Setting Up HR & Recruitment in the UAE: A Guide for Startups Entering the Region

Expanding your startup into the UAE? You are in the right place.

But to hit the ground running, you need more than a trade license and a shared coworking space membership.

Hiring people in the UAE without understanding local HR rules is like driving without a license.

You might move fast, but the crash will hurt.

This is your no-nonsense guide to getting your HR and recruitment foundations right from day one.

Step 1: Understand the UAE Labour Law (Before You Hire)

Before you even think about job ads, understand the legal framework. The UAE Labour Law governs:

→ Employment contracts (limited vs. unlimited)

→ Probation periods (maximum 6 months)

→ End of service benefits (gratuity)

→ Notice periods and termination rules

→ Public holidays and annual leave

→ Work permits and visa processes

Mistakes here can cost you in time, fines, and reputation.

Tip: Work with a local HR consultant or PRO who understands these laws inside out.

Step 2: Decide on Your First Key Hires

Start lean. Do not hire a full team just because you might need them. Your first 2 to 5 hires should be:

→ Someone who makes you money (for example, sales or growth)

→ Someone who builds your product or service (for example, tech or operations)

→ Someone who keeps you compliant (often outsourced: HR, legal, accounting)

Hiring admin or office staff too early burns cash. Focus on impact hires only.

Step 3: Set Up Basic HR Infrastructure

You need to look like a serious employer, not a WhatsApp-based operation. At a minimum, set up:

→ UAE-compliant employment contract templates

→ Offer letter template

→ Basic HR policies (leave, conduct, working hours)

→ Onboarding checklist

→Payroll process (with WPS compliance if needed)

→ Visa sponsorship and medical insurance

This shows candidates you are structured and avoids problems later.

Step 4: Plan Your Recruitment Strategy

Even if you are only hiring one or two people, have a clear system.

You do not want to hire in a rush or settle for whoever is available.

→ Define roles and responsibilities

→ Set interview stages and scorecards

→ Create a localised job description (expectations in the UAE differ)

→ Screen for both skills and culture fit

→ Know where to post jobs (LinkedIn works, but niche platforms help too)

If you are not ready to hire full-time HR, consider working with a recruitment partner who understands both the UAE market and startup pace. We are here to help of course.

Step 5: Choose What to Outsource

Most early-stage UAE startups outsource the following:

→ HR setup, policies, and compliance

→ Payroll and WPS

→ Visa and PRO services

→ Legal and accounting

→ Recruitment of key hires

This gives you flexibility and access to experts without the full-time cost.

Step 6: Create a Strong Employee Experience from Day One

Even in a lean team, people want clarity, fairness, and growth.

Set the tone early:

→ Communicate your vision, values, and working style

→ Set clear performance expectations

→ Provide regular feedback

→ Offer benefits that fit your stage

→ Start building culture with intention

You do not need to be Google. You just need to be consistent and human.

How We Help

At HRnow, we help startups moving into the UAE get their HR and recruitment right from the start.

Whether you are building your first team or scaling fast, we offer:

→ Full HR setup (contracts, policies, onboarding)

→ Fractional and retained HR support

→ Recruitment of key early hires

→ Labour law and compliance guidance

→ Founder coaching for leadership and team building

You focus on your product and growth. We will take care of your people setup.

HR and Recruitment Support for Startups in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Across the UAE

Avoid early hiring mistakes.

Build smart HR foundations.

Create a team you trust.

Let us help you get it right from day one.

DO business NOT HR

Let's talk: +971509663035