Authority

MOHRE

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation — the federal body that regulates private-sector labour, work permits and Emiratisation compliance.

Compensation

DEWS

DIFC Employee Workplace Savings — mandatory employer-funded savings plan that replaced end-of-service gratuity in DIFC in 2020.

End-of-Service Gratuity

A statutory lump sum paid to employees on termination in the UAE, calculated on basic salary and years of service.

Compliance

WPS

Wage Protection System — the UAE central bank's electronic salary transfer system that all mainland private-sector employers must use.

Free Zone

ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market — an independent financial free zone on Al Maryah Island with English common law and its own employment regulations.

DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre — an independent free zone with its own English common-law courts, employment law, and regulator (DFSA).

Programme

Nafis

The UAE federal programme that subsidises Emirati salaries, pensions and training in the private sector to support Emiratisation targets.

Regulation

Emiratisation

UAE government policy requiring private-sector companies to employ a defined percentage of UAE nationals, with binding annual targets since 2022.

Limited vs Unlimited Contract

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, all UAE private-sector contracts are now fixed-term (limited); unlimited contracts were abolished in 2022.

Skilled Employee (MOHRE)

A MOHRE classification (skill levels 1–5) covering degreed and technical roles — the base against which Emiratisation quotas are calculated.

Visa

Golden Visa

A long-term (5 or 10 year) UAE residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent, and top students — decoupled from employer sponsorship.

Green Visa

A 5-year self-sponsored UAE residence visa for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors — no employer tie-in.