Workplace safety in the UAE
The federal rules, regulators and emirate systems that apply to workplaces in the UAE, explained in plain language with links to the official sources.
Who regulates what
Sets federal labour and safety rules for the private sector, runs the midday ban and takes injury reports.
mohre.gov.ae →Supervises Abu Dhabi's safety framework, ADOSH-SF, with Sector Regulatory Authorities for each sector.
adphc.gov.ae →Prepares and enforces the Code of Construction Safety Practice, with the licensing authority of each zone.
dm.gov.ae →The safety authority for the Emirate of Sharjah. It runs the Sharjah OSH system and publishes guides.
Sharjah OSH resolution →The law and key regulations
The official texts are in Arabic. The English versions are translations, so rely on the Arabic for anything legal.
| Law | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 | Private-sector employment. Employer and worker safety duties, work injuries and compensation, and penalties. English translation and our explainer |
| Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 | Safety officers, the midday ban and labour accommodation. Amended in 2024 by Resolution 516. English translation |
| Cabinet Resolution No. 33 of 2022 | Work injuries and occupational diseases: reporting and compensation tables. English copy and our reporting guide |
| Administrative Decision No. 19 of 2023 | MoHRE's detailed rules: safety program, records, protective equipment, medical checks, hazard limits, officers and midday exemptions. Official text |
| ADOSH-SF, Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi's safety framework, including incident notification. Mechanisms |
| Decree No. 19 of 2025, Dubai | Makes the Code of Construction Safety Practice binding across Dubai, including free zones. Our code guide. English text |
| Executive Council Resolution 15 of 2021, Sharjah | The Sharjah OSH system. SPSA |
This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Check the current official text and your site's own procedures.
UAE guides and explainers
Workplace safety compliance checklist: UAE
Workplace accident reporting deadlines by country: 12 compared
Dubai Code of Construction Safety Practice explained
How to report a workplace accident in the UAE
UAE midday work ban: rules, exemptions and fines
