A night work permit in Dubai is an essential legal authorisation for companies that need to carry out specific activities after regular working hours, which is between 9 PM and 6 AM. This includes maintenance in a mall, filming a commercial at midnight, or conducting inventory checks when customers are gone. This permit ensures that all after-hours work complies with Dubai’s safety and labour regulations.
With Dubai’s 24/7 lifestyle and fast-growing commercial infrastructure, night work permits are essential for maintaining the city’s smooth operation, without disrupting public order or worker welfare.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- What Is a Night Work Permit in Dubai?
- Who Needs a Night Work Permit?
- Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Required
- Step-by-step application process
- Permit Validity and Renewal
- Fees and Processing Times
- Where and How to Apply
- Industry-specific rules
- What Activities are Covered?
- Important Tips and Provisions
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What Is a Night Work Permit in Dubai?
A night work permit Dubai approval allows authorised businesses to perform certain non-commercial activities between 9 PM and 6 AM. These activities are not open to the public and typically involve behind-the-scenes operations such as maintenance, cleaning, filming, or stock checks.
The purpose of this permit is to ensure security, safety, and regulatory compliance during after-hours work. It also safeguards the welfare of employees and prevents disturbances in residential or commercial zones.
Who Needs a Night Work Permit?
Many night permits are required for activities in business districts, such as Business Bay or Downtown Dubai, where maintenance and filming often continue after hours.
Industrial areas such as Al Quoz and Jebel Ali frequently apply for night work permits for logistics and manufacturing operations.
Businesses conducting work outside standard hours that doesn’t involve direct customer interaction usually require this permit.
Typical examples include:
- Maintenance or repair work inside commercial properties or malls
- Inventory audits after closing hours
- Billboard installations or signage setup
- Film and media shoots are conducted at night
- Certain construction activities, depending on the municipality’s guidelines
- Logistics or healthcare operations that function overnight
The permit is not required for:
- Retail outlets open late for commercial sales
- Restaurants, cafés, or entertainment venues operating within their licensed business hours
This permit primarily applies to non-customer-facing activities that might raise security or labour concerns.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a night work permit in Dubai, both employers and employees must meet specific conditions:
- Minimum Age: Employees must be 18 years or older (some industries may require a minimum age of 21).
- Medical Fitness: A health check is mandatory for high-risk roles such as construction or logistics.
- Residency: Workers must hold a valid UAE residency visa.
- Employment Contract: The contract must clearly state night shift hours or include written consent for night work.
- Employee Consent: Employers must obtain and keep written approval from each employee assigned to work at night.
These requirements ensure that night work is conducted responsibly and safely in accordance with UAE labour law.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare a complete set of documents before submitting the permit request. Missing documents can delay or render applications invalid.
Here’s the checklist:
- Completed application form (Dubai Police or MOHRE online portal)
- Trade licence of the company/or the commercial premises’ permit (mall/property).
- Emirates ID copies (front and back) for all employees involved
- Residency visas for all staff performing night work
- Employment contracts stating night shift hours
- Medical fitness certificates (where required)
- NOC from the property owner or management
- NOC from the Central Bank (for banks or gold shops)
- Passport-sized photographs
- List of employee names and details
It’s recommended that all documents be scanned and available in both soft and hard copy formats for inspection, should authorities request it.
Companies operating in areas like Dubai Marina or Dubai Hills Estate should also verify building management approval before submitting their night work permit application.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Obtaining a night work permit in Dubai is straightforward when following the official process.
- Submit Application Online
Employers can apply through the Dubai Police digital services, MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) portal, or the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) website, depending on business type. - Attach Required Documents
Upload all necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness. - Employee Medical Tests (if applicable)
For high-risk roles, employees must undergo a medical examination at an approved clinic. - Pay the Fee
The application fee is generally AED 120 per permit, but it’s best to confirm the latest fee on the Dubai Police or DDA portal. - Await Approval
Most permits are issued within one working day once all necessary details have been verified. - Receive the E-Permit
The approved e-permit can be downloaded online. Employers should print or save a copy digitally and ensure that all employees have access to it during night operations. - Apply for renewal
If the project extends beyond the initial validity period, employers must renew the permit before its expiration.
