UAE Approves Amendments to Federal Law on Combating Communicable Diseases: What Businesses, Employers and Residents Need to Know

The UAE has taken another significant step towards strengthening its public health legislation. During its July 2026 session, the Federal National Council (FNC) approved amendments to the draft Federal Law on Combating Communicable Diseases, modernising the legal framework established under Federal Law No. (14) of 2014 on the Control of Communicable Diseases.

The proposed amendments are designed to improve the country's preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics while balancing public health protection with the rights of employees, employers and individuals.

Although the amendments have been approved by the Federal National Council, they will only become legally effective after completing the UAE's legislative process and being published in the Official Gazette.

The Existing Legal Structure

Federal Law No. (14) of 2014 remains the primary legislation governing communicable diseases in the UAE.

The law establishes comprehensive rules relating to:

• Reporting suspected and confirmed communicable diseases.

• Isolation and quarantine procedures.

• Powers of federal and local health authorities during outbreaks.

• Preventive measures to control the spread of infectious diseases.

• National disease monitoring and surveillance.

• Penalties for violations of the law.

The legislation aims to protect public health while maintaining an appropriate balance between disease control measures and individual rights.

Key Amendments Approved by the Federal National Council

1. Employees Will Receive Salary During Official Epidemics or Pandemics

One of the most significant amendments introduces statutory employment protections during officially declared epidemics or pandemics.

Under the approved amendments, employees who are infected with a communicable disease or who are required to stay away from the workplace to prevent the spread of infection will continue to receive their salary. Their absence will also not reduce their statutory leave entitlement.

This amendment provides greater certainty for both employers and employees by ensuring that individuals can comply with public health requirements without facing financial hardship.

2. Stronger Employer Responsibilities

The amendments also reinforce the responsibilities of employers during public health emergencies.

Where an employee is infected or required to remain away from the workplace under applicable health measures, employers must ensure that the employee does not attend work if doing so may expose others to infection.

These provisions support workplace safety while reducing the risk of disease transmission within businesses.

3. Enhanced Public Health Preparedness

The approved amendments further strengthen the UAE's legal approach towards communicable disease management by improving the country's ability to:

• Detect and monitor communicable diseases.

• Respond more effectively to outbreaks.

• Coordinate preventive measures.

• Protect public health while respecting individual rights.

The amendments build upon the powers already provided under Federal Law No. (14) of 2014, including the authority of health authorities to implement isolation measures, regulate movement in infected areas, restrict gatherings where necessary and introduce other health measures during epidemics.

What This Means for UAE Businesses

Although the amendments are not yet in force, employers should begin reviewing their existing employment and workplace health policies.

Businesses should consider:

• Updating communicable disease response procedures.

• Reviewing sick leave and workplace attendance policies.

• Ensuring internal protocols align with government health directives.

• Training HR teams on future legal obligations once the amendments are enacted.

Organisations operating in sectors with significant public interaction may particularly benefit from reviewing their emergency response plans in advance.

What This Means for Employees

The proposed amendments provide greater legal certainty for employees during future public health emergencies.

If enacted in their current form, employees who are unable to attend work because of infection or mandatory preventive measures during an officially declared epidemic or pandemic will receive enhanced legal protection regarding their salary and employment benefits.

This approach supports public health objectives by encouraging individuals to comply with official health directives without concerns over income or employment rights.

Current Status of the Amendments

It is important to note that the Federal National Council's approval does not mean that the amendments are currently in force.

As of July 2026:

• The Federal National Council has approved the amendments.

• The detailed legislative text has not yet been published in the Official Gazette.

• Federal Law No. (14) of 2014 continues to remain the applicable law until the amendments complete the legislative process and officially enter into force.

Businesses should continue complying with the existing legal framework while monitoring further official announcements.

Conclusion

The approved amendments demonstrate the UAE's continued commitment to strengthening its public health system and improving legal preparedness for future health emergencies.

If enacted, the amendments will:

• Strengthen employee protections during epidemics and pandemics.

• Introduce clearer obligations for employers.

• Enhance disease prevention and response mechanisms.

• Support safer workplaces while protecting public health.

Organisations should closely monitor the publication of the final legislation to ensure timely compliance once the amendments become legally effective.