Ethical Business Practices Guide for Suppliers

Effective Date: July 28, 2025

Unum requires all entities providing goods or services to us—including vendors, service providers, and contractors (hereinafter referred to as “Suppliers”)—to operate with the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. This Ethical Business Practices Guide for Suppliers (“Guide”) sets out the minimum requirements expected of all Suppliers. It supplements each Supplier’s internal policies, legal obligations, and contractual commitments with Unum.

  1. Legal Compliance

Suppliers must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the United Arab Emirates. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations;
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data;
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes;
  • UAE tax, customs, and financial reporting obligations;
  • Anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and anti-bribery laws and relevant Cabinet decisions;
  • UAE environmental protection and hazardous materials management regulations.
  1. Commitment to Labour and Human Rights

Unum upholds the principles of dignity, fairness, and non-discrimination. Suppliers are expected to:

  • Prohibit forced labor and human trafficking: All work must be voluntary. Suppliers must comply with UAE labor laws prohibiting any form of slavery, bonded labor, or coercion.
  • Ensure fair compensation: Employees must be compensated in line with UAE labor laws, including payment schedules, end-of-service benefits, and working hour regulations.
  • Promote equal opportunity: Employment practices must be free from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or other protected characteristics.
  • Protect worker health and safety: Workplaces must comply with UAE occupational health and safety standards and provide safe working conditions, training, and protective gear.
  1. Upholding Ethical Standards

Suppliers must act with honesty, integrity, and transparency in all business activities.

  • Anti-corruption: Suppliers must not engage in bribery, kickbacks, or improper influence. Compliance with UAE anti-corruption laws and international standards is mandatory.
  • Intellectual property: Unum’s intellectual property must be respected. Use of trademarks, trade secrets, or proprietary content is only permitted with prior written approval.
  • Data protection: Suppliers handling personal or confidential data on behalf of Unum must comply with the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and implement appropriate security safeguards.
  • Accurate records: All records must be complete, truthful, and available for audit if required.
  • Gifts and hospitality: Any gift or hospitality extended to Unum staff must be nominal in value and must not influence or appear to influence decision-making.
  • Conflicts of interest: Suppliers must promptly disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest, including relationships with Unum employees.
  1. Environmental Responsibility

Unum expects its Suppliers to actively reduce their environmental impact by:

  • Minimizing emissions, waste, and resource consumption;
  • Complying with UAE environmental laws and local authority requirements;
  • Promoting sustainable practices and green innovation in operations and supply chains.
  1. Confidential Information

Suppliers must protect all confidential, proprietary, and sensitive information received from Unum. This includes, but is not limited to: business strategies, financial information, technical materials, and user data. Disclosure is only permitted where required by UAE law or expressly authorized in writing by Unum.

  1. Raising Concerns

Suppliers are encouraged to report any unethical behavior, legal concerns, or breaches of this Guide via Unum’s Compliance Reporting Mechanism or through their designated point of contact. All reports will be handled confidentially and without retaliation.

  1. Enforcement and Review

Unum reserves the right to assess, audit, and monitor Supplier compliance with this Guide. Any violations may lead to corrective action, including suspension or termination of the business relationship. This Guide is subject to revision and any updates will be communicated accordingly.