United Arab Emirates: Employee Rights/ Labour Relations

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced comprehensive Teacher Appointment Guidelines that fundamentally reshape how private schools in Dubai recruit, retain, and manage teaching staff.

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.

Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has ruled that workplace investigations are not mere procedural formalities but substantive legal requirements under UAE Labour Law.

In these three episodes, Marianne Parkinson and Olivia Rhys-Evans from our Employment team will be joined by Michael Chattle of Al Tamimi to discuss hot topics and trends around employment in the United Arab Emirates.

The DIFC Courts Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025: Access to Justice in Employment Disputes ("PD 1/2025") issued by the Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts H.E. Justice Wayne Martin effective on 9 October 2025.

Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 under Article 4 states that only licensed recruitment offices can recruit domestic workers in the UAE...

The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its residency laws for 2025, solidifying its position as a global hub for talent, investment, and family life. These comprehensive reforms reflect...

This year has seen some key employment developments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for employer-employee relationships, while providing an insight into the implications of such developments.

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") has implemented a series of new legal reforms aimed at enhancing its investment environment and simplifying corporate operations.