Labor law remains a key issue for self-employed individuals and companies in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Business Consulting offers proven expertise in this area through our specialist Felix Dimpfl, who has been working as a lawyer in Germany, Spain and the UAE for over 20 years – with a clear focus on employment law.

Labor law in the UAE differs fundamentally from the regulations in Europe in many respects. It is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labor Law) and the supplementary Executive Regulations and applies equally to employers and employees – regardless of whether a company is based in the mainland or in a free zone.

Particularly noteworthy are the contract design – in the UAE, employment contracts are generally concluded in writing and are usually for a fixed term – the strict requirements regarding notice periods and severance pay, as well as the legally defined working hours and vacation entitlements, which differ significantly from European standards.

Another special feature is the state Wage Protection System (WPS), through which salaries must be paid on time. Violations of this can result in severe sanctions. In addition, there is a close link between the employment relationship and residence status: no valid employment contract is possible without a valid visa.

If conflicts arise, the UAE provides for mandatory proceedings before the Labor Dispute Settlement Committees before a case can even be heard in court.

With Felix Dimpfl, Dubai Business Consulting offers entrepreneurs and the self-employed the ideal combination of European specialist legal expertise and practical experience in the Arab legal system – for legally secure solutions in all matters of employment law