September 2026 ยท Labor & Employment Law ยท 10 min read ยท Basim Zain Shah
For an employee approaching retirement, the immediate concerns are practical: whether the employer wants the role to continue, what approval is needed, and how a change will affect income and accrued benefits. For an employer, the task is to plan the transition and document the arrangement clearly. This guide focuses on expatriate employment in the mainland private sector โ government employment, pension entitlement and employment within a particular free zone require their own review.
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 does not specify an employee retirement age. Current guidance discusses an older recruitment rule referring to age 60, reported work-permit approvals up to 65, and the possibility of approval beyond that age in appropriate cases. Those reported permit practices should not be read as a universal compulsory retirement age or a guaranteed right to keep a particular job.
The practical inference is that an employee's proposed arrangement needs an individual permit and contract assessment. Start that assessment by separating three questions: when employment will end, whether a further work arrangement can be approved, and what benefits become payable. Asking only "What is the UAE retirement age?" can leave the most consequential parts of the decision unanswered.
Arrange an early discussion with HR. Ask whether the company proposes to continue the existing role, change the hours or responsibilities, or end the employment relationship, and request the proposal in writing, including the intended dates and any changes to pay or benefits. Ask the employer's authorised representative to check the applicable permit process for your age, occupation and employment category. A change described informally as "retirement and rejoining" deserves particular attention, especially regarding how the paperwork will record your original joining date and previous service.
Give the prospective employer accurate information about your age and current employment status at the outset. Request a written offer and confirmation of the approval route being considered, and coordinate your proposed leaving and starting dates with the people handling both employment records. Avoid making a resignation decision solely on a recruiter's assurance that approval will be straightforward.
Define the proposed work before choosing a contractual label. Record the duties, working hours, reporting arrangements, payment terms and intended clients, then ask the relevant authority or your adviser which employment permit or business licence the actual activity requires. Clarify whether the proposal is employment or an independently operated service, and obtain advice on the documentation that fits the arrangement.
Current guidance describes possible approval beyond 65, depending on the individual's expertise and proposed work. Treat that as a possibility requiring current confirmation, rather than a promise of approval. Prepare a concise account of the role and the experience it requires โ useful supporting material may include qualifications, professional registrations, a current CV and an employer's explanation of the proposed responsibilities. Ask the authority handling the application which evidence it actually needs before commissioning attestations or incurring other costs.
Ask the employer to identify the contractual or legal basis for its proposal and provide the relevant policy. A verbal reference to "the retirement age" does not explain the proposed termination process, the payment calculation or the available alternatives.
Request an itemised calculation and retain copies of the contract, amendments, payslips and service records. If the documents do not reflect what was agreed, raise the discrepancy before acknowledging receipt of money or acceptance of the final terms.
If you plan to remain in Dubai after leaving full-time work, assess residence options alongside your employment plans. Ask which residence category fits your circumstances, which conditions apply to dependants, and whether any proposed paid activity requires additional authorisation. Anyone covered by a pension scheme should also ask the scheme administrator how retirement or re-employment affects contributions and payments.
Before accepting retirement terms or a new role, arrange a review with a Dubai employment lawyer. A focused review of the contract, proposed work and financial settlement can help you identify the questions that must be resolved before you commit. Our Labor & Employment team advises employees and employers on retirement planning and continued-work arrangements โ read more about our Labor & Employment Law practice.