DIFC DEWS Workplace Savings Calculator
Calculate statutory employer monthly savings contributions (5.83% and 8.33%) and projected fund growth in the Dubai International Financial Centre, or use our Free UAE Gratuity Calculator for mainland private-sector Article 51 settlements.
DEWS Scheme Parameters
Statutory DIFC Monthly ContributionsDIFC Account Composition
| Contribution Component | Projected Value |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 Employer Deposits (Years 1–5 @ 5.83%) | AED 69,960.00 |
| Tier 2 Employer Deposits (Year 6+ @ 8.33%) | AED 19,992.00 |
| Estimated Investment Returns (Compounded) | + AED 25,868.00 |
| Total Accumulated DEWS Fund | AED 115,820.00 |
What Is the DIFC DEWS Workplace Savings Scheme?
DIFC Law No. 2The DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme was introduced under DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 (effective February 1, 2020) to replace the traditional unfunded end-of-service gratuity model with a modern, cash-funded workplace pension system.
Under this regime, employers in the Dubai International Financial Centre are legally required to make mandatory monthly cash deposits into a qualifying employee trust fund on behalf of each non-GCC national employee.
Years 1 to 5 (5.83%)
The employer deposits 5.83% of your basic monthly salary every month (mathematically equivalent to 21 days' basic wage per year).
Year 6 and Beyond (8.33%)
The contribution increases to 8.33% of your basic monthly salary per month (equivalent to 30 days' basic wage per year).
Immediate 100% Vesting
There is no 1-year minimum qualification period. Contributions belong to you from Day 1 and cannot be forfeited or deducted upon resignation.
DIFC DEWS vs UAE Mainland Gratuity (Key Differences)
| Key Feature | DIFC DEWS Scheme | UAE Mainland Gratuity (Decree 33) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Structure | Funded monthly into employee's name | Unfunded; paid as lump sum at exit |
| Minimum Service Period | 0 Days (Vests from Month 1) | 1 Full Year (12 Continuous Months) |
| Monthly Contribution Rate | 5.83% (Years 1–5), 8.33% (Year 6+) | Accrues 21 days (Yr 1–5), 30 days (Yr 6+) |
| Investment Growth | Yes; invested in global financial markets | No; static cash calculation |
| 2-Year Basic Salary Cap | No cap; accumulates indefinitely | Capped at 24 months basic salary |
| Voluntary Top-ups | Permitted from employee salary | Not applicable |
Worked Example: 7 Years of Service in DIFC
Case StudySuppose a DIFC employee has a basic salary of AED 25,000 over 7 continuous years with a conservative 4% annual return:
DIFC DEWS Scheme Questions & Answers
Official regulatory guidelines under DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019
How are DIFC DEWS contributions calculated?
Under DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019, employers must make monthly contributions into a qualifying workplace savings scheme (such as DEWS): 5.83% of basic monthly salary for the first five years of service, and 8.33% of basic monthly salary for each additional year beyond five years.
Is there a minimum qualifying period for DIFC DEWS?
No. Unlike mainland UAE gratuity which requires a minimum of 1 year of continuous service, DIFC DEWS contributions are mandatory from the employee's very first month of employment and vest immediately.
Can an employee contribute extra money to DEWS voluntarily?
Yes. Employees in DIFC can choose to make voluntary monthly contributions or lump-sum top-ups from their salary directly into their individual DEWS account to increase their savings.
How is DIFC DEWS different from mainland UAE gratuity?
Mainland UAE gratuity is an unfunded end-of-service lump sum paid by the employer at termination based on the final basic salary. DIFC DEWS is a fully funded, cash-backed monthly workplace savings scheme managed by professional trustees where money is invested and grows in real time.
Can an employee withdraw their DEWS money while still working in DIFC?
Employer statutory contributions can only be withdrawn upon termination of employment in DIFC. However, voluntary employee contributions may be withdrawn during employment subject to DEWS scheme administrator rules.
What happens to legacy gratuity earned in DIFC before February 2020?
For service prior to February 1, 2020 (when DEWS became mandatory), employees are entitled to accrued gratuity based on their basic salary as of January 31, 2020, unless the employer transferred that legacy amount directly into the DEWS plan.
Are DEWS contributions calculated on basic salary or total salary?
DIFC statutory contributions (5.83% and 8.33%) are calculated strictly on the employee's basic monthly wage, excluding allowances like housing, transport, utilities, or bonuses.
What investment options are available in DEWS?
DEWS offers a default Low-to-Moderate Growth Fund, as well as a choice of Sharia-compliant funds, cash deposit options, and active equity/bond investment profiles suited to different risk tolerances.
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