Abu Dhabi’s Public Sector Transformation

Abu Dhabi's New HR Law: Merit-Based Promotions, Flexible Work, and Competitive Benefits in Public Sector

From January 1, 2026, a new human resources law will come into effect in Abu Dhabi, fundamentally reshaping the operation of the public sector. This law aims to ensure that recruitment, promotion, and retention in the public sector are based on performance and merit rather than tenure or automatic inheritance of positions. The changes affect the work of more than 25,000 employees, and as part of the wave of modernization, the Abu Dhabi government seeks to establish a public service system capable of competing with the private sector.

Merit-Based Recruitment and Promotion

The cornerstone of the new regulation is meritocracy. The recruitment process will now be based not only on qualifications and past experience but also on actual suitability and performance. This also means that professionals with high-level expertise, especially in AI, technology, government strategy, or specialized services, will receive special attention during selection.

Promotions will change in a similar way: the number of years will not matter, but rather proven effectiveness and contribution. Employees who deliver outstanding performance can advance more quickly, possibly rewarded with reduced probation periods or performance-based bonuses. This creates a new motivational system that prioritizes innovative thinking and efficiency.

Competitive Benefits for Top Specialists

The government's goal is not only to retain talent but also to offer an appealing alternative to the private sector. In this vein, the benefits system will be significantly expanded. The new law provides for entrepreneurial leave – meaning employees can try their business ideas without permanently leaving the public sector. This option is particularly attractive to those looking to build both their careers and businesses simultaneously.

Another essential aspect is the extension of paternal and maternal leave. The new regulation offers not only a longer duration but also more flexible options. Fathers, for example, will have access to double the leave time, while mothers will receive longer-term support. Simultaneously, work forms will also be modernized: opportunities for compressed work weeks, optimized work hours, and broader teleworking will be available.

Updated Leave and Absence Rules

The vacation system also receives a new interpretation: flexibility tailored to different life events will take center stage. Marriage leave will be introduced, bereavement leave opportunities will be expanded, and there will be specific rules for caring for family members. These changes help employees feel supported not only as workers but as human beings.

Continuous Learning, Inclusion, and Future-Proof Administration

The law places significant emphasis on training and development. The new system provides continuous retraining and reskilling opportunities to ensure that employees can keep up with rapidly changing professional requirements. The public sector can no longer be static but should become a platform where individual growth and professional advancement go hand in hand.

There is also significant progress in the area of inclusivity. The law pays special attention to the integration of "Determined People" – workers with disabilities – by offering them personalized support. This approach is not only humane but also strategic, as it broadens the talent base and makes public service job opportunities truly accessible to everyone.

Systemic Transformation in Administration

The newly introduced law is not a simple amendment but part of systemic modernization. Abu Dhabi aims to ensure that government operations are not only efficient but attractive to future generations. Government bodies will receive support for implementing the law, introducing new practices, and educating employees.

This step marks the beginning of a new era in Abu Dhabi's public service – an era where performance matters, where employees feel valued, and where modern working conditions are not only available but become a foundational principle in the system. This sends a clear message to everyone considering a future in the public sector: it’s worth striving and growing, for that is what truly matters now.

(Based on an announcement by the Government of Abu Dhabi.)