Setting Up HR and Hiring Talent in the UAE: A Guide for Global and International Companies Expanding to the Region

Introduction: The UAE Is Open for Business - But Are You HR & Talent-Ready?

Dubai. Abu Dhabi. Sharjah. RAK. The UAE continues to attract international companies expanding into the Middle East.

From finance and tech to consumer goods and professional services, the market is booming.

But while the business opportunity is clear, the operational reality often is not, especially when it comes to HR setup and hiring.

Most global companies underestimate just how different the UAE landscape is.

Labour laws, visa processes, local payroll systems, cultural norms, none of it works off a global HQ template.

And the wrong move can lead to compliance risks, hiring delays, or employee dissatisfaction.

This guide breaks down what global companies must get right and how I can help you do it without stress.

Why HR in the UAE Is Not Plug-and-Play

The UAE is a highly regulated, pro-business country. But that also means your people practices must be tailored to local law and customs.

Key things global companies often miss:

→ UAE Labour Law applies to all employees including expats

→ Free zones (DIFC, DMCC, ADGM, etc.) have different rules than mainland

→ You must register with the Wage Protection System (WPS) for compliant payroll if relevant

→ Offer letters, contracts, and HR policies must be localized

→ Visa sponsorship, medical insurance, and end-of-service benefits are mandatory

→ Employee expectations around working hours, leave, and communication differ from Western norms

What Global Companies Often Get Wrong

❌ Copy-pasting HQ policies and contracts

❌ Hiring before setting up payroll or WPS

❌ Relying on internal HR teams with no UAE expertise

❌ Failing to register for labour and immigration approvals in time

❌ Ignoring the cultural shift in people management

The result? Delayed launches. Frustrated teams. Legal risk. And a messy first impression in a very small, very connected business environment.

What You Need Instead: Local HR Expertise, Done Right

You do not need to hire a full in-house HR team from day one. But you do need:

✔ Localized documentation

✔ UAE-compliant contracts and policies

✔ Payroll and WPS setup

✔ Visa guidance and PRO coordination

✔ Recruitment support for key local hires

✔ Someone who can speak UAE HR fluently (while working with your global teams)

This Is Where I Come In

At HRnow, I help global companies set up, scale, and manage their HR operations in the UAE. Whether you are hiring your first employee or establishing a full regional presence, I act as your fractional, embedded HR partner on the ground.

My services include:

→ Full HR Setup: Contracts, policies, onboarding, and compliance

→ Labour Law Alignment: DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, JAFZA mainland, and free zone guidance

→ Hiring Support: Recruitment for HR, Ops, Admin, EA, and business support roles

→ Visa & Payroll Coordination: With your PRO or setup agency

→ Culture Adaptation: Make your global values work locally

→ Ongoing Support: As you scale your UAE headcount

Ideal for:

✔ Global companies opening UAE offices

✔ Scale-ups launching a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or remote

✔ COOs and HR teams seeking regional execution support

✔ Founders or managers relocating teams to the UAE

✔ Businesses needing urgent help getting HR compliant

What You Gain:

→ Peace of mind that your HR foundation is set up correctly

→ A compliant, professional hiring process that attracts the right local talent

→ Faster onboarding and productivity for your UAE hires

→ No guesswork, no delays, just clear, expert support tailored to your business

Conclusion: Expand with Confidence. I Will Handle the People Side.

The UAE is a gateway to the region, but it requires the right setup to succeed.

Do not let HR and hiring be your blind spot.

Let HRnow help you build a compliant, culture-aligned, and scalable HR foundation from the start.

Expanding to the UAE? Let’s make sure your people strategy matches your growth strategy.

Do Business NOT HR.

Let's Talk: +971509663035