UAE remote work guidelines: Your rights are protected, but discipline matters

Dubai: Working from home does not change your rights, but it also does not reduce your responsibilities. As remote work becomes more common across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a comprehensive guide outlining exactly how remote work operates in the private sector. From working hours and leave entitlement to performance expectations and discipline, the guide sets clear rules for both employers and employees. Here is all you need to know. What is remote work? Remote work is a work arrangement that allows an employee to perform their job duties outside the company premises, either wholly or partially, using modern communication technologies, as agreed upon in the employment contract between the employee and the employer. Your rights remain unchanged One of the strongest assurances in the guide is that remote workers are treated exactly like on-site employees. This includes: Full salary protection Defined working hours Access to all types of leave Health insurance Protection from discrimination What you cannot do while working remotely The guide also addresses real-world behaviour, highlighting common violations that could lead to disciplinary action. These include: Failure to interact or respond during official working hours without justification. Repeatedly submitting tasks after deadlines Assigning tasks to another person without the employer's consent Engaging in personal activities or other work during agreed-upon working hours Registering attendance without actually performing assigned tasks. Work From Home best practices Execute tasks personally, according to the guidance and supervision of your employer or their representative, and do not outsource the work to any other worker or person. Properly use the tools and equipment assigned for work and do not misuse them. Adhere to approved communication mechanisms, and submit productivity reports or deliver tasks according to agreed schedules. Maintain the confidentiality of information and data accessed through...