United Arab Emirates: Contract of Employment

Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri provides expert legal guidance on the key rights and entitlements employees should be aware of when their employment is terminated in the UAE. The insights cover critical matters including notice period compensation, gratuity payments, job search allowances, repatriation costs, and eligibility under the Involuntary Loss of Employment scheme.

Recruitment in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework covering hiring practices, candidate selection, and employer obligations. This detailed analysis examines the principles of good faith recruitment, non-discrimination requirements, prohibition of forced labour, and the strict allocation of recruitment costs to employers, while exploring practical compliance challenges and risk points throughout the hiring process.

The 2024 ruling by the Dubai Court of First Instance affirms the legality of paying salaries in cryptocurrency under employment contracts, reflecting a shift in the UAE judiciary's approach to