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UAE federal safety laws and codes
Federal laws, ministerial decisions and resolutions that apply in all seven emirates, with links to the official pages. Where no direct document link is recorded, the entry is listed without one: use the official portal to find the current version.
Official source: UAE Legislation portal. Search the portal by the reference below to find the current text.
Laws, ministerial decisions and resolutions
- 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
General reference only, not legal advice. Links go to third-party official sites and may change; confirm the current version with the issuing authority.
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