DEWS DIFC Guide for the Employers and Employees in UAE

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) introduced a modern employee savings initiative known as DEWS to transform end-of-service benefits for employees working within the DIFC jurisdiction. The DEWS DIFC scheme replaced the traditional gratuity system with a professionally managed workplace savings plan designed to improve long-term financial security, transparency, and investment growth opportunities for employees.

Since its introduction, DEWS has become one of the most discussed employment and financial wellness initiatives in the UAE. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about DEWS, including the meaning, contribution structures, employee and employer responsibilities, registration and login procedures, and investment options.

What is DEWS?

DEWS stands for DIFC Employee Workplace Savings. The DEWS scheme is a funded employee workplace savings plan introduced by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to replace the traditional end-of-service gratuity arrangement for eligible DIFC employees.

Under the old gratuity model, employers maintained end-of-service liabilities internally. However, the DEWS DIFC structure requires employers to make monthly contributions into professionally managed investment funds on behalf of employees.

Purpose of DEWS Introduction

Understanding dews meaning is important for both employers and employees operating within DIFC. The DEWS plan is designed to:

Replace traditional gratuity liabilities
Improve employee retirement savings
Provide investment growth opportunities
Increase employer compliance transparency
Protect employee financial interests
Reduce financial risk for organizations

The scheme operates under regulated financial structures with professional fund management and governance standards.

DEWS DIFC vs Traditional Gratuity System

The DEWS DIFC model differs significantly from traditional gratuity systems.

Traditional Gratuity

Employer-managed liability
Lump-sum payout model
No investment growth
Higher employer risk exposure

DEWS DIFC

Funded savings structure
Professionally managed investments
Monthly contributions
Enhanced transparency
Improved employee protection

The transition reflects DIFC’s broader strategy of adopting globally aligned employment frameworks.

Also Read: How to Calculate Gratuity in UAE

Who manages DEWS?

The DEWS DIFC scheme is administered through a collaboration between multiple regulated financial service organizations, each responsible for a specific aspect of the program.

Zurich Workplace Solutions (ZWS)

Zurich Workplace Solutions handles the day-to-day administration and operational management of the DEWS scheme. It is responsible for employer and employee servicing, contribution processing, account administration, and digital platform access through the employer portal and employee hub.

Equiom as the Master Trustee

Equiom acts as the independent Master Trustee for the DEWS scheme. As the legal custodian of employee contributions, Equiom helps protect employees’ financial interests and ensures that funds are managed according to regulatory and fiduciary standards.

Mercer as Investment Advisor

Mercer provides independent investment and financial advisory services to support the scheme’s investment strategy. Its role includes advising on fund diversification, investment governance, and portfolio oversight to help maintain long-term financial stability.

Regulatory Oversight and Responsibilities

All entities involved in managing the DEWS (DIFC) scheme operate under the supervision of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), ensuring regulatory compliance and transparency.

Employers are responsible for transferring monthly end-of-service contributions for eligible employees through the Zurich Workplace Solutions Employer Portal. Employees, on the other hand, can access their savings accounts, monitor balances, and choose investment options through the Zurich Workplace Solutions Employee Hub.

How does DEWS DIFC work?

Under the DEWS plan, employers make monthly contributions into employee savings account instead of maintaining gratuity liabilities internally. These contributions are professionally invested through regulated investment options selected under the scheme.

Employees can monitor their savings, investments, and contributions through the dews login portal. The scheme includes:

Mandatory employer contributions
Voluntary employee contributions
Investment fund selection
Online account management
Retirement savings planning
Fund withdrawal options under applicable rules

DEWS Contribution Structure

Understanding dews contribution rules is critical for employers operating in DIFC.

Mandatory Employer Contributions

Employers must contribute monthly percentages based on the employee’s basic salary.

The standard contribution structure includes:

5.83% of monthly basic salary for employees with less than five years of service
8.33% of monthly basic salary for employees with more than five years of service

These percentages are designed to replace traditional gratuity accrual obligations.

Example

Suppose an employee earns a monthly basic salary of AED 18,000 and has completed 4 years of service with a DIFC company. Since the employee has worked for less than five years, the employer must contribute 5.83% of the monthly basic salary toward the DEWS DIFC scheme.

