Abu Dhabi’s HR law embeds high-achieving culture across government

Embedding a meritocratic and high-performance culture is central to Abu Dhabi Government’s modernised HR Law, which aims to attract and retain top talent across the public sector.

The landmark legislation, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 for all government employees in the emirate, goes beyond a routine regulatory update. Through a modernised employment framework, it transforms how Abu Dhabi Government identifies, develops and supports talent, while creating clearer pathways for career progression.

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As Abu Dhabi drives towards becoming the world’s first AI-native government by next year, the move aims to continue building a workforce of highly skilled employees who are equipped to deliver public services fit for the AI era.

Mariam Mohamed AlMusharrekh, Director General of GovTalent at the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, said: "The new HR Law is a pivotal milestone for Abu Dhabi Government employees. It embeds a culture of meritocracy, strengthens our ability to attract, retain and develop top talent, and introduces clear career pathways with performance-based incentives. This elevates both our people's capabilities and the quality of public services – ensuring people remain at the core of everything we do as we drive towards becoming the world's first AI-native government by 2027.

"Announced at the start of the Year of the Family, the law promotes flexible and remote work options to better support parents and caregivers, alongside modernised leave types that enhance employee well-being. It is designed to foster healthier work-life balance, reflecting the vital role families play within our workforce and communities."

Here are eight things to know about the changes.

Investing in people

Central to the framework is the recognition that sustainable government development begins with investing in people. The law places strong emphasis on comprehensive learning and development programmes designed to upskill employees for rapidly evolving work environments. Beyond traditional training, it promotes continuous reskilling and the building of future-oriented capabilities to ensure that government talent remains agile. 

Meritocracy at the core

Another defining feature of the new law is its commitment to meritocracy as the foundation of recruitment, promotion, and career advancement. Under the new rules, career progression will no longer be determined primarily by tenure, but by measurable performance and tangible achievements. The shift is designed to foster healthy competition, encourage continuous professional development, and ensure that the most capable talent is placed where it can have the greatest impact. 

Flexible work and employee well-being

The law also embraces modern work trends by promoting flexible working arrangements, including remote work options, adaptable schedules, and updated leave policies – with parents able to better balance work-life commitments. These measures are designed to support employee well-being, which in turn is expected to boost productivity and organisational commitment. 

Rewarding excellence

Recognising and rewarding exceptional performance is another central pillar of the new framework. The law introduces accelerated promotion pathways for high-performing employees, along with incentives and allowances linked directly to results. Officials say the performance-driven model is intended to cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation, encouraging employees to consistently exceed expectations. 

Positioning government as an employer of choice

The legislation also aims to reinforce the Abu Dhabi Government's standing as an attractive employer for top talent. Through competitive benefits, clearly defined career pathways, and performance-based incentives, the public sector is being positioned as a preferred destination for both national and international expertise. This is expected to strengthen the government's ability to attract and retain specialists across critical sectors, enhancing institutional resilience and competitiveness. 

Attracting specialised expertise

In response to accelerating global transformations, particularly in technology and AI, the law introduces flexible mechanisms that allow government entities to bring in highly specialised expertise. This includes engaging experts and advisers in advanced fields such as digital technologies, AI, and specialised policy development, strengthening the government's capacity to tackle complex challenges and advance innovation-driven agendas. 

Accessibility for all

The law further underscores the importance of building a working environment that accommodates diverse employee needs, including people of determination. It incorporates measures to ensure workplace accessibility and equal opportunities based on merit, reflecting Abu Dhabi's broader values of fairness and openness.

A framework built for the future

Taken together, the 2026 Human Resources Law provides a flexible legislative framework aligned with Abu Dhabi's long-term vision of building a high-performance government. It addresses current public sector needs while anticipating future challenges, enabling government entities to adapt swiftly and adopt global best practices in HR management. The law represents a milestone in Abu Dhabi's transformation journey. By placing people at the heart of change, it lays the foundation for a new era in which public sector employees are empowered as innovators, leaders, and partners in progress.