Can teenagers work during the Summer in the UAE? Here’s what the law says

As summer holidays begin, many parents wonder whether their teenage children can take on part-time or temporary jobs. In the UAE, the answer is yes but only under specific legal conditions.

Under the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, young people aged 15 to 18 may work, provided both the employer and the minor comply with a number of legal requirements.

Who Can Work?

Teenagers aged 15 and above are eligible for employment, while children under the age of 15 cannot legally work in the UAE.

For example, a 16-year-old may take up a temporary summer job, whereas a 14-year-old is not yet eligible under the law.

Conditions for Employment

Before a minor can begin working, the following requirements must be met:

Written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

A medical fitness certificate issued by an approved medical authority.

A Juvenile Work Permit obtained by the employer from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Working Hours and Restrictions

The law provides additional protections for young workers:

A maximum of six working hours per day.

At least one hour of breaks, with no more than four consecutive working hours.

No work between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am.

No overtime, work on official holidays or weekly rest days.

No hazardous or physically demanding work that could affect a minor’s health, safety or morals.

Exceptions

Some of these requirements may be relaxed for minors participating in professional training programmes, educational initiatives or volunteer activities organised by registered charitable, educational or training institutions recognised by UAE authorities.

Teenagers aged 15 to 18 can legally work during the summer in the UAE, provided the employer secures the appropriate Juvenile Work Permit and complies with all labour regulations. Parents must also provide written consent, and the teenager must meet the medical fitness requirements.

Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to work under UAE law.

With these safeguards in place, summer employment can offer teenagers valuable work experience while ensuring their wellbeing and education remain protected.