Our UAE-based employment and labour team has an in-depth understanding of local issues and is regularly instructed by local and international clients doing business in the UAE. We have a diverse practice with experienced fee earners in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi giving focused, commercial advice and assistance on contentious, non-contentious and advisory employment work.

Our practice advises on the federal Labour Law as well as the Employment Laws applicable in each of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and can assist with a wide range of employment needs, such as:

• Advising on employment contracts and handbooks and providing templates with UAE specific optionality.
• Day-to-day advice on general UAE Labour Law matters including holidays, sickness, maternity leave and end of service gratuity.
• Conducting internal regulatory investigations and assisting clients with asset recovery and tracing, dispute resolution, risk management and regulatory reporting.
• Advising on employee terminations, whether for cause, by notice for a valid reason or mutual termination scenarios.
• Providing case management of UAE Labour Court disputes and advising on employment disputes in the DIFC.
• Carrying out employment audits, including reviewing the visa, employment contract and health insurance status of employees

Insights

Amendment to the DIFC Employment Law

April 25, 2024

United Arab Emirates: The DIFC Employment Law (DIFC Law No. 2/2019) was recently amended by virtue of the DIFC Law No. 1/2024. This amendment has introduced for the first time as a conditional obligation on the DIFC-based employers to enrol their UAE/GCC national employees in the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme.

Dentons lawyers author UAE chapter of The Employment Law Review

March 22, 2022

Dentons' UAE Corporate practice have contributed a chapter to the thirteenth edition of The Employment Law Review, published by London-based Law Business Research. The review provides an important overview for multinational corporations as they seek to understand and comply with the laws of the various jurisdictions in which they operate.

Defense Contracting in the Middle East

November 16, 2021

Middle East: The defense industry deals in sensitive, complex and high-value products that are vital to national security across global markets. The industry sits at the interface of business and government.

View all insights for Employment and Labor in the United Arab Emirates

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons advises Helmerich & Payne on acquisition of KCA Deutag

February 18, 2025

Global law firm Dentons has advised NYSE-listed drilling rig manufacturer Helmerich & Payne on the employment and corporate aspects of the US$1.97 billion acquisition of UK-headquartered KCA Deutag International Limited. 

Dentons strengthens Middle East Employment practice with hires of Shiraz Sethi and Ali Al Assaad

January 12, 2021

Dentons is proud to announce the joining of Shiraz Sethi in the Firm's Dubai office. Bolstering our employment capabilities across the Middle East, Shiraz will assume the role of Regional Head of Employment, bringing a wealth of experience to the position.

Dentons announces promotion of six new partners in the UK and Middle East

May 18, 2020

Dentons is pleased to announce the promotion of six new partners in the UK & Middle East region. The new partners represent a range of practices, sectors and industries.