https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/blogsBlogs RSS Feed20https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/06/uae-nafis-update-whats-changingThe United Arab Emirates has announced that the Nafis (i.e., “compete” in Arabic) program will be extended until 2040. Initially implemented in September 2021 for a period of five years, Nafis is a UAE government program that aims to boost Emirati employment in the private sector. To benefit from Nafis, an employee must be a UAE national and employed by a private sector entity regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization or the UAE Central Bank. The individual must also be registered with the UAE pension fund.Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500c8745512-c2fe-4d89-9582-2658711efb78Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa MerodAbu DhabiDubaihttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/06/training-graduates-and-job-seekers-in-saudi-arabiaThe Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued Ministerial Decision no. 116264, dated 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH (17 February 2026), and an accompanying procedural guide (the Training Decision), which set clear obligations for establishments to train Saudi graduates and job seekers. The Training Decision aims to enhance performance and support employment in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500634f4ca7-ad50-48a2-9123-babff91ff155Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastSaudi ArabiaEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/06/navigating-employment-law-in-the-middle-east-termination-of-employment-in-the-adgmMorgan Lewis recently hosted the latest session in its Navigating Employment Law in the Middle East webinar series, focusing on the legal framework governing termination of employment in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500f97cbf55-38c2-4ff0-bd22-dba2e6385c30Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationIndividual Employee Litigation & ArbitrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/06/the-gcc-midday-sun-rule-what-employers-need-to-know-across-the-gulfAs temperatures across the Gulf sharply rise each summer, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) governments reintroduce the annual “midday sun” or “midday work ban” rules designed to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat exposure. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the annual midday break comes into force on 15 June and remains one of the region’s best-known seasonal labour protections.Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500cb603f92-a33c-4d43-807b-f98b008351c4Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationESG & Sustainability AdvisoryBusiness and Human Rights LawLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesSaudi ArabiaEBLBRIMMLITCBTRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/05/uae-tightens-wage-protection-rules-with-new-wps-resolution-effective-june-2026The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has introduced a new Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, which significantly reforms the Wage Protection System (WPS) for private sector employers, effective June 1, 2026. The Resolution introduces a unified salary payment deadline requiring wages to be paid on the first day of each Gregorian month, and raises the WPS compliance threshold from 80% to 85%.Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500bbdbc356-a254-46a4-a9a8-04016cf21fecLabor, Employment & BenefitsMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/03/employment-disputes-and-arbitration-in-the-adgm-what-the-modus-operations-ruling-tells-usA recent decision of the Abu Dhabi Global Market Court of First Instance provides useful guidance on how employment disputes may be treated when an employment contract contains an arbitration clause. In Mathonnet v Modus Operations LLC and Ayotte v Modus Operations LLC [2025] ADGMCFI 0005, the Court of First Instance confirmed that employment claims can in principle be referred to arbitration, even where the ADGM courts would otherwise have jurisdiction over the dispute.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500ba29cb15-77e3-495d-b833-0a67cea2f03dLabor, Employment & BenefitsMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/03/managing-employees-in-the-middle-east-during-the-current-crisisThe ongoing geopolitical events in the Middle East are creating significant operational and workforce challenges for employers across the region. While the legal framework in jurisdictions such as the UAE, KSA, and other GCC countries has not fundamentally changed in response to the current crisis, the application of existing employment laws in a crisis context raises a number of important considerations.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -050089dee6f3-6c64-452a-9d1f-69492e5643f0Labor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCrisis ManagementMiddle EastEBLBRLITRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/02/uae-alternative-savings-scheme-open-consultation-by-the-ministry-of-human-resources-and-emiratizationThe UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MHRE) has invited the public to provide their opinions and suggestions regarding the Alternative Savings Scheme (Savings Scheme). The public consultation aims at refining the existing framework. Comments can be provided until February 28, 2026 via https://sharik.ae/en .Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -060078989186-4343-4ba8-a15b-08285d7ba0efLabor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa MerodDubaihttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/02/2026-uae-public-holidays-and-employee-entitlementsWhether you are scheduling work projects, planning leave for your workforce, or simply looking forward to a long weekend, public holidays play an important role for employers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Back in April 2024, the UAE issued a Cabinet Decision (Cabinet Decision No. 27/2024 on Official Holidays in the State), which came into force on January 1, 2025 and sets out the applicable public holidays in the UAE.Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600dc8d3051-c4ce-4050-b520-29e3feb8b365Labor, Employment & BenefitsMiddle EastEBLBRRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/02/ramadan-in-the-arab-gulf-cooperation-countries-what-employers-need-to-knowRamadan is anticipated to start on February 19, 2026, subject to the sighting of the new crescent moon. It is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and a period of fasting, worship, and spiritual development.Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600720b79a0-2d83-4972-8e61-a2632924628aLabor, Employment & BenefitsMiddle EastEBLBRRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/02/adgm-courts-judgment-serves-as-a-warning-regarding-proper-use-of-aiThe Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Court has issued a detailed costs judgment that doubles as a practical guide for lawyers on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in litigation.Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -060038f5e0de-3515-45b1-90c8-2d2d1404afffLabor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsMiddle EastArtificial IntelligenceEBLBRLITRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/02/saudi-arabia-tightens-controls-on-job-titles-for-expatriates-what-employers-need-to-knowSaudi Arabia has recently introduced changes to the way certain job titles are allocated to expatriate workers, prompting some questions from employers. The changes, implemented through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s Qiwa platform, form part of the Kingdom’s ongoing labour market reforms and Saudization strategy. While initial reports suggested a sweeping restriction on expatriates holding senior commercial roles—particularly the title of general manager—subsequent clarification from Qiwa confirms that the position remains open to non-Saudis, subject to specific regulatory conditions.Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -060074909746-3059-4275-b74d-715ae3b8efaeLabor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastSaudi ArabiaEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/01/navigating-employment-law-in-the-middle-east-adgm-edition-part-2-key-takeawaysOur latest Navigating Employment Law in the Middle East webinar turned the spotlight back on the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the essential legal obligations employers need to understand when operating there.Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600df137bd1-3e35-411d-96c6-d5e1385b8a60Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/01/abu-dhabi-court-judgment-highlights-the-critical-importance-of-robust-disciplinary-proceduresA recent judgment of the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court provides a timely reminder to employers operating in the UAE of the importance of having clear disciplinary policies in place and adhering to them carefully prior to terminating an employee’s employment.Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -060030d4d53e-e681-41e2-ab88-1e7c9e18b2efLabor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2026/01/navigating-employment-in-the-middle-east-uae-part-1-key-takeawaysOur latest Navigating Employment Law in the Middle East webinar—Part 1 of the UAE edition—kicked off the fourth installment of this multipart series. The session focused on the UAE private sector employment framework—excluding the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)—and explored what employers need to know about the law, Emiratization, employment contracts, onboarding, and Golden Visa considerations.Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600af281b23-caaa-487e-982d-a55a6d01cc0fGlobal Employment & ImmigrationLabor, Employment & BenefitsMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesIMMLBREBRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2025/12/employment-contract-enhancements-in-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabiaThe Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Ministry) is rolling out a new enforceable version of the standard form employment contract issued via the Ministry’s Qiwa portal. The roll out integrates the wages clause contained in the Qiwa contract with the Ministry of Justice’s legal services portal, Najiz, enabling an employee to directly enforce the payment terms without having to initiate a claim through the Labour Courts.Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -060018497e2e-d0d6-467a-9c35-139cb980312bLabor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastSaudi ArabiaEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2025/12/navigating-employment-in-the-middle-east-ksa-part-1-takeawaysThe third in our multipart Navigating Employment Law in the Middle East webinar series considered the applicable employment regulations and immigration processes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Be sure to join us for our next webinar taking place on December 9 looking at the applicable law and processes in the United Arab Emirates.Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600c221fa0c-644b-45f6-a2ae-ff7cbb7e41a1Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastSaudi ArabiaEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2025/10/difc-court-changes-to-impact-employment-related-disputesThe Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) published a Practice Direction on October 9, 2025, which will have a significant impact on employment disputes in the DIFC with immediate effect. The Practice Direction noted a desire to enhance access to justice in employment-related disputes and to create a proportionate, fair, and efficient procedural framework within the DIFC courts.Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -050048e9a244-af50-4a87-bfa9-7f88dfe73e24Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2025/09/navigating-employment-in-the-middle-east-adgm-part-1Our multipart webinar series Navigating Employment Law in the Middle East recently kicked off with a session looking at the applicable employment regulations and immigration processes within the Abu Dhabi Global Market for new employees. In this blog post, find some of the key takeaways from this webinar and be sure to join us for our future webinars.Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -05004c135073-7f97-4b45-9b93-b6c6c06118c5Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merodhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/shiftingsandsoflaborlaw/2025/08/abu-dhabi-court-of-cassation-ruling-a-significant-shift-in-annual-leave-rightsThe Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has ruled that an employer must compensate a former employee for 13 years of unused annual leave, departing from the two-year limit typically applied by lower courts.Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500f4032765-7828-4ed1-8f73-22540a9984f7Labor, Employment & BenefitsGlobal Employment & ImmigrationMiddle EastUnited Arab EmiratesEBLBRIMMRebecca FordLisa Merod