Abu Dhabi's new HR law prioritises merit, performance

Abu Dhabi Government has approved a comprehensive human resources legislation aimed at modernising public sector employment and strengthening merit-based advancement across its workforce of more than 25,000.

The new Human Resources Law comes into effect on January 1, 2026.

The legislation introduces merit-based recruitment and promotion, competitive benefits, and clear career pathways focused on performance and results rather than tenure.

Officials say the changes are designed to position Abu Dhabi Government as an employer of choice and attract high-performing professionals, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, technology and specialised services.

Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement, Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, said the law modernises how government develops talent, rewards excellence and supports career growth, helping attract professionals who might otherwise choose the private sector.

The law also introduces flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, entrepreneurship leave, accelerated promotion pathways for high performers, and expanded learning and development programmes.

Additional provisions support work-life balance, inclusion and accessibility across government workplaces.

Officials say the reforms will help build a capable, agile and future-ready workforce aligned with Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions, with full implementation supported across all government entities.

Abu Dhabi Government has issued comprehensive human resources legislation, effective from 1 January 2026, to modernise employment frameworks and embed meritocracy, accelerating career growth and positioning the government as an employer of choice. pic.twitter.com/Ii7OFEM1xj

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) December 31, 2025