Q: Hi, I was previously working in a company based in DMCC and have now moved to Hamriyah Free Zone. In my DMCC contract, there was no mention of a non-compete, but my offer letter includes one. Now, in my new organization, if my old customers start to contact me for business, am I liable for any legal action from my previous employer?

Q: Hello, I have a question regarding the non-compete clause. Do note that this non-compete clause was only mentioned in the offer letter and not in the labor contract. The current situation is I am looking to start my own training consultancy. The nature of the business is to partner with companies that provide e-learning products, I will then consult with HR leaders in companies and advise and sell that e-learning software to them. The previous organization that I worked for was not a consultancy but rather had its own e-learning software that is being sold in the market. However do note that the contract I signed with them was released by their company in New Jersey, USA, as they do not have an office in the UAE. However, my visa was issued by their partner company, whom I had to sign a labor contract with as well as an offer letter that did not have a non-compete clause. I want to know If I will get into any trouble if I start my own company considering the above. Thank you

Q: Dear Lawyers, I need your advice regarding a non-compete clause in my contract. I left my former employer last September, and they were a free zone company. I have since started a similar business online with a Tajer license. However, my ex-employer is sending me emails daily, threatening to take legal action if I don’t close my business. Can you advise on my rights and the best course of action? Best regards,

The UAE has adopted a major reform in its legislative system that brought about 40 new laws and amendments to the company law, criminal law, personal status, among others. The amendments aim to develop the legislative structure in various sectors, the labor law being one of these, was the most recent. We try in this article to shed light on the changes introduced with the new labor law and their significance on both, the employer and employee.

Sometimes this seems very simple to incorporate a company in the UAE, however, investors must seek professional advice before taking this important business decision to avoid any future legal implications.

The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).

The provisions of this Law, known as "UAE Labour Law", govern the relationship between employers and employees and other labour matters in the United Arab Emirates. There are special labour related regulations applicable in some of the free zones in the UAE.

This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.

The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies governs commercial companies in the United Arab Emirates. The New Commercial Companies Code repeals the previous UAE Commercial Companies Code (Federal Law No. (2) of 2015 on Commercial Companies).