Here is how the calculation would work:

Monthly Basic Salary: AED 18,000

Applicable DEWS Contribution Rate: 5.83%

Monthly Contribution:

AED 18,000 × 5.83% = AED 1,049.40

The employer will deposit this amount into the employee’s DEWS account and invest it according to the selected strategy under the scheme.

Voluntary Employee Contributions

Employees may also choose to make additional voluntary contributions to increase retirement savings. These voluntary contributions provide opportunities for long-term wealth accumulation through investment growth.

Investment Options under DEWS

One of the major differences between traditional gratuity and DEWS DIFC is investment flexibility. Under the scheme, employee contributions are invested into professionally managed funds.

Employees can typically choose between:

Low-risk investment options
Moderate-risk portfolios
Higher-growth investment funds
Sharia-compliant investment solutions

The ability to select investment strategies gives employees greater control over long-term financial planning.

The DEWS DIFC platform follows a structured registration and login process for both employers and employees. Employers are responsible for registering the organization with the scheme, while employees activate and manage their personal savings accounts after enrollment.

DEWS Registration and Login for Employers

Company Registration

The employer must first nominate an authorized administrator, usually from the HR or finance department, to manage the DEWS account. The organization then submits the online registration application for the DEWS DIFC scheme.

Participation Deed Signing

After the application is submitted, the company’s authorized signatory receives an email link to electronically review and sign the official Participation Deed required for scheme enrollment.

Employer Portal Access

Once registration is completed, login credentials are provided to the company administrator. Employers can then access the DEWS employer portal to:

Upload company verification documents
Add additional authorized users
Manage employee records
Submit monthly contribution files
Monitor contribution payments and compliance

DEWS Registration and Login for Employees

Account Activation

Once the employer enrolls an employee into the DEWS DIFC scheme, the employee receives an activation email from the platform.

Password Setup

Employees need to click the activation link in the email to create login credentials and set a secure password for account access.

Employee Login Access

After activation, employees can access their DEWS accounts through the Zurich Employee Sign-In portal or by using the “Zurich for DEWS” mobile application.

Profile Verification

Employees should review and confirm their personal information, beneficiary details, and tax-related information after logging into the platform.

Investment and Fund Management

The DEWS dashboard allows employees to monitor daily account values, review savings growth, and manage investment allocations through the fund management section.

Benefits of DEWS DIFC for Employees

The DEWS DIFC scheme offers several advantages for employees.

Improved Financial Security: Employee funds are professionally managed and segregated, improving financial protection.
Investment Growth Opportunities: Unlike traditional gratuity systems, DEWS contributions can grow through investment returns.
Digital Transparency: Employees can monitor savings directly through dews login portals.
Retirement Planning Support: The scheme encourages long-term financial wellness and retirement planning.
Portability Benefits: Employees may retain investment accounts even when changing employment status under applicable regulations.

Benefits of DEWS DIFC for Employers

The DEWS DIFC scheme also provides major operational and financial advantages for employers.

Reduced Liability Risk: Monthly funded contributions reduce long-term gratuity liability accumulation.
Improved Compliance: Automated contributions simplify compliance management.
Better Financial Planning: Organizations can forecast contribution expenses more accurately.
Enhanced Employee Experience: Modern workplace savings programs improve employee satisfaction and employer branding.

Simplified Administration: Digital employer portals reduce manual administrative burdens.

DEWS DIFC Compliance Requirements

Employers operating in DIFC must comply with DEWS DIFC regulations.

Key employer responsibilities include:

Registering eligible employees
Making timely monthly contributions
Maintaining accurate payroll records
Updating employee details
Ensuring regulatory compliance

Failure to comply may result in penalties, legal exposure, or reputational risks.

Businesses increasingly rely on the HRMS and payroll software solution in Dubai to automate compliance workflows.

Importance of Payroll Integration for DEWS DIFC

Payroll integration plays a critical role in DEWS administration.

Modern HRMS platforms in the UAE help organizations:

Calculate monthly contributions automatically
Maintain employee salary records
Generate compliance reports
Process payroll accurately
Track employee lifecycle changes
Reduce manual calculation errors

Integrated payroll systems help employers ensure timely and accurate DEWS submissions.

Role of HRMS in DEWS Administration

HRMS solutions like Paylite support efficient DEWS DIFC management by centralizing employee and payroll data.

