New UAE labour accommodation rules: Free internet, 24-hour clinics and more

Dubai: Employers in the UAE must comply with a comprehensive set of updated labour accommodation standards that have been issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), aimed at improving workers' quality of life, health, safety and wellbeing. The new requirements, issued in a guide released by MOHRE, cover everything from room conditions and medical care to internet access, recreation facilities and accommodation management.

The standards apply to employers that provide accommodation for workers, with companies employing 50 or more workers earning AED1,500 or less.

Here are some of the key rules employers must follow:

1. Workers must have proper beds

Each worker must be provided with a designated sleeping space, including a bed, side table and lockable wardrobe. Sleeping on floors is classified as a serious violation. Triple-decker beds are prohibited, while bed linens and pillows must be kept clean.

2. Free internet is now mandatory

Labour accommodation management must provide free internet coverage throughout accommodation facilities, allowing workers to stay connected with family, access essential online services and complete digital transactions.

3. Washing and cooking inside bedrooms is prohibited

To improve hygiene and reduce fire risks, workers are not permitted to cook or wash clothes inside sleeping quarters. Accommodation providers must instead ensure access to compliant kitchens and laundry facilities.

4. Air conditioning and ventilation requirements tightened

Rooms, kitchens, dining halls and common areas must be equipped with proper ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Poor ventilation and malfunctioning air-conditioning systems are classified as high-risk violations.

5. Clean drinking water must be available

Accommodation providers must ensure access to clean, cold drinking water in quantities that correspond to the number of workers. Water coolers must be distributed throughout accommodation facilities.

6. Daily cleaning and regular pest control required

Accommodation facilities must be cleaned daily, while operators must maintain contracts with licensed cleaning and pest-control companies. Waste disposal systems must also comply with the requirements of local authorities.

7. Medical facilities required on-site

All labour accommodations must provide a first-aid room and isolation rooms for workers who are ill.

Accommodation housing 1,000 workers or more must operate a 24-hour medical clinic staffed by healthcare personnel, including doctors and nurses. Larger facilities must also have ambulance services available.

8. Sports facilities and recreation encouraged

The standards require accommodation management to organise recreational activities during official holidays. Workers must also have access to areas designed for physical activity, while larger accommodation complexes must provide sports courts.

9. Stronger health and safety measures

Accommodation operators must ensure compliance with Civil Defence requirements, including functioning fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits and evacuation procedures.

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas, while security guards and supervisors must be available around the clock.