The Ruler of Abu Dhabi has issued the Human Resources Law which regulates all matters concerning human resources from the appointment of the employee until the end of his service. The law will be enforced on civil servants in government entities of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. However, a resolution issue by the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council shall decide whether all or some of its provisions may be applicable to governmental entities. It also makes it mandatory for public employers to recruit people with disabilities in jobs suitable for their health conditions and according to quotas set by the Emirate’s Human Resources Authority. Under the new law, public departments should allow their eligible employees to enroll in the national military service. The law also introduced some new rules and regulations regarding theoretical and practical training and development of employees which will allow them to perform their jobs properly, as well as the appointment of Emiratis on a part-time basis.
The legislation allows public employers to introduce flexible working hours according to specific criteria to be set by the implementation regulations. It also allows public employers to reward distinguished employees with a yearly bonus subject to the Executive Council’s approval. Prospective fathers will be entitled to a three-day parental leave while prospective mothers will enjoy a fully paid maternity leave for three months and can leave the workplace for two hours daily to take care of their babies for one year from the date of delivery.
