Hiring Your First Employee in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

The first hire is half the journey to growth.

Hiring your first employee is a milestone that marks growth, ambition, and stability. It means your business is ready to take on more opportunities, but it also brings responsibilities. In Dubai, the process of hiring staff is structured by law and requires a few essential steps.

The UAE has a clear framework for employment under the Labour Law, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. All employment contracts, whether in the mainland or Free Zones, must align with these provisions. However, Free Zones operate under their own authorities, which are not governed by the UAE Labour Law, giving them greater flexibility in managing the hiring process.

If you are setting up with Meydan Free Zone, you will get a built-in ecosystem that supports visas, compliance, and company growth. In this blog, we will explore how to hire your first employee in Dubai, the key steps involved in the process  and how Meydan Free Zone can simplify the process for you.

Hiring Staff in the UAE: The Legal Considerations

Before you start hiring in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, it’s important to understand the country’s labour laws. Here are the key considerations when hiring employees in the UAE.

• Employment Contracts: Every employee in the UAE must have a written employment contract that clearly states the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of the role.
• Working Hours: According to UAE labour law, the standard working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. These limits may change depending on the type of work. For example, jobs in hospitality, healthcare, or roles that require shift work may have different arrangements.
• Compensation & Benefits: There is no minimum salary mentioned in the UAE labour law. However, employers must pay employees accurately on time, covering their basic needs. UAE labour law also requires employers to provide end-of-service gratuity to staff who complete at least one year of service, ensuring long-term security for employees.
• Leave Entitlements: Staff are entitled to a range of leave options, including annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave, all set out by UAE labour law.
• Termination: Ending an employment contract in the UAE must follow a clear legal process. Employers are required to give valid reasons for termination and observe the correct notice period.

What you Need to Hire your First Employee

Dubai is home to a diverse workforce and a highly regulated labour market. Finding the right candidate is the key to your entrepreneurial success. Here are the steps to hiring your first employee in Dubai:

1. Job Advertisement: Start by writing a clear job description that explains the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations. Share the vacancy on job portals, social media, and professional networks to attract the right talent.
2. Candidate Screening: Go through the application and shortlist candidates who fit the requirements. Conduct multiple rounds of interviews, assign tasks (if applicable), to evaluate their skills and experience.
3. Employment Contract: Once you have recruited the right candidate, prepare an employment contract that follows the UAE labour law. The contract should include salary, benefits, working hours and other important details.
4. Visa & Work Permit: If your new employee is not a UAE national, you’ll need to sponsor their work visa and permit. MOHRE has 13 work permits in the UAE, providing work permits to registered companies based on the nature of the  job. It includes submitting the employment contracts, relevant documents, candidate passports etc., to the UAE authorities.
5. Employee Onboarding and Orientation: Once the legal formalities are done, shift your focus to welcoming your new hire. Give proper training, introduce the employee to the team, and walk them through your company policies and culture so they feel comfortable and engaged from the start.

In Conclusion

Hiring your first employee is always a big step for any business. It marks the moment you move from working alone to building a team that can share your vision and help you grow. But success also depends on staying compliant with UAE labour laws, providing the right contracts and sponsoring visas.

Meydan Free Zone gives you the structure, support, and flexibility to help you set up, hire and grow in one of the world’s most prestigious business hubs. With digital licensing, visa packages and ongoing support, you’ll be able to hire quickly and legally while focusing on what matters most.

Start building your team with Meydan Free Zone today.

FAQs

1. Do I need a business license to hire employees in Dubai?

Yes, you must have a valid business license to legally hire employees in Dubai. If you set up in Meydan Free Zone, you can get a business license in under 60 minutes, with up to 6 visa allocations that make it easy to sponsor employees.

2. What is the difference between hiring employees in the mainland vs a Free Zone in Dubai?

In the mainland, hiring is governed by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) under UAE labour law. In Meydan Free Zone, MOHRE rules don’t apply, hiring and visas are managed by the Free Zone authority. This gives businesses more flexibility, faster approvals, and fewer restrictions.

3. Can I hire expat employees through Meydan Free Zone?

Absolutely. Meydan Free Zone allows you to hire and sponsor expat employees directly under its authority. You’ll receive a full LLC structure, with access to a two-year investor visa and employee visa sponsorships.

4. What are the standard employee benefits under UAE labour law?

Employees in Dubai are entitled to annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave and end-of-service gratuity after completing one year.

5. Can I hire both UAE nationals and expatriates for my business?

Yes. You can hire both UAE nationals and expatriates. Expatriates will require a work visa and sponsorship, while hiring Emiratis may qualify your business for certain government incentives or benefits under Emiratisation programs.

6. How can Meydan Free Zone help me with the hiring process?

Meydan Free Zone offers integrated visa and compliance support, making it easier to hire your first employee legally and quickly.