The legal age to work in the Emirates In the United Arab Emirates, the policies of the legal age to work in the Emirates are considered extremely important to ensure the rights of workers and young workers and provide a healthy and safe work environment. Understanding the legal working age in the UAE is vital for young people who want to enter the workforce, as well as for employers seeking to recruit the workforce. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal age for work in the UAE, focusing on the legal and social aspects related to this vital topic.
جدول المحتوى
ToggleWorking in the Emirates
Firstly, the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the countries in the world that provides the most job opportunities, and this is due to the abundance of financial and business companies in it. Therefore, after many organizations and institutions launched programs to qualify Emirati youth for the labor market, it was necessary to regulate the labor market in the country and enact laws that would To regulate this market and achieve justice and equality between workers and company owners, in addition to protecting workers and children from exploitation. Yes, do not be surprised by this, as children under the age of eighteen become vulnerable to exploitation and, in the end, employment. In any case, we will talk about the legal age for work. In the UAE, as stated in the UAE Labor and Workers Law.

The legal age to work in the UAE
Job opportunities in the Emirates
First, the United Arab Emirates is one of the most prominent global destinations for work, as it is characterized by a developed investment environment and broad job opportunities, in addition to attracting many people from all over the world. The topic of job opportunities in the UAE constitutes an important focus of discussion, as it revolves around recent developments and opportunities available to workers in various sectors.
Consequently, the UAE is witnessing continuous economic growth and diversification, which reflects the diversity of job opportunities available in the country. The main sectors that provide job opportunities in the UAE are:
- Construction and civil engineering.
- Aviation and transportation.
- As well as manufacturing and technical industries.
- Then tourism and hospitality.
- As well as financial and commercial services.
- Also health and medical care
Advantages of job opportunities in the Emirates
- First, the labor market in the UAE is characterized by dynamism and continuous development, as it values cultural and linguistic diversity and provides opportunities for employees of all nationalities and professional backgrounds. Government and economic policies also promote the ambitious vision of developing skills and stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The UAE is also home to many major projects and pioneering economic initiatives, creating diverse and interesting job opportunities. In addition, the UAE hosts many international events and exhibitions that attract professionals and investors from all over the world.
- Therefore, the UAE is home to many leading international companies and large government institutions, which means there are wide and diverse job opportunities in various sectors and fields, whether technical, service, or industrial.
- Therefore, the UAE adopts encouraging policies to employ young citizens, by developing training and qualification programs and providing benefits and incentives to companies that employ national talent.
- The UAE is characterized by a developed and innovative work environment, which encourages competitiveness and continuous development, making it a preferred destination for work and investment.
Also, job opportunities in the Emirates represent an essential part of economic and social development, as they provide broad opportunities for professional development and advancement. With continued economic growth and developments in various sectors, the UAE job market remains an exciting and attractive place for professionals from around the world.
The legal age to work in the UAE
First, in the United Arab Emirates, labor policies and the legal age for work are considered crucial to ensuring the rights of workers and young workers and providing a healthy and safe work environment. Understanding the legal working age in the UAE is vital for young people who want to enter the workforce, as well as for employers seeking to recruit the workforce. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal age for work in the UAE, focusing on the legal and social aspects related to this vital topic.
In the UAE, the legal age for work is set at 18 years in accordance with the UAE Federal Labor Law. This means that individuals must have reached this age to have the right to work legally in the country.
There are specific exceptions in UAE law that allow people between the ages of 15 and 18 to work in certain industries and professions, provided that they have obtained a special permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
These exceptions are considered part of the government’s policies to support skills development and vocational training for young people, and to provide them with job opportunities in accordance with specific laws and regulations.
Society in general bears a great responsibility in ensuring respect for the legal age for work, through awareness and education of the importance of these laws and their strict application.
The UAE government ensures the existence of oversight mechanisms and laws that regulate the employment process and determines penalties for those who violate these laws, in order to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and the application of social justice.
Individuals and institutions alike must respect the legal age to work in the UAE as an essential part of social responsibility, and ensure a healthy and safe work environment for everyone. In conjunction with this, the government must continue to strengthen laws and legislation that protect the rights of workers and young workers, and provide appropriate opportunities to develop skills and achieve economic stability.
