What the guide covers
Employment disputes in the UAE rarely stem from bad faith. More often an employer has brought habits from another country: the contract was drafted the wrong way, the end-of-service payment was miscalculated, or the notice period was ignored. This guide explains the core rules in plain language and helps you avoid the usual mistakes.
Note that companies in the DIFC and ADGM are governed by their own employment laws — a separate chapter covers the differences.
Chapter by chapter
- Which law applies. Federal labour law for the mainland and most free zones; the separate DIFC and ADGM regimes.
- The employment contract. Mandatory terms, registration, contract language, changing terms.
- Probation. Six months maximum; terminating during probation and the notice required.
- Working hours, leave and sick leave. The key rules and how to record them in company policies.
- Pay. The Wage Protection System (WPS) and what counts as basic salary.
- Termination. Grounds, contractual notice (between 30 and 90 days), dismissal without notice, compensation for unlawful termination.
- End-of-service gratuity. The general formula — 21 days' basic pay for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after, subject to a cap — and who qualifies.
- Non-compete and confidentiality. When restrictions are permitted.
- Employment disputes. MOHRE complaints, moving to court, documents and evidence — see Employment disputes in the UAE.
- Employer's checklist. What to review in your HR documents once a year.
How to get it
Enter your email in the form on this page and the guide will arrive within minutes. If you would like your company's contracts and HR documents reviewed, that is part of our legal audit and corporate support retainer.
FAQ
In part. The DIFC and ADGM have their own employment laws; the main differences are covered in a separate chapter.
Yes, it explains the general formula and what counts as basic salary. An actual calculation depends on the contract and employment history.
Both: the rules are the same, and the guide shows what each side should watch out for.