Who pays for a worker's treatment after a work injury in the UAE?
The employer. Article 23 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 requires it to pay treatment at a government or private facility until the worker recovers or disability is established, including hospital stay, surgery, X-rays and tests, medicine, rehabilitation equipment, prosthetics for those disabled, and transport to treatment.
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Wages during treatment
Article 37 of the labour law adds the wage: full wage for up to six months during treatment, then half wage for up to six more, or until recovery, disability or death is established.
When the employer can refuse compensation
Only where the competent authorities establish a deliberate breach of displayed preventive instructions, and the employer had explained them in Arabic and a language the worker understands, warned of the job's risks, provided suitable protective equipment and trained the worker in its use.
How SupaJack Construct helps
Injury absence can be recorded with dates in the leave ledger, so payroll pays full and half wage for the correct days.
Related tools and guides
See the UAE labour law guide for contractors, the final settlement calculator, the gratuity calculator, the annual leave calculator, the unpaid leave deduction calculator, payroll and WPS in SupaJack Construct, time and attendance and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A rigger breaks his leg on site. The contractor pays for the ambulance, surgery, physiotherapy, crutches and taxis to appointments, AED 38,000 in total, and pays his full wage for the four months he cannot work.
Questions people ask
Does treatment include transport?
Yes, transport for treatment is included.
How long does the employer pay treatment?
Until recovery or disability is established.
Can PPE failures remove compensation?
Only if the employer met its own training and equipment duties.