Regardless of the exact regulatory specifics that apply to any given building or industry, employers across the UAE operate under a general duty of care toward their staff — a responsibility that extends naturally to how a workplace prepares for medical emergencies.
What "Duty of Care" Practically Means
At its core, duty of care means taking reasonable, proactive steps to protect employee wellbeing — not waiting for an incident to reveal a gap that should have been addressed beforehand.
Reasonable Steps for Cardiac Emergencies
In practice, this typically includes accessible first aid provisions, clear emergency contact procedures, and — increasingly viewed as a baseline expectation — AED access appropriate to the size and nature of the workplace.
Documentation Supports Good Faith Effort
Keeping clear, dated records of safety measures — installation, maintenance, and training completion — helps demonstrate that an employer took the responsibility seriously, rather than treating it as a checkbox.
This Isn't Just About Compliance
Beyond any specific legal framework, most employers genuinely want their team to feel that their safety was taken seriously — a factor that also meaningfully affects staff trust and retention.
Speak to a Professional About Your Specific Obligations
Exact regulatory requirements vary by industry, emirate, and building type, and continue to evolve — for specific legal guidance, consult a qualified UAE employment or health and safety advisor alongside your equipment planning.
We Can Help With the Practical Side
While we're not a legal advisory service, we can help you build genuinely appropriate AED coverage and training as part of meeting this responsibility. Get in touch to discuss your workplace.
Let Us Help With the Practical Side
Heart First Response supplies, installs, maintains and trains organizations on AEDs across Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region. Call us on +971 52 1746500 or visit heartfirstaed.com to get started.
