As of 2025, the UAE has not set a formal nationwide minimum wage for private workers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) can create a wage floor but no law exists yet. Salaries are set by contracts and visa rules. Employers pay wages using the Wage Protection System (WPS), a government payroll platform. Violations can lead to fines and work permit suspensions. Recently, WPS coverage expanded to include domestic workers like teachers, nannies, and caregivers. This move aims to protect incomes better across jobs. Salary benchmarks work as informal minimum wages: - Domestic workers earn between AED 1,200 and AED 1,800 per month (₹28,044–₹42,066). - Unskilled construction workers start at AED 1,200–1,500 (₹28,044–₹35,055), skilled trades get AED 2,000–4,500 (₹46,740–₹105,165). - Retail and service workers earn AED 2,500–4,000 (₹58,425–₹93,480). - Office staff get AED 3,000–5,000 (₹70,110–₹116,850). - Professionals with degrees earn AED 5,000–12,000 (₹116,850–₹280,440). Visa rules enforce salary floors too. For example, sponsoring family requires a minimum AED 4,000 salary or AED 3,000 plus housing. Golden Visa holders in technical jobs must earn at least AED 30,000 per month (₹701,100). The WPS ensures timely salary payments. Delays beyond 15 days trigger warnings. Repeat offenders face hiring bans. Costs of living have increased in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, pushing calls for formal minimum wage laws. Labour advocates want wages tied to inflation. Looking ahead, some free zones and sectors like healthcare and hospitality may adopt minimum wages. MoHRE plans to explore ways to reduce pay gaps. While no official minimum wage exists now, the UAE is moving toward stronger wage rules and income protection. The future may see clear legal wage floors to balance worker rights and competitiveness.