UAE safety document library by emirate

Federal (all emirates)

Official source: UAE Legislation portal. Search the portal by the reference below to find the current text.

• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Primary federal labour law — employer OSH duties, worker rights, accommodation, WPS
• Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 — Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labour Relations) (2022) Implementing rules for the Labour Relations law
• Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 — Labour Law (1980) Foundational workplace safety requirements — still partially in force
• Ministerial Decision No. 32 of 1982 — Precautionary Methods for Protecting Workers from Work Hazards (1982) PPE, machinery guarding, chemical safety, specific hazard prevention
• Ministerial Decision No. 37/2 of 1982 — Medical Attention for Workers (1982) Occupational health, medical surveillance, first aid requirements
• Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 — Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Accommodation (2022) OSH obligations and safety officer provisions; Article 3 sets the annual midday work ban. Check current amendments and separate accommodation requirements with MOHRE
• Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022, Article 3 — Outdoor Work Ban (2022) Midday work ban for work under direct sunlight and in open places: 12:30–15:00 UAE time, 15 June–15 September annually; technical exceptions require the applicable MOHRE procedure and safeguards
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security guard ratios, 6 workers per room maximum
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Protection and Development of the Environment (1999) National environmental protection — pollution control, waste, natural resources
• Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 — Integrated Waste Management (2018) National waste management — collection, treatment, disposal, recycling
• Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 — UAE Climate Law (2024) GHG emissions measurement, reporting, and reduction mandatory for all establishments
• Federal Law No. 23 of 2006 — Civil Defence (2006) National civil defence framework, fire safety standards, emergency response
• Cabinet Resolution No. 50 of 2019 — Organise Civil Defence Services (2019) Detailed civil defence service requirements, inspection regime, penalties

Abu Dhabi

Primary authority: Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre

Laws and regulations

• Law No. 14 of 2019 — Establishment of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (2019) Establishes ADPHC as the primary OSH authority for Abu Dhabi emirate
• Decree No. 42 of 2009 — Environment, Health and Safety Management System in Abu Dhabi (2009) Mandates OSHMS implementation for all employers in Abu Dhabi emirate
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Updated standards for worker accommodation — free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security
• Federal Law No. 23 of 2006 — Civil Defence (2006) National civil defence framework, fire safety standards, emergency response
• Cabinet Resolution No. 50 of 2019 — Organise Civil Defence Services (2019) Detailed civil defence service requirements, inspection regime
• EAD Law No. 21 of 2005 — Waste Management Law (2005) Solid waste management, disposal, environmental protection in Abu Dhabi
• EAD Law No. 22 of 2005 — Terrestrial Conservation Law (2005) Wildlife, biodiversity, and terrestrial environment protection
• EAD Law No. 5 of 2016 — Groundwater Conservation Law (2016) Regulation of groundwater extraction and protection
• Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022, Article 3 — Outdoor Work Ban (2022) Midday work ban for work under direct sunlight and in open places: 12:30–15:00 UAE time, 15 June–15 September annually; technical exceptions require the applicable MOHRE procedure and safeguards