Advanced HR platforms can automate:

Employee onboarding
Contribution calculations
Salary structure management
Payroll approvals
Leave and attendance integration
Employee exits and settlements

Businesses operating in DIFC increasingly implement digital HR solutions to manage workforce compliance more effectively.

DEWS DIFC and Employee Lifecycle Management

The DEWS DIFC framework directly impacts employee lifecycle administration.

From onboarding to exit procedures, organizations must ensure proper management of:

Employee registration
Payroll synchronization
Monthly contribution processing
Account updates
Exit settlements

Automated HR systems help maintain compliance throughout the employee lifecycle.

How Employees can Monitor Contributions

Employees can regularly monitor DEWS savings through dews login employee access.

The online platform enables employees to:

Review monthly employer contributions
Track voluntary savings
Monitor investment performance
Download statements
Update contact details

Transparent access improves employee confidence and financial awareness.

DEWS DIFC Contact Number and Support Services

Support services are available through official DEWS customer service channels and Zurich Workplace Solutions support systems.

Employees and employers may contact support teams for assistance with:

Login issues
Contribution verification
Investment queries
Account updates
Employer onboarding
Technical support

Official support channels should always be used for sensitive financial and employment information.

Users occasionally experience issues while accessing DEWS DIFC login portals.

Incorrect Credentials: Forgotten passwords or incorrect email details may block access.
Authentication Problems: Multi-factor authentication issues can occasionally delay access.
Incomplete Employer Registration: Employees may face login delays if employer onboarding is incomplete.
Browser Compatibility Issues: Older browsers may create technical access problems. Most login-related issues can be resolved through official support services.

Employee Withdrawal and Access Rules

Withdrawal eligibility depends on employment status and applicable scheme rules.

Typically, employees may access savings after:

Employment termination
Leaving DIFC employment
Reaching retirement conditions under applicable regulations

Specific rules may vary depending on account structure and investment arrangements.

Investment Risks and Considerations

Although DEWS DIFC offers investment growth opportunities, employees should understand that investments may fluctuate.

Important considerations include:

Market volatility
Risk tolerance
Long-term investment objectives
Portfolio diversification

Employees should review investment options carefully before making allocation decisions.

DIFC Employee Card Discounts

Many employees working in DIFC also explore additional workplace benefits such as DIF employee card discounts. DIFC employees may gain access to various discounts and offers through participating merchants, hospitality providers, wellness centers, and retail establishments.

These programs contribute to enhanced employee experience and workplace satisfaction within the DIFC ecosystem.

Importance of Compliance for DIFC Businesses

DIFC companies operate within a highly regulated financial ecosystem.

Non-compliance with DEWS DIFC regulations may lead to:

Financial penalties
Regulatory scrutiny
Employee disputes
Reputational risks

This is why businesses prioritize accurate payroll administration and automated compliance management.

Future of Workplace Savings in UAE

The success of DEWS DIFC reflects the UAE’s broader movement toward modern workforce financial protection systems.

Workplace savings programs are increasingly recognized for:

Encouraging retirement planning
Supporting economic stability
Improving employer governance

As digital HR transformation continues, workplace savings management is expected to become even more integrated with payroll, HRMS, and employee self-service platforms.

Final Thoughts

The DEWS DIFC scheme represents a major evolution in employee financial protection and workplace savings management within the UAE. The integration of digital payroll systems, automated HRMS platforms, and secure DEWS portals has simplified contribution management and improved compliance efficiency significantly.

Organizations that invest in modern workforce management systems are better equipped to manage DEWS obligations accurately while delivering better employee experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DEWS used for?

The DEWS plan is a mandatory workplace savings scheme used to fund and protect end-of-service benefits for expatriate employees working within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Employers use it to make mandatory monthly contributions to fulfill legal end-of-service obligations. Employees use it to make additional, automated salary deductions to build personal retirement wealth. The scheme invests contributions into professionally managed funds, allowing employees to grow their savings based on their preferred risk profile.