Permit Validity and Renewal
The validity period for a night work permit depends on the type of activity and sector:
- Short-term permits: Usually valid for up to 14 days for maintenance, installation, or filming tasks.
- Long-term permits: Certain industries, such as healthcare and logistics, may be eligible for permits lasting up to one year.
Employers should initiate renewal before the permit’s expiry date to avoid fines or disruption to work schedules.
Fees and Processing Times
Night work permit applications are among the quicker approvals in Dubai’s regulatory system.
- Application fee: AED 120 (subject to change, verify with Dubai Police website)
- Processing time: Usually 1 working day
- Payment methods: Card, cash, or Apple Pay via official online portals
It’s advisable to apply several days in advance to ensure the permit is ready before planned operations.
For companies operating from rental shops in Dubai, it’s advisable to coordinate with mall management or property owners before submitting a request for night work.
Where and How to Apply
The appropriate authority depends on the type and location of your business:
- Dubai Police Digital Services: For after-hours work in malls, banks, or commercial premises.
- MOHRE Portal: For general private-sector employers seeking night shift approvals.
- Dubai Development Authority (DDA): For construction or development projects under DDA jurisdiction.
Each authority’s portal provides downloadable forms, step-by-step guidance, and secure payment options.
Businesses that manage commercial properties for sale in Dubai should also maintain a record of all previous night permits as part of compliance audits.
Industry-Specific Guidelines
The requirements for obtaining a night work permit can vary depending on the nature of the business and the sector involved.
Construction
Construction companies require night work permits if operating during restricted hours or in sensitive areas. These permits are issued in coordination with the Dubai Municipality or DDA, depending on the project site. Noise control and safety compliance are key factors in obtaining approval.
Banking, Gold Shops, and Exchanges
Businesses handling high-value assets must provide an additional NOC from the Central Bank. Enhanced security protocols and inspections may be required before approval.
Healthcare and Logistics
Sectors such as hospitals, emergency services, and logistics companies often operate around the clock. They may apply for annual permits, provided they demonstrate continuous operational necessity and compliance with employee welfare standards.
What Activities Are Covered?
Typical activities that require a night work permit in Dubai include:
- Maintenance and repairs in commercial buildings
- Inventory checks outside retail hours
- Film/media shoots after closing time
- Billboard/facility installations inside malls
- Certain construction works
- Essential health or logistics operations
Essentially, any non-customer-facing task between 9 PM and 6 AM that might trigger security or noise concerns requires authorisation.
Important Tips and Provisions
To ensure smooth operations and compliance:
- Employers must always keep employee-written consent forms from employees scheduled for night work.
- Adhere strictly to the UAE Labour Law on working hours, overtime, and rest breaks.
- Never begin after-hours activities without an approved permit; penalties for unauthorised work can be significant.
- Maintain up-to-date records and renew permits before expiry.
Proactive compliance not only avoids fines but also protects worker safety and enhances your company’s professional reputation.
Key Takeaways
A night work permit is mandatory for any non-commercial activity in Dubai conducted between 9 PM and 6 AM. It is required for maintenance, construction, filming, or similar tasks, but not for retail or customer-facing services.
The employer submits a request with employee and site details, along with the necessary NOCs and health certificates. Applications can be submitted through the Dubai Police, MOHRE, or Dubai Development Authority portals. The standard fee is AED 120, and approvals are typically issued within one working day. Short-term permits are valid for 14 days, while select sectors may obtain annual permits.
It’s essential to carry the approved permit during night work to avoid fines or operational disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any business performing maintenance, filming, installation, or other non-customer-facing activities after 9 PM in commercial premises or construction sites.
No. If your business already has a commercial licence that allows late-night operations, you do not need this permit.
Most permits are issued within one working day once the application and documents are complete.
Employers must reapply or renew the permit before it expires to continue night operations legally.
Apply via Dubai Police, MOHRE, or DDA, depending on your business type and location.
