Dentons is the leading international law firm in the Middle East and our employment lawyers in the region have an in-depth understanding of local law issues. We have a substantial and well-resourced employment practice across our unrivalled network of offices and associated offices in the region, and as a result we are instructed regularly by local and international clients operating in the Gulf.

Our deeply experienced lawyers provide focused advice and assistance in all aspects of contentious, non-contentious and advisory employment work, including in relation to corporate governance issues, redundancy programs, equality discrimination issues, employment litigation and grievance and dismissal procedures.

Our Middle East practice draws on Dentons’ extensive global footprint in 80+ countries, enabling us to quickly come to the aid of clients involved in multijurisdictional and cross-border employment cases. It is thanks to our global presence and contacts that we are one of the few firms able to provide multinationals with a coordinated solution to all their employment and benefits needs around the world. In doing so, we also work closely with our colleagues in other parts of the firm to deliver a seamless approach in areas such as procurement, internal investigations and data privacy.

Our experience in the Middle East includes:

• Complex restructurings involving large-scale redundancies and harmonizing terms and conditions
• Employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions
• Retention and removal of executives
• Advising on the employment aspects of tendering or retendering of services
• Managing high-value and high reputation risk litigation
• Where permitted by the jurisdiction, preparing, attending and undertaking employment litigation on all employment-related claims, including whistle-blowing, complex discrimination cases and restrictive covenants
• Drafting and updating the full range of employment documentation, including terms and conditions, diversity policies, disciplinary and grievance policies, company handbooks and Codes of Conduct
• Extensive training on best practice in recruitment, selection and promotion and correction discipline, grievance and dismissal procedures

Recognition

229 Dentons lawyers ranked in Chambers Global 2019

February 15, 2019

Dentons is pleased to announce that 229 of its lawyers have been ranked in the Chambers Global 2019 guide. This is an increase of over 30 percent compared to last year's total of 175. Of these recommended lawyers, 90 are ranked in the highest bands (Bands 1 and 2, Eminent Practitioner, Star, Senior Statespeople).

Insights

Oman employment updates

February 27, 2025

Oman: The relevant authorities in Oman are now actively taking steps to penalise companies that do not comply with certain employer obligations announced in 2024

Global Pay Transparency and Equity Guide

February 25, 2025

Global: Navigating international pay transparency and equity rules can be complex. To help, we have developed an interactive Global Pay Transparency & Equity Guide, including an interactive heatmap which allows you to compare regulations across 50+ jurisdictions. Our guide provides a clear, at-a-glance overview of the legal landscape, helping you prepare for both current and upcoming transparency reporting requirements worldwide. Alongside this we also provide a summary of the pay equity laws you need to know about in each jurisdiction.

Oman increases the number of commercial activities prohibited to foreign investors

September 25, 2024

Oman: The Oman Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has issued a list of commercial activities prohibited to foreign investors (2020 MD).

View all insights for Employment and Labor in the Middle East

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 releases Global AI Trends Report

January 20, 2025

Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, has published a Global AI Trends report, highlighting key risk considerations with viewpoints from multiple jurisdictions.

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.

View all press releases for Employment and Labor in the Middle East