~3 min read · UAE Labour Law
UAE Salary Calculator
You have a job offer in Dubai — here's exactly what lands in your account each month, including overtime, social security, and how your gratuity builds over time.
Utilisé pour calculer les heures supplémentaires, la prime et la sécurité sociale
Logement
Transport
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Jours de semaine (×1,25)
Week-end/Jours fériés (×1,50)
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Salaire Brut
Gross = Basic + Housing + Transport + Other + OvertimeHeures Supp. (Art. 19, Décret Fédéral 33/2021)
Hourly = Basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8 | Weekday OT × 1.25 | Weekend OT × 1.50Sécurité Sociale (citoyens EAU uniquement)
Dubai: Employee 5% + Employer 12.5% of basic | Abu Dhabi: 5% + 15%DEWS (expatriés du secteur privé inscrits)
Employer contribution = 5.83% × basic salary/monthSource : UAE Federal Decree No. 33 of 2021 — MOHRE · Dernière vérification : juin 2026
Formules basées sur UAE Federal Decree No. 33 of 2021 — MOHRE et GPSSA. Dernière vérification : juin 2026.
Understanding UAE Salaries
How UAE Salary Structure Works
The UAE has no personal income tax, making salary structures simpler than in most countries — but not trivial. A typical employment package is split into basic salary (40–60% of total) and allowances (housing, transport, and others). This split matters because overtime pay, gratuity, and social security contributions are all calculated on the basic salary component, not the total gross.
Overtime Formula (MOHRE)
Under Federal Decree No. 33 of 2021, Article 19, overtime is calculated from the basic hourly rate (Basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8). Weekday overtime is paid at ×1.25; work on Fridays or public holidays at ×1.50. The maximum permitted overtime is 2 hours per day (60 hours per month). Employers cannot legally ask for more without violating this limit.
Hourly rate = Basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8
Weekday OT = Hourly × 1.25 × hours
Weekend OT = Hourly × 1.50 × hours
GPSSA — UAE Nationals
UAE nationals in the private sector contribute to the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA). The employee deduction is 5% of basic salary; the employer contributes 12.5% (Dubai and Northern Emirates) or 15% (Abu Dhabi). This is the only mandatory deduction that reduces take-home pay for UAE nationals. Expatriates are entirely exempt.
DEWS — End-of-Service Savings Scheme
DEWS (Dirhams for Emiratis Workers Scheme) is a voluntary end-of-service benefit scheme for private sector expatriates. Employers enrolled in DEWS contribute 5.83% of the employee's monthly basic salary into a professionally managed investment account. This replaces the traditional end-of-service gratuity for enrolled employees. Importantly, DEWS does not reduce the employee's take-home pay — it is an additional employer cost.
Average Salaries by Sector in UAE (2026)
| Sector | Monthly Gross (AED) |
|---|---|
| IT / Software | AED 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Banking & Finance | AED 9,000 – 30,000 |
| Healthcare | AED 4,000 – 18,000 |
| Education | AED 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Retail & Sales | AED 2,500 – 7,000 |
| Construction | AED 1,200 – 4,000 |
| Hospitality | AED 2,000 – 5,000 |
Source: MOHRE labour market reports and Gulf Talent UAE Salary Survey 2026. Ranges represent median for mid-level roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there income tax on salaries in the UAE?
No. The UAE has no personal income tax on employment income. Your take-home pay equals your gross salary minus any applicable Social Security contributions (for UAE nationals) and voluntary deductions such as loan repayments or advances.
What is GPSSA and who pays it?
GPSSA (General Pension and Social Security Authority) applies to UAE nationals only. In Dubai, employees contribute 5% and employers contribute 12.5% of the basic salary. In Abu Dhabi, the employer contribution is 15%. Expatriates are exempt.
What is DEWS and how does it affect my salary?
DEWS (Dirhams for Emiratis Workers Scheme) is an end-of-service savings plan for private sector expatriates. Employers contribute 5.83% of the employee's monthly basic salary into a managed investment account. This replaces the end-of-service gratuity for enrolled employees and does not reduce your take-home pay.
How is overtime calculated in the UAE?
Under UAE Federal Decree No. 33 of 2021 (Article 19), weekday overtime is paid at 1.25× the basic hourly rate. Overtime on Fridays or public holidays is paid at 1.50×. Overtime cannot exceed 2 hours per day (60 hours/month). The hourly rate is derived from basic salary only: Basic ÷ 30 ÷ 8.
Is gratuity based on basic salary or total package?
Gratuity is calculated on basic salary only, not on total gross (which includes allowances). This is why a higher basic salary proportion is beneficial for end-of-service benefits. The standard formula: 21 working days' basic salary per year for the first 5 years; 30 days per year after that.
What is a typical salary structure in the UAE?
Most UAE employment packages allocate 40–60% of total gross to basic salary, with the remainder split between housing allowance, transport allowance, and other allowances. Housing allowances in Dubai typically range from AED 2,000 to AED 6,000 per month for mid-level roles. The basic salary proportion matters because overtime, gratuity, and GPSSA are all calculated on basic salary alone.
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Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. UAE labour and tax laws are subject to change — verify calculations with MOHRE, the FTA, or a licensed UAE legal professional before making decisions. Formula last verified July 2026. Privacy Policy