UAE Labour Law
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has demonstrated exemplary efforts to ensure fairness and justice by international legal standards. The UAE government aims to promote inclusivity, equal opportunity, and safeguard the rights of employees across the country. The new labour law of 2022 introduced significant changes in the competitive work environment.
The UAE Labour Law 2022 assures zero tolerance for discrimination in the workplace. Employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees based on:
Gender
Ethnicity
Religion
Nationality
Disability
Social status
This prohibition applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, salaries, training, and termination.
Under the UAE’s updated labour law, men and women must receive equal pay for the same job. Gender-based pay disparity is strictly prohibited. Therefore, hiring labour and employment lawyers is highly recommended for organizations to ensure compliance and fairness.
Employers in the UAE are required to accommodate and be inclusive toward individuals with disabilities. If the job responsibilities can be fulfilled by a person with a disability, the employer is obligated to consider them for employment. Failure to do so may result in legal action and administrative penalties.
Under UAE Labour Law, valid grounds for termination include:
Mutual consent
Expiry of the employment contract
Resignation with notice by the employee
Termination by the employer for legal and serious misconduct
If none of these conditions are met, it may be considered an unfair or arbitrary dismissal, subjecting the employer to penalties.
Unfair termination occurs when an employer:
Fails to provide a valid reason for dismissal
Does not follow the legal process, including issuing proper notice
Terminates an employee based on religion, nationality, or discrimination
In some cases, if an employee files a legitimate complaint and is terminated as retaliation, this is also considered unlawful dismissal.
Article 47 of the UAE Labour Law 2022 states that employees terminated for reasons unrelated to performance may be entitled to compensation of up to three months’ salary. In such cases, retaining labour and employment lawyers in Dubai is advisable.
Employees who experience discrimination or unfair dismissal in the UAE have legal rights. They can:
File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Testify in court proceedings
Report workplace harassment
Claim salary dues or leave entitlements
The MOHRE and Labour Courts actively protect employees’ rights in the UAE.
Employees may start the process by filing a complaint with MOHRE if they have been unfairly terminated or discriminated against. If a resolution is not reached, the case is escalated to the Labour Court.
Labour court proceedings include:
Review of employment contracts
Testimonies from witnesses
Examination of payroll records
Hiring experienced labour lawyers in Dubai helps streamline this legal process and ensure employees receive maximum compensation.
Employers must revise workplace policies to comply with the updated law. These include:
No discrimination in hiring or promotions
Equal salaries for men and women
Inclusive practices for people with disabilities
Clear anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies
Providing valid reasons for termination
Issuing at least one-month notice before dismissal
The UAE Labour Law guarantees that employees are treated fairly and lawfully. Key rights include:
Equal and respectful treatment
Termination only with valid notice
The ability to challenge arbitrary dismissal in court
Seeking compensation for employer misconduct
Confidential complaints to MoHRE or labour courts
The right to legal representation in disputes
Recent cases of wrongful termination in the UAE include:
Terminating a pregnant employee without legal cause
Firing workers who report non-payment of salaries
Discrimination based on race or nationality
Refusal to promote female employees
Dismissal of employees involved in legal proceedings
All such actions are considered violations of the UAE Labour Law and can lead to legal consequences for the employer.
Unfair termination includes being dismissed due to discrimination or after filing a lawful complaint. It violates the ethical and legal standards of employment in the UAE.
You must provide documented evidence and performance records to support your claim. A qualified employment lawyer can help present your case effectively.
Yes. If the dismissal is deemed unfair, employees are entitled to up to three months’ salary as compensation.
Yes. Terminating a woman during pregnancy or while on maternity leave violates UAE labour law.
Employees must file a complaint within one year of the unfair incident or termination.
In 2025, home improvement remains one of the most rewarding investments you can make—both emotionally…
The chemical compound HCOOCH CH2 H2O has emerged as a molecule of significant interest in…
The enigmatic name CB Cotton has sparked widespread curiosity, particularly among fans of reality television…
If you are looking to purchase the advanced YELL51X-OUZ4 model, you’ve come to the right…
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is the lifeblood of sustainable growth and competitive…
In today's competitive landscape, personal and professional growth has become essential for success. pedrovazpaulo coaching…