Employment Law in the UAE – Legal Support for Employers and Employees
Your Trusted Advisors for UAE Labour Law, Contracts, Termination Disputes & HR Compliance
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a diverse and dynamic workforce, with millions of expatriates and local nationals employed across industries such as construction, hospitality, technology, real estate, and healthcare. Understanding the evolving landscape of UAE Employment Law is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance, avoid disputes, and protect their legal rights.
At HN Legal Consultants, we provide comprehensive legal services in all matters related to Labour Law in the UAE, offering strategic advice, contract drafting, HR policy review, dispute resolution, and court representation. Backed by our network of licensed local advocates, we handle employment matters across all Emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
Legal Framework: UAE Labour Law at a Glance
Key Features of the UAE Labour Law (Law No. 33 of 2021)
Types of Employment Contracts
- Only fixed-term contracts are permitted under the new law (up to 3 years, renewable).
- Unlimited contracts must be converted to fixed-term within a prescribed timeline.
Working Hours and Overtime
- Standard working hours: 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week.
- Overtime is compensated at 125% to 150% of the basic wage, depending on timing and conditions.
- Friday is the official rest day, but flexible arrangements are allowed.
Leave Entitlements
- Annual leave: Minimum 30 calendar days after 1 year of service.
- Sick leave: Up to 90 days/year (full, half, and unpaid stages).
- Maternity leave: 60 days (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay), plus extensions under certain conditions.
- Paternity leave, bereavement leave, and study leave also introduced under the new law.
Termination and End-of-Service Benefits
- Employers must provide valid reasons for termination.
- Wrongful dismissal may result in compensation up to 3 months’ salary.
- End-of-service gratuity based on final basic salary (21 days per year for the first 5 years, 30 days thereafter).
- Notice period: Between 30 to 90 days, depending on contract terms.
Our Employment Law Services in the UAE
Contract
Drafting and Review
We prepare and review:
- Employment contracts compliant with the new Labour Law
- Non-compete clauses, confidentiality
agreements, and bonus
policies
- Offer letters and termination
notices
We ensure documents are legally enforceable and aligned with MOHRE standards.
Termination
Disputes and Labour Court Representation
We represent both employers and
employees in disputes related to:
- Unfair or arbitrary dismissal
- Wrongful termination of
contract
- Withholding of end-of-service
gratuity
- Non-payment of wages or
overtime
- Termination during probation
Our legal team collaborates with local court advocates to appear in UAE Labour Courts and MOHRE proceedings, ensuring strong
representation throughout the dispute resolution process.
MOHRE
Complaints and Mediation
We assist clients in filing labour complaints with MOHRE (Ministry of
Human Resources and Emiratisation), participating in mediation sessions,
and escalating matters to court if needed.
We also advise on:
- Arbitration in employment
disputes
- Free zone employment issues
(e.g. JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZA)
- Dispute settlement agreements
HR Policy,
Restructuring, and Compliance Audits
HN Legal Consultants advises companies on:
- Drafting employee
handbooks, disciplinary
procedures, and workplace
policies
- Conducting HR legal
audits to ensure compliance
- Advising on mass
redundancy and restructuring
strategies in line with legal obligations
Free Zones, DIFC & ADGM Employment
Law Advisory
While mainland UAE employment matters fall
under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021,
areas like Dubai International
Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu
Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have independent
employment regulations based on common
law.
We offer specialist legal advice for companies and employees operating in:
- DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of
2019
- ADGM Employment Regulations
2019
Our team provides cross-jurisdictional support for clients navigating employment across multiple UAE regulatory zones.
Common Employment Law Issues We Handle
- Wage disputes and non-payment
of salary
- Visa and sponsorship-related
termination issues
- Workplace harassment or
discrimination
- Occupational health and
safety violations
- Misuse of non-compete
clauses
- End-of-service benefits calculation disputes
- Labour bans and immigration consequences of termination
Contact HN Legal Consultants – Your
Partner in UAE Employment Law
Whether you're an employer setting
up operations, terminating staff, or conducting an HR audit—or an employee
facing workplace challenges or wrongful dismissal—HN Legal Consultants
is here to provide practical, strategic, and legally sound employment law
advice.
Our local partners represent clients in UAE
labour courts, ensuring you receive on-ground legal protection in
every stage of your employment journey.
Contact us today for a consultation on UAE Labour Law compliance, contract disputes, or employment litigation.
Best Legal Firm!
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