When UAE schools shifted to online learning between May 5–8, 2026, working parents faced a familiar problem: who looks after the children if the office still expects you at your desk?
A Khaleej Times reader, a single mother of two, recently asked whether she could request remote work during such periods instead of burning through her annual leave. Her employer, she explained, is not flexible with work-from-home arrangements.
The answer comes down to one principle in UAE labour law: remote work requires mutual agreement between you and your employer. No law forces an employer to approve it, but the framework exists if both sides consent.
Key Takeaway
UAE employees can request remote work during school online learning periods, but approval rests with the employer. Under Article 17(6) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Article 5(1)(a) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, remote work must be agreed in writing. Without your employer’s approval, you may still need to use annual leave — but a written policy or contract amendment can resolve this for future school closures.
What UAE Law Says About Remote Work
Remote work is formally recognised under Article 5(1)(a) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Employment Relations.
The law defines remote work as:
“All or part of the work is performed outside the workplace, with electronic communication between the worker and the employer in lieu of physical presence, whether the work is part-time or full-time.”
This means remote work is a legitimate contract type recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — alongside full-time, part-time, and temporary employment.
Article 17(6): Employer Approval Is the Deciding Factor
The critical clause for parents is Article 17(6) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021:
“If the worker wishes to perform his work remotely, whether inside or outside the State, with the approval of the employer, the latter may require specific working hours.”
Two points stand out:
- The employee can request it — there is a legal right to ask.
- The employer must approve — and may set specific working hours if they do.
In short, the law does not automatically grant remote work during school closures. It depends on negotiation, contract terms, and company policy.
Can Your Employment Contract Be Changed to Remote Work?
Yes, under Article 10(3) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. A contract may be converted from one work type to another — including remote work — provided three conditions are met:
- Both parties agree to the change in writing.
- All entitlements from the original contract are paid out.
- MOHRE procedures are followed for the amendment.
Your employment contract should already state details such as working hours, workplace, wages, leave entitlements, and notice periods. Any switch to remote work must be documented as an amendment — verbal agreements offer no legal protection if disputes arise. For more on what a proper contract should contain, see our employment contract checklist.
What Happens If Your Employer Refuses?
If your employer denies your remote work request — even during temporary school closures — you have limited legal recourse. The law does not require approval, so refusal alone is not a violation.
Your options include:
- Taking annual leave — your full annual leave entitlement under Article 29 protects this right.
- Requesting unpaid leave with employer consent.
- Negotiating a hybrid arrangement for specific dates rather than a full contract change.
- Reviewing your contract for any flexible work clauses already included.
Importantly, your employer cannot retaliate against you simply for raising the question. If they pressure you to perform duties outside your contract or change your job role without consent, separate protections apply.
If your employer prevents you from using accrued annual leave you are legally entitled to, that is a different matter — and one you can report. Read our guide on when employers can deny annual leave.
Practical Steps to Request Work-From-Home
Approach the conversation with your employer professionally:
- Submit a written request specifying the exact dates and reason.
- Reference Article 17(6) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
- Propose a trial period to demonstrate productivity.
- Suggest a hybrid model if a full remote week is unrealistic.
- Keep records of all correspondence in case the matter escalates.
For parents of school-aged children, the recent shift to Friday online learning for older students and the wider trend of digital education days make this conversation increasingly important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer in the UAE legally refuse my work-from-home request?
Yes. Under Article 17(6), remote work requires the employer’s approval. Refusal is not a violation of UAE labour law unless your contract specifically grants you remote work rights.
Do I have to use annual leave if my child’s school goes online?
Not necessarily. You can request unpaid leave, propose flexible hours, or seek a temporary remote work arrangement. However, if no agreement is reached, annual leave or unpaid absence are the typical fallback options.
What law governs remote work in the UAE?
Remote work is regulated by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. Article 5(1)(a) defines remote work, Article 17(6) covers employee requests, and Article 10(3) addresses contract changes.
Can I switch my employment contract to a remote work contract?
Yes, with employer agreement. The change must be in writing, must settle all entitlements from the original contract, and must follow MOHRE procedures.
What rights do single parents have under UAE labour law for childcare?
UAE labour law does not contain dedicated provisions granting single parents remote work rights. Standard maternity leave, annual leave, and contractual flexibility apply equally regardless of parental status.
Can my employer set specific hours if they approve remote work?
Yes. Article 17(6) explicitly allows employers to require specific working hours when granting remote work approval.
Where can I file a complaint about workplace issues?
Complaints can be submitted through the MOHRE hotline (800 60), the MOHRE app, or mohre.gov.ae. Issues such as denied annual leave or contract violations fall within their authority.
Does the law differ for Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) employees?
Yes. ADGM has its own remote work regulations effective from April 2025, with separate obligations on employers operating within the financial free zone.
Further Reading
- UAE Annual Leave Guide 2025: Entitlements & Calculation
- Can UAE Employers Deny Annual Leave? Employment Law Guide
- UAE Friday School Hours: January 2026 Changes Explained
- Abu Dhabi’s New Remote Work Laws: April 2025 Changes
- UAE Employment Contract Checklist: 10 Essential Checks
- UAE Employment Law: Can Employers Change Your Job Role?
- UAE Resign Without Notice: 4 Legal Situations Under Article 45
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a qualified UAE legal professional or contact MOHRE directly.
JobXDubai 
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