Best Employment Lawyers in Dubai.
For Employers & Employees
Workplace disputes in Dubai are more common than most people expect. Our top rated employment lawyers in Dubai know UAE labour law and MOHRE inside and out. We work with both employees and employers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and RAK. Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Turkish and Hindi speaking team.
MOHRE · Labour Court · DIFC
We Know All Three
Arabic - English - Russian - Urdu - Turkish - Hindi
20+ Years of Legal Experience in the UAE
- Practice Areas
Our Employment Law Services in Dubai
Our best employment lawyers in Dubai cover the full range of labour and employment matters for both employees and employers.
Wrongful Termination & Unfair Dismissal
If you were fired without a valid reason or correct notice, you may have a claim. We represent employees in wrongful termination cases through MOHRE and the Dubai Labour Court.
UAE Specific
Under Article 47 of the UAE Labor Law, where an employee’s termination is unlawful because it results from filing a serious complaint with MOHRE or bringing a valid claim against the employer, the court may award fair compensation of up to three months’ wage, without prejudice to the employee’s other legal entitlements
Unpaid Salary & End of Service Gratuity
UAE law gives employees clear rights to salary on time and full gratuity on leaving.If your employer is withholding salary or end-of-service entitlements, we can assist with filing the appropriate claim and pursuing the amounts due under applicable UAE law.
UAE Specific
For eligible foreign full-time employees, end-of-service gratuity is generally calculated based on the employee’s last basic wage, at 21 days’ basic wage for each year of the first five years of service and 30 days’ basic wage for each additional year, subject to the applicable UAE Labor Law and any applicable alternative end-of-service benefits scheme.
MOHRE Complaints & Labour Disputes
We prepare and file MOHRE complaints for employees and respond to MOHRE complaints for employers. Right documents, right approach, from the start.
UAE Specific
Individual labor disputes subject to the UAE Labor Law must first be submitted to MOHRE. Depending on the nature and value of the claim, MOHRE may issue a decision or, where applicable, refer the dispute to the competent court in accordance with Article 54 of the UAE Labor Law.
Employment Contract Disputes
If your contract terms were misrepresented or your employer is violating the agreement, we review the contract, advise on your rights, and represent you in any dispute.
UAE Specific
The official contract registered with MOHRE is the only one the court will look at during disputes.
Forced Resignation & Constructive Dismissal
If an employer breaches its legal or contractual obligations, an employee may, in circumstances specified by UAE Labor Law, be entitled to leave work without notice while retaining certain statutory rights.
UAE Specific
Article 45 of the UAE Labor Law permits an employee to leave work without notice in specified circumstances while retaining the rights due upon termination of employment, subject to the conditions and procedures prescribed by law.
Employment Contracts for Employers
Poorly written contracts create legal risk. We draft and review employment contracts for businesses across Dubai mainland and free zones, fully compliant with UAE labour law.
UAE Specific
UAE Labor Law prohibits discrimination, harassment, bullying and certain forms of unequal treatment in the workplace, subject to the provisions and scope of the applicable employment legislation.
Workplace Harassment & Discrimination
UAE law prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination. If you have experienced unfair treatment at work, we advise on your legal options and represent you in any complaint.
UAE Specific
Free zones like the DIFC have their own separate labor courts and rules from mainland Dubai.
DIFC Employment Disputes
DIFC employment cases are handled under a separate law with their own courts. We handle DIFC employment disputes including the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal and DIFC Courts.
UAE Specific
The DIFC has its own English-language court system and employment legislation, separate from the UAE federal labor framework applicable to most private-sector employment outside the DIFC.
- For Employees & Employers
Whether You Are an Employee or an Employer, We Can Help in Dubai
Employment law in Dubai protects the rights of both sides. Here is what matters most depending on your situation.
For Employees
Many employees do not know their rights until something goes wrong. Here are the main ones.
- You have the right to receive your salary on time every month.
- If your employment is terminated unlawfully or without the required notice, you may be entitled to compensation or other amounts in accordance with the circumstances and applicable UAE Labor Law
- Eligible foreign employees who complete at least one year of continuous service may be entitled to end-of-service benefits in accordance with UAE Labor Law or an applicable alternative end-of-service benefits scheme
- employee may be entitled to leave employment without notice in the circumstances specifically provided for under UAE Labor Law, including certain serious breaches by the employer.
- UAE Labor Law provides protection against unlawful termination where an employee is dismissed because they filed a serious complaint with MOHRE or brought a valid legal claim against the employer
For Employers
Getting employment law right from the start costs far less than resolving a dispute later.
- Employment contracts should comply with the legislation applicable to the relevant employment relationship. Contractual terms that conflict with mandatory legal requirements may be unenforceable.
- Terminating an employee incorrectly is one of the most expensive mistakes employers make.
- Responding to a MOHRE complaint quickly and correctly is critical. Ignoring it makes it worse.
- Gratuity must be calculated correctly. Mistakes are a frequent source of MOHRE complaints.
