Night Work Permits in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide
Night Work Permit: Guide in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offer a business environment that encourages companies to operate efficiently, even during nighttime hours. The night work permit is especially important if your business engages in nighttime activities in certain industries or positions. The purpose of the permit is to protect the safety and well-being of employees and ensure compliance with labor laws.
What is the night work permit?
A night work permit is an official document that allows specific tasks to be performed between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Typical activities requiring a permit include:
1. Maintenance: Technical maintenance of shops or offices.
2. Inventory management: Checking and organizing stock inventories.
3. Billboard installation: Displaying company branding.
4. Film shooting: Recording nighttime scenes.
It is important to note that the permit cannot be used for commercial activities such as selling products.
Night Permit in Dubai
Obtaining the permit in Dubai is a simplified and expedited process. Through digital channels of the Dubai Police, the permit can be issued within a single business day.
Required documents:
1. A copy of the business or shopping center operating license.
2. Completed form on the Dubai Police website, including:
a. Emirates ID number.
b. Email addresses.
c. Name of the business and position.
d. Names and details of employees.
3. Exact date and time of the work to be performed.
Fees:
a. Service fee: 100 dirhams.
b. Knowledge fee: 10 dirhams.
c. Innovation fee: 10 dirhams.
Payment options: cash, bank card (MasterCard, Visa), or Apple Pay.
Where to apply?
a. Dubai Police App (iOS and Android)
b. Dubai Police website
c. Smart Police Stations
d. Traditional police stations
The permit is valid for up to 14 days from the start date indicated in the application.
Night Permit in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, the process is even faster: the work permit can be issued within just four hours and does not involve any additional costs.
Required documents:
1. Copy of valid residency permits for employees.
2. Copies of identification cards.
3. Copy of signature authorization.
4. Copy of business license.
5. List of employees’ names in Arabic (name, nationality, ID number).
6. An official letter in Arabic to the Criminal Investigation Department.
7. A commercial center consent statement for night work.
Application steps:
1. Sign-in: Using UAE Pass or in person at the service center.
2. Document submission: Upload or present all required documents.
3. Permit collection: Issuance of the final night work permit.
Which industries does it apply to?
The permit is typically requested in the following areas:
a. Shopping centers conducting inventory or maintenance.
b. Banks, money exchanges, and gold shops requiring Central Bank approval.
c. Film studios or advertising agencies organizing night shoots.
Why is the permit important?
The night work permit facilitates business operation while ensuring the protection of employee rights. With simplified processes, entrepreneurs can work faster and more efficiently without worrying about legal compliance.
If your business requires nighttime activities, obtaining the permit is essential for smooth and lawful operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
