiguities surrounding entitlements, especially for part-time employees, are clarified.
- Work Permits and Visas: Requirements for obtaining and canceling work permits and visas are more clearly defined.
- Workplace Discrimination: Expanded obligations around preventing discrimination and victimization in the workplace.
- Transition from 2019 Regulations: The New Employment Regulations will repeal the 2019 version and take effect on 1 April 2025.
Sharing on the New Employment Policy update, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, said, “The publication of the New Employment Regulations demonstrates our ongoing commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment while ensuring protection and stability for both employers and employees. These regulations support our goal of promoting innovation in work systems, offering clarity for the business community while maintaining the necessary protections for all.”
The above is well received by all stakeholders and will shape a better work culture in the country. However, the most excitement lies in remote work flexibility. Now that April is just around the corner, it’s time to think of ways to be effective and efficient while remote at work. Here’s the link to deep dive into how to manage remote work more effectively and efficiently.
Last but not least, you can relive the fantasy of quarantine by donning a dress shirt with pajamas and being your best at work from the comfort of your home.
We hope to see similar initiatives by other emirates soon.