- Well-drafted contracts and HR policies reduce legal risk before problems happen.
- Your Situation
Are You Dealing with One of These?
Contact our top rated employment lawyers in Dubai today. We will tell you your rights and the best next step before you do anything else.
- Know Your Rights
How Employment Law in Dubai Works?
Employment law in Dubai is not one single system. It depends on where you work. Most people do not know this until they have a problem.
Employment Law Dubai
UAE Labour Law & MOHRE
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 generally governs private-sector employment relationships within its scope of application, subject to the exclusions and special legal regimes provided by UAE law.MOHRE receives individual labor disputes and seeks an amicable settlement. Depending on the value and nature of the claim, MOHRE may issue an enforceable decision or refer the dispute to the competent court in accordance with Article 54 of the UAE Labor Law.
Proceedings before the Dubai Labor Court are conducted in Arabic. Our lawyers advise and represent clients throughout MOHRE proceedings and employment disputes before the competent courts
Employment Law Dubai
DIFC & Free Zone Employment
If you work inside the DIFC, a different employment law applies with its own courts and rules. Employment outside the DIFC may be governed by the UAE Federal Labor Law, subject to the legal framework and regulations applicable to the relevant free zone and employment relationship. We tell you which system covers you from the first conversation.
Not sure which employment law applies to you? Tell us where you work and we will give you a clear answer straight away.
- Client Outcomes
What Our Clients Say | Real Cases, Real Outcomes
Real clients sharing their experience working with our employment law team, in their own words.
- Our Team
Meet Our Best Employment Lawyers in Dubai
At Leaders Advocates, your employment matter is handled by a named lawyer from day one. Our team represents employees and employers in labor and employment matters involving MOHRE, the Dubai Labor Court and the DIFC Courts.
Faris Raian
Founder Partner
Faris Raian has worked in UAE courts for over 15 years. He helps people and businesses deal with tough work problems, unfair firing, and contract rules. If you need one of the best employment lawyers in dubai, Faris is fluent in Arabic and regularly stands up for clients in the Dubai Labour Court and MOHRE. He gives clear, practical employment contract law advice to protect your career or your business.
“Work disputes are stressful because they affect your pay and your life. We use dubai law for employment to protect you and get a fair result.”
Ekaterina Butseva
Founder Partner
Ekaterina Butseva helps with international work issues, executive contracts, and company changes. Recognized as one of the top rated employment lawyers in the region, she deals with big contracts, non-compete rules, and exit packages. Her work has made Leaders Advocates a trusted employment law firm dubai, offering straightforward employment law services to expats and companies.
“Every workplace is different. Whether you need an employment agreement lawyer or help with a contract dispute, we keep things simple and protect your future.”
Majed Al Sheikh
Senior Lawyer
Dr. Majid Mohammed Al-Sheikh Al-Khazraji holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Law and Islamic Sharia from Al-Azhar University, Cairo. He served as President of the State Audit Institution in the UAE for 38 years and has been registered as a lawyer with the Ministry of Justice since 1980.
“I make sure no client feels lost in the process. Every question gets a clear, honest answer.”
- How It Works
Contact a Trusted Employment Law Firm in Dubai
- FAQs
FAQs About Employment Lawyers in Dubai
Have questions about employment law services in Dubai? Here are the answers our lawyers most often provide to employees and employers.
What does an employment lawyer in Dubai do?
An employment lawyer advises on rights under UAE labour law, files MOHRE complaints, represents clients at the Labour Court and DIFC Courts, recovers unpaid salaries and gratuity, drafts employment contracts and defends employers against labour complaints.
How do I file a labour complaint in Dubai?
You file through the MOHRE website, app, or in person. MOHRE invites both sides to mediation. If mediation fails, the case goes to the Dubai Labour Court. We prepare and file complaints for clients and manage the full process from start to resolution.
Can my employer fire me without notice in Dubai?
An employer must give 30 to 90 days notice depending on your contract. Termination without notice is only legal for specific gross misconduct reasons defined by UAE law. If you were fired without notice and it was not for a legally valid reason, you are entitled to compensation.
What can I do if my employer is not paying my salary?
You can file a MOHRE complaint immediately. UAE law requires salaries to be paid through the Wage Protection System. MOHRE handles salary complaints faster than most other employment matters. We file the complaint and track it through to payment.
What is the difference between MOHRE and the Labour Court?
MOHRE handles mediation between the two sides. If mediation fails, the case goes to the Dubai Labour Court where a judge decides. MOHRE is faster. The Labour Court is more formal. Having a lawyer at both stages improves your outcome significantly.
Can I take my employer to court if I am an expat in Dubai?
Yes. Expats have exactly the same rights under UAE labour law as UAE nationals. You can file a MOHRE complaint and take your employer to the Labour Court.
Need Employment Law Services in Dubai?
Our Employment Lawyers In Dubai Are Ready to Help?
Whether you are an employee who has been treated unfairly or an employer dealing with a labour dispute, our employment law firm in Dubai is ready to help. Book your first consultation.