Unlock HR with the D'Souza Sisters

What does it take to build a media empire from a VHS tape and a guessed email address? Reim El Houni, CEO of 22 Films and creator of Mission Visible, did exactly that and in this episode, she's refreshingly honest about the hiring mistakes, leadership lessons and hard-won perspective that came from nearly two decades of producing TV in one of the most unpredictable industries there is. In this...

What happens when you start a business before you've really figured out how to manage people? Lara Geadeh, founder of Cameo Communications, did exactly that and in this episode she's refreshingly honest about what went wrong, what she learned and how she built a lean, loyal, high-performing team she's proud of today. In this episode of the HR Sisters Podcast, we sit down with Lara Gead...

What does it really take to build a business that holds through a global pandemic, rapid growth, and the unique pressures of doing business in the UAE?In this episode of the HR Sisters Podcast, we sit down with David Cook, Chief Everything Officer at Contractors Direct, to unpack 17 years of hard-won entrepreneurial experience. From founding a project management consultancy in 2008 and navigating...

In this video, we explain how businesses entering the UAE market can build a fully compliant HR foundation in just 6 weeks with our “HR in a Box” solution.
 Many startups and growing companies entering the UAE struggle with HR compliance from Contracts and Policies to Payroll & employee lifecycle management. Some rely on templates from other countries or operate without clarity on UAE labour l...

In this video, The HR Sisters explain HR Department as a Service in the UAE — a modern solution that gives your business a full HR team for one monthly fee without hiring in-house. If you're a growing business, startup, or SME in the UAE, managing HR, payroll, compliance, and onboarding can slow you down. This video breaks down how HR outsourcing in the UAE works and how it helps you scale eff...

If you're building a team in the UAE, understanding the Labour Law is your strongest foundation for growth. 🇦🇪 The UAE Labour Law gives every employer a clear, structured framework to hire confidently, manage fairly, and scale smoothly. In this video, we walk you through the 10 things every employer must know and the most common misconceptions businesses have at every stage so you can get ahea...

Employee relocation can make or break business expansion. In this case study, we walk through how we helped a global tech company establish operations in Abu Dhabi by relocating 100 people from 6 countries in just 100 days. We did this by providing end-to-end relocation support, from individual family consultations and school enrollments to housing coordination and on-ground settling support. This...

Founder-dependent businesses can’t scale. In this case study, we walk through how we helped a healthcare business in Dubai rapidly scale. We did this by building leadership capability, implementing structured HR systems and eventually removing owner dependency. This allowed the business to secure over $1M in investment and scale to multiple locations, both inside & outside UAE. If you are prep...

Multi-jurisdiction setups are often complicated to establish. This financial investment company launched across DIFC and ADGM simultaneously without any operational friction. In this case study, we walk through how a UK-based financial investment firm successfully entered two UAE jurisdictions—DIFC in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi—at the same time, with a unified HR framework designed for clarity, c...

Employee transitions make or break acquisitions! In this case study, we walk through how a complex Oil & Gas acquisition achieved 100% employee retention through clear planning, individualised plans, communication, trust-led leadership, and structured people-transition strategy. Chapters: 00:00 The Surge of Business in Dubai 00:56 Case Study: Acquisition in the Oil and Gas Sector 02:24 Transit...

This comprehensive episode breaks down every aspect of managing employee time off, ensuring your company policies are 100% compliant. We cover key operational challenges, including: 1. Public Holidays 2. Annual Leave 3. Sick Leave 4. Maternity Leave 5. Parental Leave 6. Bereavement Leave 7. National Service Leave Watch this entire guide to solidify your understanding of every leave type and ensure...

Are we truly ready for Gen Z in the workplace? In this season finale, we bring together three dynamic Gen Z professionals to explore how this new generation is reshaping work culture, leadership, and the meaning of loyalty in modern organisations. From being labeled as lazy to being workflow efficient, Gen Zers share their unfiltered views on: What employers misunderstand about their generation Wh...

