Long-awaited nationwide health insurance mandate to come into force in January

All private-sector workers and domestic staff across the UAE must have health insurance paid by their employer from next year, according to a new ruling.

Previously, only employers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were obliged to pay for their staff’s health care.

The ruling marks the establishment of a nationwide standard for health insurance, which was previously left to the discretion of authorities in each emirate. This meant it was optional for…