DEWS, DIFC, ADGM — End-of-Service Savings Schemes — UAE
Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Three end-of-service savings schemes now coexist alongside traditional Article 51 gratuity in the UAE. The schemes shifted gratuity from an unfunded employer promise to a funded investment account that the employee owns and can withdraw on exit.
- DIFC: DEWS (Workplace Savings) — mandatory since 1 February 2020 for all DIFC private-sector employers. Employers contribute 5.83% (under 5 years' service) or 8.33% (5+ years) of basic salary monthly into a Master Trust managed by Equiom. Employees choose from 4-5 investment funds. Balance is portable on job change within DIFC. Employee voluntary top-ups allowed.
- Mainland MoHRE Savings Scheme — voluntary opt-in for private-sector employers since November 2023. Same contribution bands (5.83% / 8.33%). Employer enrolls workers in an approved fund; employees can select risk profile. Replaces Article 51 gratuity accrual for the period of participation.
- ADGM: Employer-chosen scheme — ADGM Employment Regulations 2019 don't mandate a single scheme. Each employer selects a qualifying provider (typically a Master Trust similar to DEWS). Contributions and funds vary by employer.
When does it apply?
- DIFC employees: DEWS is mandatory for all DIFC-based employers regardless of size. Active since 1 February 2020.
- Mainland UAE employees: the MoHRE Savings Scheme is opt-in. Check whether your employer is enrolled — most have not, and traditional Article 51 still applies.
- ADGM employees: your employer must offer a qualifying scheme; details vary by company.
- Pre-DEWS DIFC service: traditional gratuity accrued before 1 February 2020 is preserved separately and paid as a lump sum on exit (transitional rules).
What should you do?
- Confirm which scheme applies. DIFC employees → DEWS. Mainland employees → check with HR whether MoHRE Savings Scheme is in effect; if not, Article 51 still governs. ADGM employees → check the employer's scheme provider.
- Log in to your scheme account. DEWS members access via the Equiom portal. MoHRE Savings Scheme members log in via the chosen fund's portal (varies by employer's selected provider).
- Select your investment risk profile. Most schemes default to a medium-risk fund. Younger employees often choose growth funds; near-retirement workers shift to bonds.
- On exit, request a payout. DEWS: log in to Equiom, submit withdrawal form, funds typically released within 30 days. MoHRE Savings Scheme: process varies by fund — request via HR or directly.
- If you change jobs within DIFC, the DEWS balance transfers seamlessly to the new employer's account. Job change across emirates may require closure + new account.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume your DEWS balance equals traditional gratuity. Investment returns can exceed or fall short of the Article 51 calculation. Some employees prefer the predictability of traditional gratuity.
- Don't make voluntary contributions you can't afford — DEWS allows employee top-ups, but funds are locked until exit.
- Don't ignore the scheme statements. Quarterly statements show contribution history and fund performance — check that the employer is actually paying in.
Common Questions
When does it apply — dews, difc, adgm — end-of-service savings schemes?
DIFC employees: DEWS is mandatory for all DIFC-based employers regardless of size. Active since 1 February 2020.Mainland UAE employees: the MoHRE Savings Scheme is opt-in. Check whether your employer is enrolled — most have not, and traditional Article 51 still applies.ADGM employees: your employer must offer a qualifying scheme; details vary by company.Pre-DEWS DIFC service: traditional gratuity accrued before 1 February 2020 is preserved separately and paid as a lump sum on exit (transitional rules).
What should you do — dews, difc, adgm — end-of-service savings schemes?
Confirm which scheme applies. DIFC employees → DEWS. Mainland employees → check with HR whether MoHRE Savings Scheme is in effect; if not, Article 51 still governs. ADGM employees → check the employer's scheme provider.Log in to your scheme account. DEWS members access via the Equiom portal. MoHRE Savings Scheme members log in via the chosen fund's portal (varies by employer's selected provider).Select your investment risk profile. Most schemes default to a medium-risk fund. Younger employees often choose growth funds; near-retirement workers shift to bonds.On exit, request a payout. DEWS: log...
What should you NOT do — dews, difc, adgm — end-of-service savings schemes?
Don't assume your DEWS balance equals traditional gratuity. Investment returns can exceed or fall short of the Article 51 calculation. Some employees prefer the predictability of traditional gratuity.Don't make voluntary contributions you can't afford — DEWS allows employee top-ups, but funds are locked until exit.Don't ignore the scheme statements. Quarterly statements show contribution history and fund performance — check that the employer is actually paying in.