Codes of practice

• CoP 2.0 — Personal Protective Equipment (PPE selection, use, maintenance, and training requirements)
• CoP 3.0 — Occupational Noise (Noise exposure limits, monitoring, hearing protection, audiometric testing)
• CoP 4.0 — First Aid and Medical Emergency Treatment (First aid provision, trained first aiders, medical emergency procedures)
• CoP 5.0 — Occupational Health Screening and Medical Surveillance (Pre-employment, periodic, and exit health screening requirements)
• CoP 11.0 — Safety in the Heat (Heat stress prevention, acclimatisation, monitoring, emergency response)
• CoP 15.0 — Electrical Safety (Temporary electrical installations, isolation, earthing, RCD, DB standards)
• CoP 18.0 — Employer Supplied Accommodation — General Requirements (Labour camp standards: rooms, sanitation, food, medical, fire safety)
• CoP 18.1 — Temporary Employer Supplied Accommodation (Temporary camp standards for construction sites)
• CoP 21.0 — Permit to Work Systems (PTW framework, hot work, electrical isolation, confined space, excavation)
• CoP 22.0 — Barricading of Hazards (Exclusion zones, barriers, signage, public protection)
• CoP 23.0 — Working at Heights (WAH trigger height (2m), risk assessment, collective protection priority)
• CoP 24.0 — Lock-out / Tag-out (Isolation) (Electrical and mechanical isolation procedures, LOTO devices)
• CoP 25.0 — Driver Fatigue Prevention (Hours of service, rest periods, fatigue management for drivers)
• CoP 26.0 — Scaffolding (Scaffold design, erection, inspection, handover certificate, dismantling)
• CoP 27.0 — Confined Spaces (Entry permit, atmospheric testing, standby person, rescue plan)
• CoP 28.0 — Hot Work Operations (Welding, cutting, grinding permits, fire watch, hot work area clearance)
• CoP 29.0 — Excavation Work (Permit to dig, shoring (>1.5m), atmospheric monitoring, edge protection)
• CoP 34.0 — Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories (Crane SWL, LOLER, thorough examination, lift plans, exclusion zones)
• CoP 36.0 — Plant and Equipment (Plant inspection, operator competency, daily checks, maintenance records)
• CoP 37.0 — Ladders (Ladder selection, inspection, use, angle, securing requirements)
• CoP 40.0 — False Work and Formwork (Temporary works design, permit to strike, concrete strength verification before striking, dismantling permission)
• CoP 39.0 — Overhead and Underground Services (CAT scan, trial pits, service clearances, safe digging practice)
• CoP 44.0 — Traffic Management and Logistics (Site traffic management plan, pedestrian/vehicle segregation, banksman)
• CoP 51.0 — Powered Lift Trucks (Forklift operator licence, daily inspection, load capacity, pedestrian zones)
• CoP 53.1 — OSH Management During Construction Work (Construction HSE plan, principal contractor duties, site safety management)
• CoP 53.1 — OSH Construction Management Plan (Mandatory CMP format, content requirements, submission and approval)
• CoP 54.0 — Waste Management (Construction waste segregation, disposal, recycling, waste management plan)

Key documents

• ADOSH-SF Codes of Practice (All 54+)
• ADOSH-SF System Framework
• CoP 53.1 — OSH Management During Construction
• CoP 18.0 — Employer Supplied Accommodation
• CoP 29.0 — Excavation Work
• EAD Environmental Regulations
• MoHRE Ministerial Resolution 122 of 2026 — Accommodation

Dubai

Primary authority: Dubai Municipality

Laws and regulations

• Decree No. 45 of 2021 — Dubai Building Code (2021) Unified building design and construction standards for all Dubai projects
• Local Order No. 61 of 1991 — Environment Protection Regulations in Dubai (1991) Public health and environmental protection standards for Dubai emirate
• Law No. 2 of 2026 — Public Safety Law (2026) Public safety rules for venues and events — equipment, lighting, ventilation, safe entry/exit. Fines up to AED 2 million.
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security guard ratios for worker accommodation
• DM Technical Guideline 39 — Confined Spaces Entry (2020) Dubai Municipality technical requirements for confined space entry on construction sites
• DDA Circular 400 — Shoring Design Requirements (2018) Mandatory shoring design for excavations >1.2m in Dubai (TECOM/DDA zones)
• Admin Resolution 37 of 2021 — Dubai Building Bylaw §1.10 (2021) Shoring mandatory for all excavations >2.0m in Dubai emirate

Codes of practice

• DM CCSP — Code of Construction Safety Practice (Comprehensive construction site safety requirements — the primary Dubai construction HSE standard)
• DM TG-39 — Technical Guideline 39 — Confined Spaces Entry (Confined space entry requirements, atmospheric testing, standby person, rescue)
• DM TG-38 — Technical Guideline 38 — Management of Heat Stress (Heat stress prevention, WBGT monitoring, acclimatisation, emergency response)
• DM TG-35 — Technical Guideline 35 — Usage of Rope Access (Rope access work at height requirements, competency, equipment)
• UAE Fire & Life Safety CoP — UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (National fire safety standard — applies to all buildings in Dubai)
• Dubai Building Code 2021 — Dubai Building Code — Chapter 8: Safety (Construction site safety, shoring, excavation, structural safety requirements)

