• The word “Ministry” has been replaced by the expression “Federal Authority and the word “Minister” by the expression “Head of the Federal Authority”.

• UAE national employees shall be hired on a renewable three year fixed-term contract, with the exception of those employees on temporary and special contracts.

• The probation period for new hires has been increased to six months and can be extended by a further three months.

• The Decree provides that employees who join the national service shall take the balance of their leave entitlement by 31 December of the year following the year in which their service terminated or opt to receive pay for leave not taken, as specified by the implementing regulations.

• Employees with chronic medical conditions can now apply for extended sick leave with full pay to be granted at the discretion of the medical committee.