How UAE life will change in 2023 as new laws come into force

The government will introduce legislation to further modernise the legal system, bolster employment rights and improve Emirati participation in the private sector

Abu Dhabi’s civil family court system, which allows non-Muslim couples to divorce and marry in a non-Sharia legal process, will be replicated across the country from February 1. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

From January 1 all public and private sector employees must subscribe to the country’s social security programme.Jeff Topping/The National

From January 1, 2023, private companies with more than 50 employees must ensure that 2 per cent of staff members are Emirati. Paulo Vecina/The National

Companies will have to pay a 9 per cent corporate tax on earnings above Dh375,000, according to a new policy being introduced in 2023. Silvia Razgova / The National

The UAE is ready to ring in the changes in 2023 with new laws coming into force to further modernise the legal system, strengthen workers' rights and increase Emirati participation in the private sector.

Many aspects of daily life will be affected by the policies, from rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody for non-Muslims, to the make-up of the average office.

The National takes a look at the measures being introduced and how they will affect people in all walks of life in the new year.

Major shake-up of family law

Abu Dhabi’s civil family court system, which allows non-Muslim couples to divorce and marry in a non-Sharia legal process, will be replicated across the country from February 1.

The federal law for non-Muslim expatriates, announced earlier this month, covers key family matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody.

It sets out to grant equal rights to men and women in such matters.

Previously, a couple seeking a divorce in a local court would follow a Sharia-based process. This differs significantly from what they may be used to in their home country. Many instead choose to marry, divorce or arrange a will abroad.

Non-Muslim couples can now marry “based on the will of both the husband and wife”, meaning consent from the wife’s father or guardian is no longer mandated.

The requirement to have several male Muslims as witnesses has also been removed.

Couples will also be able to request a divorce without having to prove one party was at fault.

Divorces can be approved on the first hearing without having to attend family counselling sessions or mandatory mediation.

Alimony and other financial requests can be applied for via a “post-divorce request form”.

Procedures will be put in place to resolve issues of child custody after a divorce.

Previously, it was the case that a father could immediately claim custody of his son at the age of 11 and his daughter when she turned 13.

It will now be the case that the court determines who takes custody, with the best interests of the child being the deciding factor.

The new laws include the right to leave property in your will to the person of your choice.

In the absence of a will, half of a person’s estate will be left to their spouse, with the remainder divided up between their children.

Proof of paternity for non-Muslims will be based on marriage or the recognition of paternity, with DNA tests being conducted if paternity is unknown.

Safety net for workers

From January 1 all public and private sector employees must subscribe to the country’s social security programme.

The scheme will act as insurance in case of a loss of employment and is divided into two categories ― those earning monthly salaries of up to Dh16,000 and those earning more than that figure.

The cost for employees in the first category will be Dh5 per month, or Dh60 a year, while workers earning the higher salary will have to pay Dh10 per month, or Dh120 a year.

Employees are eligible for compensation for losing their job on the condition they have worked and subscribed for at least 12 months to the insurance programme.

They will be ineligible for the insurance, however, if they have been dismissed for disciplinary reasons or resigned from their post.

Starting a new job, or leaving the country, will also render the employee ineligible for an insurance pay-out.

Employees will be entitled to three months' compensation, which will not exceed 60 per cent of the monthly salary, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said earlier this year.

The maximum amount that will be paid out is Dh10,000 for those earning less than Dh16,000 a month, with a ceiling of Dh20,000 for those in the higher bracket.

Emiratisation drive gathers pace

From January 1, 2023, private companies with more than 50 employees must ensure that 2 per cent of staff members are Emirati.

Employers that fail to reach the 2 per cent target by the end of the year will have to pay a Dh72,000 fine ($19,602) in January for each Emirati worker they fail to hire, the equivalent to Dh6,000 for each month of this year.

The new law does not apply to companies registered in free zones, although they are being encouraged to hire Emiratis.

The policy is being introduced by the government to ensure 10 per cent of the private sector workforce is Emirati by 2026.

The UAE is keen for citizens to play a greater role in the progress of the private sector, which is a key driver of economic growth.

Corporate tax

Companies will have to pay a 9 per cent corporate tax on earnings above Dh375,000, according to a new policy being introduced in 2023.

The new tax will be effective for the financial year starting on June 1.

Profits below Dh375,000 will not be taxed. Companies will have nine months from the end of each financial year to pay their corporate tax bill.

Salaries and other forms of personal income are exempt from the new tax.