Can Teens Work in the UAE This Summer?

Can Teenagers Get Summer Jobs in the UAE? What Does the Law Say?

For many families, summer vacation is not only about relaxation, but also an opportunity for young people to experience the world of work. More and more parents living in the UAE are asking the question: can a 16-year-old student work during the holidays, and what about a 14-year-old? The answer is not just practical but strictly defined within legal frameworks. The country’s labor regulations clearly define the conditions under which minors can work and what restrictions apply to them.

Below, we take a detailed look at what the law allows, what permits are required, and the differences between a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old’s opportunities.

The Issue of Minimum Age

UAE labor regulations clearly state that no one under the age of 15 can be employed. This is one of the most important principles. A 14-year-old child, therefore, cannot be lawfully employed, even for summer, temporary, or part-time work. The regulations leave no room for maneuver here: reaching the minimum age is a mandatory requirement.

However, young people aged 15 to 18 fall into a special category. They are considered “juvenile” workers, and specific provisions apply to them. This means a 16-year-old child, under the right conditions, can work during the summer holidays.

Parental Consent and Medical Fitness

One of the fundamental requirements for the employment of minors is written parental or guardian consent. This isn't just a formal requirement, but a precondition for establishing an employment relationship. An employer cannot employ a minor aged 15 to 18 without written permission from the legal representative.

Additionally, a medical fitness certificate is mandatory. The young person can only start working if the relevant medical institution certifies that they are medically suitable to perform the given activity. This is particularly important as the primary aim of the legislation is to protect the health and development of minors.

Working Hours Limits and Rest Periods

For juvenile workers, the daily working time cannot exceed six hours. This is a significant difference compared to adult workers. Within the six hours, one or multiple breaks must be provided, totaling at least one hour. This should be arranged to ensure that the young person does not work more than four consecutive hours without interruption.

Another restriction is that minors cannot be employed between 19:00 and 7:00. Night work is therefore excluded. Similarly, overtime cannot be imposed, nor can work be required on public holidays or days of rest. The aim of these regulations is clear: work must not jeopardize the physical and mental development of the young person.

Prohibition of Dangerous and Strenuous Work

The law prohibits minors from doing dangerous, health-hazardous, or morally questionable work. The scope of such activities is defined by specific ministerial decisions. These may include certain industrial jobs, tasks involving heavy physical strain, or environments that may be detrimental to development.

This limitation means that summer jobs are typically confined to administrative, customer service, retail, or lighter tasks. Employers must always consider whether the job position complies with the regulations applicable to minors.

Juvenile Work Permit – Special Permit Required

To employ a minor aged 15 to 18, the employer must obtain a special permit. This is known as the Juvenile Work Permit, issued by the competent authority for businesses officially registered in the UAE labor system.

This is not an automatic process. The employer must prove that all legal conditions are met: parental consent, a medical fitness certificate, and assured restrictions on working hours and job type. Only after fulfilling these can an employment relationship be legally established.

Thus, a 16-year-old can have a summer job, but only if the prospective employer officially acquires this permit.

Exception: Professional Training and Charitable Activities

The regulations also contain leniencies in certain cases. If the minor is involved in professional training, educational programs, or charitable, volunteer activities, and the institution is officially recognized, they may be exempt from certain conditions.

However, this does not mean unlimited freedom. The institution must be registered, and its genuine purpose should be training, education, or charity work. The exception aims to allow young people to gain experience in a structured, supervised environment.

What Does This Mean Practically for a Family?

If a parent has two sons, one 16 and the other 14 years old, the situation is legally clear. The 16-year-old can work during the summer break, provided appropriate permits and conditions are met. However, the 14-year-old is not allowed to work, not even temporarily.

The most important steps are as follows:

Choose a suitable, law-abiding employer, Provide written parental consent, Obtain a medical fitness certificate, Apply for a Juvenile Work Permit through the employer

If these are missing, the employment can be deemed illegal, which can lead to unpleasant consequences for both the employer and the family.

Summary

UAE labor regulations balance young people’s opportunity to gain work experience with protection. The age of 15 is the entry threshold, but working from 15 to 18 is subject to strict conditions. A 16-year-old child can lawfully engage in summer work if all legal requirements are observed. However, a 14-year-old cannot yet enter the world of work.

The purpose of the regulations is clear: the development, health, and safety of young people take precedence over economic considerations. A conscious parental decision thus involves not just finding summer work but also doing so in full compliance with legislation.