Key documents

• Dubai Municipality HSE Technical Guidelines
• Dubai Building Code 2021
• DM Code of Construction Safety Practice
• UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice
• MoHRE Labour Accommodation Requirements 2026

Sharjah

Primary authority: Sharjah Public Services Authority / Occupational Safety and Health Juridical Person

Laws and regulations

• Executive Council Resolution No. 15 of 2021 — Sharjah OSH System Enforcement (2021) Establishes the OSHJ enforcement framework, violation categories, and penalty schedule for Sharjah
• Sharjah Law No. 11 of 2017 — Organisation of Environment and Protected Areas Authority (2017) Establishes EPAA and its mandate to prepare and enforce environmental regulations in Sharjah
• Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 — Integrated Waste Management (2018) National waste management framework — collection, treatment, disposal, recycling
• Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 — UAE Climate Law (2024) Mandates measuring, reporting, and reducing GHG emissions for all establishments
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security for worker accommodation

Codes of practice

• OSHJ-CoP-01 — Risk Management and Control (Hazard identification, risk assessment, control hierarchy, residual risk management)
• OSHJ-CoP-02 — OSH Management in Construction (Construction HSE plan, principal contractor duties, site safety management)
• OSHJ-CoP-16 — First Aid at Work (First aid provision, trained first aiders, first aid room requirements)
• OSHJ-CoP-17 — Incident Reporting and Investigation (Mandatory incident reporting, investigation methodology, corrective actions)
• OSHJ-CoP-27 — Personal Protective Equipment (PPE selection, provision, use, maintenance, and training)
• OSHJ-CoP-34 — Permit to Work for Hazardous Activities (PTW system — hot work, electrical isolation, confined space, excavation, WAH)
• OSHJ-CoP-36 — Working on, Over or Adjacent to Roads (Traffic management, pedestrian protection, road works safety)
• OSHJ-GL-04 — Measuring OSH Performance (KPIs, leading and lagging indicators, performance monitoring)
• OSHJ-GL-05 — Employer Supplied Accommodation (Labour camp standards — rooms, sanitation, food, fire safety, medical)
• OSHJ-GL-08 — Training and Competence (Worker training requirements, competency verification, records)

Key documents

• OSHJ-CoP-02 — OSH Management in Construction
• OSHJ-GL-05 — Employer Supplied Accommodation
• OSHJ-CoP-34 — Permit to Work
• OSHJ-CoP-01 — Risk Management and Control

Ajman

Primary authority: Ajman Municipality and Planning Department

Laws and regulations

• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Primary federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations
• Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 — Labour Law (1980) Foundational workplace safety and health requirements, still partially in force
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Protection and Development of the Environment (1999) National environmental protection framework — pollution control, waste, natural resources
• Circular No. 14 of 2025 — New Building Permit Procedures (2025) Updated building permit procedures and engineering consultancy requirements in Ajman
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security for worker accommodation

Codes of practice

• AFZA General Guidelines — Ajman Free Zone General Guidelines (General operational requirements for companies in Ajman Free Zone)
• AFZA Worker Housing — Prohibitions in Worker's Housing (Prohibited activities and minimum standards for worker accommodation in AFZA)
• AFZA WPS — Wages Protection System (Electronic salary payment requirements for AFZA companies)
• UAE Fire & Life Safety CoP — UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (National fire safety standard — applies to all buildings in Ajman)

Key documents

• Ajman Municipality and Planning Department
• Ajman Free Zone Rules and Regulations
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Environment