What are the legal working hours in the UAE? Do you need to follow a 6-day, 48-hour work week? Let’s break down exactly what the UAE Labor Law says about working hours, working days, and break times. In this video, we explain the standard legal requirements for work hours in the UAE—including the maximum allowed weekly hours, break entitlements, and common business practices like 5-day workweeks,...

In this episode of the HR Sisters Podcast, we dive into emergency planning from an HR perspective, focusing on how businesses can prepare for unexpected disruptions like Covid-19 and other emergencies. Learn how to identify risks, build effective emergency teams, and implement protocols that protect both your employees and your business continuity. Whether you’re managing a small office or a large...

What exactly is the Wages Protection System (WPS), and how does it impact your business in the UAE? 🏢 The objective of WPS was to safeguard private sector and provide a secure, efficient and robust mechanism to streamline the timely payment of employee salaries. In this video, we break down everything you need to know about WPS—how it works, who it applies to, and why it's essential for ensur...

Are you required to deduct income tax from your employees in the UAE? In this video, we break down whether payroll in the UAE includes any statutory income tax deductions for employees—especially expats—and clarify what obligations employers really have. If you're an HR professional, business owner, or expat employee in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any UAE free zone, this video is for you. Learn why t...

Did you know UAE employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year? 🤔 In this video, we break down sick leave entitlements, including eligibility, pay structure, and when a medical certificate is required. If you’re an employer in the UAE, this is key HR knowledge you must understand! Watch now and drop your questions in the comments. ⬇️ Connect With Us: Elrona Silba D’Souza: https://www.l...

Thinking of using your UK or US employee handbook when setting up your company in the UAE? In this video, we break down the key reasons why simply copying your existing handbook won’t work in the UAE, and what you need to do instead. From legal compliance to cultural relevance, this is your essential guide to creating a locally adapted employee handbook that respects your global values while align...

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart Wilson, the President and CEO of Packers Plus Energy Services, to discuss his journey of relocating the company’s headquarters from Calgary to Dubai and the challenges and successes of expanding operations in the Middle East. Stuart shares invaluable insights from his 27 years in the energy industry, focusing on the importance of local HR support, recruitme...

In this nugget, we explore one of the most popular expat benefits in the UAE—the Annual Leave Ticket Benefit. Is the annual leave ticket benefit mandatory under UAE labor law? Surprisingly, it's not. Yet, it remains one of the most commonly expected expat benefits in the UAE private sector. In this video, we break down: What the annual leave ticket actually is Why it’s widely offered, even tho...

   scheduling old videos updationMonthly report⌘ JSummarizeTranslate to:EnglishRewriteExpandExplain thisGrammarAnswer this questionExplain CodesAdd quick actionManage actionMemoHighlightExplainDid you know the UAE has not one, but THREE different labour laws? In this video, Elrona D'Souza from S&K HR Consulting breaks down the three employment laws that govern different business jurisdicti...

What is the probation period under UAE labour laws? In this video, we break down everything you need to know about probation periods in the UAE, including regulations under UAE Employment Law, DIFC Law, and ADGM Law. Learn how long the probation period can last, what happens if it exceeds the limit, and the exact notice periods for employers and employees. Key Points Covered in the Video: Legal de...

In this episode of the HR Sisters Podcast , Desma & Elrona discussed the critical first 12 to 18 months of setting up or expanding a business in the UAE from an HR perspective. We cover everything you need to know about compliance, employment contracts, and effective HR practices to ensure your business thrives in a new market. What You’ll Learn: • Why the first year is crucial for your busine...

Think a trade license is all you need to hire employees in the UAE? Think again! In this Episode, we’ll walk you through the critical steps you need to complete before hiring your first employee. Learn about the essential approvals from the Immigration Department (ICP) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), including how to get an establishment card, open a labour file, and...

Do employers in the UAE have to give salary advances? In this episode, S&K HR Consulting breaks down what UAE Labour Law says about employee salary advances, obligations, and proper recovery methods. While employees may request advances for various reasons, you are not legally obligated to provide them. But if you do choose to, this episode explains how to recover salary advances legally, in l...