In general, those under the age of 15 are not allowed to work in all sectors of the state, whether they are citizens or residents of the state, and therefore child labor in the Emirates is prohibited, while those between 15 and 18 years of age are allowed to work under the legal age, provided that A temporary work permit is issued to them according to the following conditions:
Written approval from the juvenile’s guardian, or whoever has guardianship or guardianship over him.
A copy of a birth certificate, or a certificate estimating the juvenile’s age issued by the relevant medical authorities.
A health fitness certificate for the required work issued by the relevant medical authorities.
In the event that the juvenile is a non-citizen, the juvenile must have The resident and his family have a valid residence permit, stamped on the passport.
The business in which the juvenile is intended to be employed is not among the businesses prohibited by the current ministerial decisions, or the decisions issued in this regard. The business license must be in Dubai. Payment of the required fees.
Also, there are some other underage labor laws that regulate underage work for minors, including:
Juveniles may not be employed at night in industrial projects, or in work that is dangerous or harmful to health.
The maximum actual working hours for juveniles is six hours per day, and working hours must be interspersed with one or
more periods of rest. Juveniles may not be assigned to additional work hours or kept in workplace after their scheduled appointments, and do not employ them on rest days
Work permits for students and training in private sector facilities
It is clear from the decisions and conditions mentioned above that the age limit for a work visa in Dubai is 18 years, while those between 15 and 18 years old are allowed to work, but within the conditions mentioned above, as juvenile students were not allowed to work in the Emirates, but with the passage of time The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also issued a decision allowing juvenile students to work in private sector facilities, or existing and approved facilities for training purposes.
Work permits for juveniles
Students between the ages of 15-18 years are allowed to work and temporary work permits are issued to them. Emirati or expatriate students residing and therefore residing in the country can join work for a period of six (6) months, subject to renewal. Temporary work permits can also be issued to students who wish to work part-time. Throughout the year, employment of young people in the Emirates is common and constitutes a training opportunity for them.
Student training permits
Students between the ages of 12 and 18 are also allowed to work in private sector establishments under training permits issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, where written approval is required from the trainee student’s parent or guardian, and the establishment is also required to have a commercial license . The application must be valid and free of notices and irregularities.
In the end, it is worth noting that students are treated like ordinary workers who work in similar conditions according to the UAE Labor Law for the private sector, in terms of entitlements and benefits, and when employing or training a minor, they must adhere to all controls, procedures, and the type of work permitted in accordance with the legal systems in force in the country. Ministry.

The legal age to work in the UAE
Our role is to help you choose the appropriate workforce for your company
First, at the conclusion of this article, we find that understanding the local laws and legislation in the United Arab Emirates is essential for individuals and companies wishing to work and invest in this modern and prosperous country. One of the key aspects to consider is the legal working age, which determines the opportunities and challenges that individuals and residents may face.
Therefore, Itqan Company plays a vital role in this context, providing support and assistance to individuals and companies to ensure compliance with the laws and obtain the necessary approvals to operate in the Emirates. Through a team of experts and legal advisors, Itqan provides appropriate legal and legislative solutions to meet clients’ needs and successfully achieve their goals.
Itqan Company also specializes in providing legal and consulting solutions tailored to individuals and companies wishing to explore economic opportunities and achieve success in the thriving UAE market. Our certification is based on a proven track record of success and dedication to serving our clients with the highest levels of professionalism.
In the end, in short, Itqan represents the ideal partner to facilitate and accelerate the business process and achieve goals efficiently and confidently in the UAE. Let us be part of your journey towards success and excellence, and put our experience and complete readiness at your disposal to help you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
Frequently asked questions about the legal age to work in the UAE
What is the legal age to work in the UAE?
The legal age to work in the UAE is 18 years, and individuals under that age must apply for approval from a parent or guardian before working.
Are there special legislation for young workers in the Emirates?
Yes, there are legislation and laws that protect the rights of young workers in the Emirates, such as specifying working hours, providing a safe and healthy work environment, and ensuring the necessary protection for people under the legal age.
Are there training or educational programs specifically for young workers in the Emirates?
Yes, there are training and educational programs dedicated to young workers in the Emirates with the aim of developing their skills and enhancing their opportunities in the labor market.