Employment & Labour Lawyers in Dubai
Clear Advice on UAE Labour Law for Employers and Employees
The Legal Group (TLG) advises employers and employees in Dubai on every stage of the working relationship, from the first contract to the final settlement. Most private-sector jobs in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which replaced the 1980 labour law on 2 February 2022. Our employment lawyers draft and review contracts, handle termination and gratuity disputes, and represent clients before the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the labour courts.
Trusted Employment Lawyers in Dubai
Key takeaways on UAE labour law:
- All UAE employment contracts are now fixed-term, for up to 3 years, and can be renewed.
- Notice periods run from 30 to 90 days.
- End-of-service gratuity starts after 1 year of continuous service.
- MOHRE issues final, enforceable decisions on claims of AED 50,000 or less.
- Labour claims can be filed up to 2 years after the job ends.
Understanding UAE Labour Law
These are the main rules under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 that shape most employment matters in Dubai:
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Contract type | Fixed-term, up to 3 years, renewable | FDL 33/2021 |
| Probation | Up to 6 months; at least 14 days’ written notice to end it | Art. 9 |
| Notice period | Minimum 30 days, maximum 90 days | Art. 43 |
| Working hours | 8 hours a day, 48 hours a week | Art. 17 |
| Annual leave | 30 calendar days a year after 1 year of service | Art. 29 |
| Gratuity | 21 days’ basic pay per year for years 1–5; 30 days per year after that; capped at 2 years’ pay | Art. 51 |
| Final settlement | Paid within 14 days of the contract ending | FDL 33/2021 |
| Arbitrary dismissal | Compensation of up to 3 months’ wages | Art. 47 |
| Time limit to claim | 2 years from the end of employment | Art. 54(9), as amended |
These rules apply to mainland employers and most free zones. Companies in the DIFC and ADGM follow their own employment laws, so ask us which regime applies to you.
How The Legal Group Helps You
For more than 30 years, The Legal Group has advised businesses and individuals across the UAE. Our employment lawyers act for both employers and employees, so we understand how each side will argue a dispute. For employers, we link HR advice with our corporate and commercial law team. When a case escalates, our litigation, arbitration and mediation lawyers support you through every stage.
Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
Decades of practice in UAE courts and before government bodies give our clients confidence when an employment issue arises.
Advice for Employers and Employees
We act on both sides of the employment relationship, which helps us predict the other side's arguments and settle disputes faster.
Contracts and HR Compliance
We draft contracts, handbooks and policies that follow Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and reduce the risk of MOHRE fines.
Gratuity and Settlement Checks
We check end-of-service gratuity, leave and notice pay before you sign a final settlement, so nothing owed is missed.
MOHRE and Labour Court Representation
We file and defend MOHRE complaints and represent clients in labour court cases, from first hearing to enforcement.
Ajman Location:
Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rahid - Al Bahia - Ajman
Dubai Location:
Suite, Wafi Mall, The Executive - Oud Metha Rd - Umm Hurair Second - Dubai
+971 4 447 7044
+971 4 447 7088
inquiries@tlg.ae
Our Employment & Labour Law Services
Employment Contracts
We draft and review employment contracts, offer letters and fixed-term renewals so they comply with UAE labour law and protect your position.
HR Policies and Handbooks
We prepare employee handbooks, disciplinary procedures and workplace policies that are clear, lawful and easy to apply.
Termination and Redundancy
We advise employers on lawful termination, redundancy and Article 44 dismissals, including notice, documentation and final settlement.
Non-Compete and Confidentiality
We draft and enforce non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality clauses, and advise employees on whether a restriction is enforceable.
Unpaid Salary and Leave Claims
We help employees recover unpaid salary, overtime and leave pay, and advise employers on Wage Protection System (WPS) issues.
MOHRE Complaints and
Labour Court Cases
We prepare and file MOHRE complaints, respond to claims against employers, and represent clients in the labour courts and on appeal.
Arbitrary Dismissal Claims
If you were dismissed for a reason unrelated to your work, a court can award up to 3 months’ wages in compensation. We assess and pursue these claims.
Gratuity and Final Settlement Disputes
We calculate end-of-service gratuity and final settlement amounts and recover payments that are late or short.
How End-of-Service Gratuity Is Calculated
Gratuity is based on basic salary only, not allowances. An employee earns 21 days’ basic pay for each of the first 5 years of service, and 30 days’ basic pay for each year after that. The total cannot exceed 2 years’ basic salary, and nothing is payable for less than 1 year of service.
Example (illustrative): an employee with a basic salary of AED 10,000 a month and 4 years of service.
- Daily basic wage = AED 10,000 × 12 ÷ 365 = about AED 328.77
- Gratuity = AED 328.77 × 21 days × 4 years = about AED 27,616
Unpaid leave and missing paperwork can change the figure. We check the calculation before you sign a final settlement.
How Labour Disputes Work in the UAE
1. Try to settle directly
Many disputes end with a written settlement once both sides understand their legal position.
2. File a complaint with MOHRE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation first tries to reach an amicable settlement between the parties.
3. MOHRE decision on smaller claims
Since 1 January 2024, MOHRE issues a final, enforceable decision on claims of AED 50,000 or less, and on breaches of an earlier MOHRE settlement.
4. Court for larger or contested claims
Claims above AED 50,000 that do not settle go to the labour court. A party that disagrees with a MOHRE decision can challenge it in court.
5. Enforcement
Once a decision or judgment is final, we help you collect what is owed through our debt recovery services. Time limits are short at each stage, so get advice early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the notice period in the UAE?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the notice period must be at least 30 days and no more than 90 days. The contract sets the exact period. If notice is not served, the party ending the contract must pay the wage for the notice days not worked.
Am I entitled to gratuity if I resign?
Yes, if you have completed at least 1 year of continuous service. Under the current law, resigning no longer reduces your gratuity the way it did under the old law. It is paid at 21 days’ basic salary per year for the first 5 years, then 30 days per year.
What counts as arbitrary dismissal in the UAE?
Dismissal is arbitrary when the main reason is unrelated to the job, for example because the employee filed a genuine complaint or lawsuit against the employer. A court can award up to 3 months’ wages as compensation, on top of notice pay and gratuity.
How do I file a labour complaint in Dubai?
You file the complaint with MOHRE through its website, app or a service centre. MOHRE first tries to settle the dispute. For claims of AED 50,000 or less it can issue a binding decision; larger unresolved claims are sent to court. A lawyer can prepare your claim and evidence.
How long do I have to file a labour claim?
Employers and employees can file a labour claim up to 2 years after the employment ends. This limit was extended from 1 year by amendments to Article 54 of the labour law. Some steps inside a dispute, such as challenging a MOHRE decision, have much shorter deadlines.
When must my employer pay my final settlement?
The employer must pay all amounts due within 14 days of the contract ending. This includes unpaid salary, unused leave, notice pay where due, and end-of-service gratuity. If payment is late, you can file a claim with MOHRE.
Speak with an Employment Lawyer in Dubai
Whether you are an employer planning a restructuring or an employee facing dismissal, early advice protects your position. Contact The Legal Group to review your contract, check your gratuity, or start a MOHRE or court claim.