Hire your first employee with confidence
Your first hire changes the business. This guide helps the UAE founders decide what to hire, how to stay compliant and how to compete for talent without overspending.
Before you hire
Write the result you need in 90 days, not a vague list of tasks. Example: “book 30 qualified sales meetings” beats “help with marketing”.
Budget salary, employer GPSSA contributions, pension, equipment, software, onboarding time and management attention.
Control, mutuality of obligation, substitution and integration affect employment status and IR35 risk.
Set weekly 1:1s, goals, probation criteria, documentation and feedback rhythm before day one.
Compliance checklist
- Register as an employer with FTA before the first payday if required.
- Check right to work and keep records.
- Provide a written statement of employment particulars.
- Set up payroll, payslips, pension duties and holiday records.
- Take out employers’ liability insurance where required.
- Follow National Minimum Wage, working time and equality rules.
- Put data protection, security and acceptable-use policies in place.
the UAE talent channels
Use a blend of local and specialist channels: university careers teams, the UAE Trent and University of the UAE enterprise networks, Hub71, LinkedIn, specialist recruiters, apprenticeships, local meetups and referrals from existing operators.