2. Is DEWS mandatory in DIFC?

Yes, DEWS participation is mandatory for employers operating within the DIFC unless they are enrolled in an approved alternative scheme. Under DIFC Employment Law, companies are required to make monthly contributions toward employee end-of-service benefits for eligible employees. Non-compliance may result in penalties imposed by the DIFC Authority, including fines of USD 2,000 per violation.
However, certain exceptions apply.
a. Employers may opt for an Alternative Qualifying Scheme if it satisfies DIFC regulatory requirements and receives official approval through a Certificate of Compliance.
b. UAE and GCC nationals are generally covered under the GPSSA pension system instead of standard DEWS enrolment, although employers may still need to make supplementary DEWS-related contributions in specific situations.
c. Employees working on short-term assignments of 30 days or less within a 12-month period may also be exempt.
d. In addition, workers holding a valid DIFC Secondment Card are not required to be enrolled in DEWS.

3. How to withdraw DEWS?

The DEWS withdrawal process depends on whether you are still employed or have already left your company. Employees who have completed their employment can usually access their end-of-service savings after their employer updates their status in the system and submits the final contribution payment.
To withdraw funds, employees need to log into the official DEWS portal or mobile app, go to the withdrawal section, and choose whether they want a full withdrawal, partial withdrawal, or transfer.
Users are generally required to upload supporting documents such as a passport copy, visa cancellation proof or exit document, and bank account details including IBAN or SWIFT information.
Once the request is approved, funds are typically transferred within 3-10 working days depending on the bank and transfer location.
For employees who are still actively working, employer-funded core DEWS contributions cannot usually be withdrawn. However, employees who have made voluntary savings contributions through salary deductions may be allowed to withdraw 30% of the savings, subject to scheme rules and 2 partial withdrawals per year.

4. What is the currency and conversion rate for DEWS?

The official currency used for the DEWS DIFC scheme is the US Dollar (USD). All employee savings, investment funds, and account valuations within the plan are maintained and managed in USD.
However, since employers and employees in the UAE generally make payments in UAE Dirhams (AED), the contributions are converted into USD during processing.
Zurich Workplace Solutions typically applies a fixed exchange rate of approximately USD 1 = AED 3.6735 or AED 3.675, depending on the payment channel or banking method used for the transaction.

5. How can I manage my DEWS plan?

Once enrolled in the DEWS DIFC scheme, your account is managed through Zurich Workplace Solutions. The independent trustee Equiom oversees the fund structure, and Mercer provides investment advisory support. Using the Zurich DEWS Portal, you can
i. Monitor your account balance and monthly employer contributions
ii. Update or switch investment preferences
iii. Nominate beneficiaries
iv. Withdraw your savings or keep the funds invested for potential long-term growth after leaving your employment.

6. What is the difference between DEWS employee login and DEWS employer login?

The primary difference lies in the access permissions and tools available on each portal. While both utilize the same Zurich Workplace Solutions platform, the employee login is for managing individual savings, whereas the employer login is for company-wide administration.
DEWS employee login portal helps individual workers in monitoring and managing their personal end-of-service benefits and retirement wealth. DEWS employer login portal is built for HR and payroll administrators to manage company-wide compliance and legal contribution requirements.

7. Who manages the DEWS services?

The DEWS services are administered through a collaboration between several organizations appointed by the DIFC Authority to ensure efficient management, regulatory compliance, and strong financial governance.
i. Zurich Workplace Solutions manages the day-to-day administration of the scheme, including employer contributions, member registrations, portal operations, and withdrawal processing.
ii. Equiom serves as the independent Master Trustee responsible for safeguarding employee savings within a protected trust structure and ensuring compliance with DIFC regulations.
iii. Mercer acts as the investment adviser, helping oversee investment portfolio selection and monitoring fund performance.
iv. The DIFC Supervisory Board provides independent oversight and governance to ensure the scheme operates effectively and transparently.

8. How can I contact DEWS support?

Employees and employers can reach the DEWS support team through Zurich Workplace Solutions (ZWS), which manages the DEWS DIFC platform:
By Email: Send your inquiries, documentation, or technical support requests to [email protected].
By Phone (Inside UAE): Call their toll-free helpline at 800-DEWS (3397).
By Phone (Outside UAE): Call +971 4 455 7575 if you are accessing your account from abroad.
Live Chat: Use the “Let’s Chat” tool on the Zurich Workplace Solutions Help Centre to chat with their 24/7 virtual assistant, Zavi. To speak with a human support agent, simply type “Expert” during the session (available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM GST)

DEWS DIFC: A Complete Guide to Dubai Employee Workplace Savings Plan