Employment Lawyer in Dubai
Legal Support for Work, Family, and Personal Issues
Work with an employment lawyer in Dubai for contracts, terminations, unpaid wages, discrimination claims, workplace investigations, and free zone-related employment matters outside DIFC. We provide clear steps, practical timelines, and straightforward communication for employer and employee issues across the UAE mainland and free zones.
Need help with an employment issue? Contact our Dubai employment legal team today.
What We Do
- Employment contract drafting and review including offer letters, handbooks, and confidentiality clauses
- Termination advice and disputes covering resignations, dismissals, redundancies, and settlement agreements
- Unpaid wages and benefits claims involving salary, overtime, gratuity, and end of service benefits recovery
- Workplace misconduct and harassment investigations with documented procedures and fair resolution
- Free zone employment support (excluding DIFC) including regulatory compliance and dispute assistance
- MOHRE filings, mediation, complaint handling, and authority correspondence
How We Help
- Assess your situation, review contracts and timelines, then map options fitting UAE employment rules
- Prepare letters, notices, and settlement drafts aligned with procedural and evidentiary requirements
- Represent you in mediation, authority processes, and tribunals aiming for efficient resolution
Facing termination or unpaid wages? Speak with our Dubai employment lawyers for options and next steps.
Employment Contracts and Policies
Contract Drafting and Review
We help create and review employment agreements that comply with UAE labor law while protecting your interests.
- Contract Terms and Conditions
- Draft and review fixed term and unlimited contracts with clear probation, leave, and benefits terms
- Align job descriptions and performance provisions to support lawful employment decisions
- Prepare confidentiality, non compete, and IP clauses tailored to Dubai employment law
- Workplace Policies
- Create handbooks covering leave, overtime, grievance, and disciplinary procedures
- Provide training materials to help managers apply policies consistently and maintain records
Termination and Settlement
Lawful Termination Processes
Navigate the complexities of employment termination while ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
- Termination Planning and Documentation
- Evaluate termination grounds, notice periods, and documentation to reduce dispute risks
- Manage redundancy processes including fair selection, consultation, and compliance steps
- Settlement Agreements
- Draft detailed settlement terms with payment schedules and visa or sponsorship instructions
- Include mutual non-disparagement and final handover procedures where appropriate
Wages, Gratuity, and Benefits
Unpaid Wages and Overtime
Recover what you’re owed through proper legal channels and documentation.
- Payment Recovery Process
- Prepare claims for unpaid salaries, overtime, and allowances with payroll verification
- Pursue claims through MOHRE or labor courts where informal resolution fails
- End of Service and Leave Entitlements
- Calculate gratuity rights based on contract type and service period with transparent methods
- Reconcile annual, sick leave, and travel allowance entitlements in line with policy and records
Workplace Investigations and Issues
Misconduct and Performance Management
Handle workplace issues fairly while protecting all parties involved.
- Investigation Procedures
- Conduct fair investigations with proper notices, interviews, and documented findings
- Recommend proportionate disciplinary measures and communicate outcomes in writing
- Harassment and Discrimination Claims
- Establish confidential reporting channels and protect complainants
- Advise on remedial actions and policy updates to prevent recurrence
Free Zone Employment Support (Excluding DIFC)
Regulatory Alignment
Navigate the specific requirements of UAE free zones outside the Dubai International Financial Centre.
- Free Zone Compliance
- Help companies comply with free zone employment regulations such as JAFZA, DMCC, and others
- Assist on licensing and labor office interactions related to employment issues
- Dispute Handling
- Support mediation and dispute resolution procedures specific to respective free zones
- Liaise with relevant free zone authorities on employment complaints
Visas and Sponsorships
Employment Visa Process
Manage visa matters that intersect with employment relationships and terminations.
- Visa Applications and Renewals
- Guide through visa application, renewal, and cancellation stages related to employment status
- Coordinate visa cancellation and repatriation support following employment termination
- Sponsorship Transfers
- Manage sponsorship transfers in accordance with UAE immigration and labor regulations
- Align legal strategies with timing of employment settlements to maintain status
Who We Support
- Employers and Companies: Businesses seeking legal support for employment contracts, terminations, workplace investigations, and regulatory compliance across Dubai mainland and free zones.
- Employees and Workers: Individuals needing assistance with unpaid wages, wrongful dismissals, workplace complaints, and understanding their rights under UAE employment law.
- HR Professionals: Human resources teams requiring guidance on policy development, compliance audits, and proper handling of workplace disputes and investigations.
- Free Zone Entities: Companies operating in UAE free zones (excluding DIFC) requiring specialized knowledge of zone-specific employment regulations and procedures.
How It Works
Step 1: Assessment
Discuss your employment issue, review contracts, pay, and timelines for a clear options map
Step 2: Documention
Prepare or review legal letters, settlement agreements, and compile supporting evidence
Step 3: Resolution
Engage in negotiations or mediation and file claims with authorities or labor courts as needed
Step 4: Closure
Finalize agreements or decisions and manage payroll, visa, and record updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Key terms cover job role, pay, leave, probation, notice, benefits, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Contracts must comply with UAE Labour Law provisions and include mandatory clauses such as probation periods, notice requirements, and gratuity calculations.
Yes, with shorter notice periods but all earned wages and accrued rights remain payable. Probation periods allow more flexibility for both parties but don't eliminate employer obligations for proper procedures and payment of dues.
Based on basic salary and length of service, with differences for fixed or unlimited term contracts. For unlimited contracts, employees receive 21 days' pay per year for the first five years, then 30 days' pay per year thereafter.
Document owed amounts, request payment formally, then pursue MOHRE or court claims if unresolved. Keep detailed records of hours worked, salary agreements, and any communications about payment delays or disputes.
Yes, if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and protect legitimate business interests. Courts examine whether restrictions are necessary to protect confidential information, client relationships, or trade secrets without unreasonably limiting employment opportunities.
Follow company procedures, report to HR or labor authorities, and preserve evidence. Document incidents with dates, witnesses, and any communications. If internal procedures fail, complaints can be filed with MOHRE or relevant free zone authorities.
MOHRE mediates labor complaints, manages investigations, and facilitates adjudication or settlements. The ministry provides conciliation services and can refer unresolved matters to labor courts for final determination.
Yes, with objective criteria, consultation, proper notice, and payment of entitlements. Employers must demonstrate genuine business reasons, follow fair selection procedures, and provide required notice periods and severance payments.
Simple cases may resolve in a few weeks through MOHRE mediation; complex disputes requiring court proceedings can take several months depending on evidence complexity and case backlog.
While not mandatory, legal representation helps navigate procedures, prepare documents, and negotiate settlements effectively. Many employment matters involve complex calculations, procedural requirements, and strategic considerations that benefit from professional guidance.