Ras Al Khaimah

Primary authority: Ras Al Khaimah Municipality

Laws and regulations

• RAKEZ HSE Construction Regulation 2023 — RAKEZ HSE Construction Regulation — First Edition (2023) Comprehensive construction HSE requirements for all RAKEZ projects — permits, risk management, lifting, WAH, excavation
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Protection and Development of the Environment (1999) National environmental protection — pollution control, waste, natural resources
• RAK Building Regulations and Specifications — Ras Al Khaimah Building Regulations (2020) Building standards and specifications for RAK construction projects
• Barjeel RAK Green Building Regulations — Barjeel Ras Al Khaimah Green Building Regulations (2019) Sustainable building practices and energy efficiency requirements
• Law No. 2 of 2009 — Food Control in Ras Al Khaimah (2009) Food safety standards for catering, canteens, and food handling in RAK
• Law No. 3 of 2015 — Technical Systems for Establishments Security (2015) Security system requirements for establishments in RAK
• Cabinet Decree No. 12 of 2006 — Air Emission Standards (2006) Air quality emission standards — no open burning, industrial emission limits
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations

Codes of practice

• RAKEZ HSE Construction Reg 2023 — RAKEZ HSE Construction Regulation (Construction stage approvals, NOC for night work, HS&E plans, risk management, PTW, WAH, plant, lifting, excavation, welfare)
• RAKEZ HSE Regulations — RAKEZ General HSE Regulations (General HSE requirements for all RAKEZ companies — OHS management, incident reporting, PPE, emergency management)
• UAE Fire & Life Safety CoP — UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (National fire safety standard — applies to all buildings in RAK)
• NFPA 54 — National Fuel Gas Code (LPG and gas installation safety requirements)
• NFPA 58 — Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (LPG storage, handling, and safety requirements)
• BS 7121 — Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes (Crane operations, lift planning, thorough examination requirements)
• ENAS ETR 06 — Technical Requirement for Lifting Equipment Inspection Bodies (UAE national standard for lifting equipment inspection and certification)

Key documents

• RAKEZ HSE Construction Regulation 2023
• RAKEZ General HSE Regulations
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Environment

Fujairah

Primary authority: Fujairah Municipality

Laws and regulations

• Fujairah Site Safety Guidelines 2023 — Fujairah Site Safety Guidelines (2023) Mandatory safety, workmanship, and environmental standards for all consultants and contractors in Fujairah
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations
• Ministerial Decision No. 591 of 2016 — Occupational Health Programme Requirements (2016) Requirements for occupational health programmes for establishments with 50+ workers
• Federal Administrative Decision No. 19 of 2023 — Guidelines on Occupational Health and Safety (2023) Updated federal OHS guidelines applicable across all emirates
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Protection and Development of the Environment (1999) National environmental protection framework
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security for worker accommodation

Codes of practice

• Fujairah Site Safety Guidelines 2023 — Fujairah Site Safety Guidelines (Mandatory safety standards for construction sites in Fujairah — HSE plan, permits, inspections)
• UAE Fire & Life Safety CoP 2018 — UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (National fire safety standard — applies to all buildings in Fujairah)

Key documents

• Fujairah Site Safety Guidelines 2023
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Environment

Umm Al Quwain

Primary authority: Umm Al Quwain Municipality

Laws and regulations

• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Regulation of Labour Relations (2021) Primary federal labour law — employer duties, worker rights, OSH obligations
• Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 — Labour Law (1980) Foundational workplace safety and health requirements
• Ministerial Decision No. 32 of 1982 — Precautionary Methods and Measures for Protecting Workers from Work Hazards (1982) Specific workplace hazard prevention requirements — PPE, machinery guarding, chemical safety
• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Protection and Development of the Environment (1999) National environmental protection framework
• Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023 — Designating UAQ Free Trade Zone as a Free Zone (2023) Official free zone designation for UAQ FTZ with associated regulatory framework
• Ministerial Resolution No. 122 of 2026 — Updated Labour Accommodation Requirements (2026) Free internet, 24/7 clinics, CCTV, security for worker accommodation

Codes of practice

• UAE Fire & Life Safety CoP — UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (National fire safety standard — applies to all buildings in UAQ)
• National OSH Management System Standard — National Standard for Occupational Safety and Health Management System (Model for preventing accidents in the workplace — applies across all emirates)

Key documents

• Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 — Environment
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
• Ministerial Decision No. 32 of 1982
• Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 — Labour Law