UAE Nationals vs Expats: Gratuity or Pension? The GPSSA Explained
If you've ever wondered why your Emirati colleague never talks about "gratuity" the way expats do, there's a good reason: UAE nationals and GCC nationals working in the UAE are covered under a completely different system than expatriate employees. While expats rely on end-of-service gratuity under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, UAE and GCC nationals are covered by a pension and social security scheme instead. This guide breaks down exactly how the two systems differ, and why understanding this matters if you're navigating a mixed-nationality workplace. Two Separate Systems Under UAE Law The UAE operates two parallel end-of-career benefit systems depending on nationality: Expatriate employees are covered by end-of-service gratuity, a lump-sum payment calculated under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, paid directly by the employer when employment ends. UAE nationals and GCC nationals (Saudi, Kuwaiti, Bahraini, Omani, and Qatari citizens working in the U...