Last Updated on October 29, 2025

The UAE Labour Law has clearly outlined the compensation for occupational injuries in UAE under Chapter 8, Articles 142 to 153.

These articles describe the legal process and rights of employees who suffer a work-related injury in the UAE or occupational disease during their employment.

Understanding the law helps both employers and workers act properly in case of accidents or occupational diseases. Here’s a detailed explanation of how Workmen’s compensation UAE labour law protects workers in such situations.

1. Reporting a Work-Related Injury in UAE

If an employee suffers an occupational injury or disease, the employer or their representative must immediately report the case to the police or the labour department in the jurisdiction where the company is located.

The report should include:

• Name, age, nationality, and occupation of the injured worker
• Address and type of accident
• Details of first aid or medical treatment provided

When medical report submit the police conduct an investigation and collect statements from the employer, witnesses, and the injured employee (if possible).

The police report is then sent to the Labour Department, with copies for the employer. The police will determine whether the incident was accidental or caused by employee misconduct, such as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2. Medical Treatment and Salary Entitlement

Under the Workmen’s compensation UAE Labour Law, the employer is responsible for all medical expenses.

This includes treatment in private or government hospitals, surgeries, x-rays, diagnostic tests, medicines, and rehabilitation equipment such as artificial limbs or prosthetics if required.

If the injured worker is hospitalized and unable to go to the bank, the employer must pay the salary in cash. The law grants:

• Full pay for up to six months, and
• Half pay until recovery, permanent disability, or death

The cash allowance is calculated based on the worker’s basic salary.

3. Compensation for Permanent Disability or Death

After treatment, the attending doctor issues a report detailing the nature of the injury, treatment period, follow-up dates, and whether the worker is cured, partially disabled, or permanently disabled.

If the work-related injury in UAE results in death, the worker’s family is entitled to compensation equal to 24 months of the worker’s last basic salary, subject to the following limits:

• Minimum compensation: 18 months of basic salary
• Maximum compensation: AED 35,000

For example, if the worker’s last basic salary was AED 1,000, the family receives AED 24,000 as compensation (1,000 × 24 months).

4. Who Receives the Compensation?

The following dependents of the deceased worker are eligible for compensation for occupational injuries in UAE:

• Widow or widower
• Children (sons under 17, or up to 24 if studying)
• Unmarried daughters or dependent daughters-in-law

The compensation is distributed among family members wholly or substantially dependent on the deceased worker’s income at the time of death.

5. Partial or Total Disability Compensation

If a work-related injury in UAE leads to permanent partial disability, the compensation amount depends on the severity and percentage of disability.

A worker who is permanently and totally disabled receives the same compensation as a deceased worker — the equivalent of 24 months’ basic salary.

6. Conditions Where Compensation Is Not Granted

Under the UAE Labour Law, employers are not required to pay compensation in the following situations:

• If the injury was self-inflicted or an attempted suicide
• If the worker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident
• If the worker intentionally violated safety instructions
• If the worker refused medical examination or treatment without a valid reason

In such cases, the employer is not obligated to cover treatment expenses or pay any cash allowance.

7. Handling Disputes Regarding Workmen’s Compensation

Disputes may arise regarding the degree of disability or fitness for duty. If this happens, the case is referred to the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation) and Ministry of Health.

A medical board of three government officers will assess the worker’s medical condition, degree of disability, and other injury-related issues. Their decision is final and binding and will be sent to the Labour Department for enforcement.

8. Coverage of Workmen’s Compensation in UAE

The Workmen’s compensation UAE Labour Law covers:

• Accidents occurring at the workplace, and
• During travel between accommodation and the place of work

Most UAE companies have insurance policies covering occupational injuries and diseases. If any unfortunate incident affects a worker’s health or life, the insurance provider compensates the employee or family, though the process might take time.

Conclusion

The compensation for occupational injuries in UAE ensures that workers and their families receive fair financial and medical support after a workplace accident or occupational disease.

The Workmen’s compensation UAE Labour Law is designed to safeguard employees’ rights and ensure that employers fulfill their responsibilities toward workplace safety and welfare.

By understanding the provisions related to work-related injury in UAE, employees can protect their rights and take timely action in case of any unfortunate event.