Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan my former employer take legal action aginst me due a non-compete clause if I started a similar business?




0
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,





Jan 31, 2025
193
New job, similar industry: Can my former employer sue for breach of non-compete?



3
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I had a contract with my former employer that had a 3-year non-compete clause. This was an internal company contract.
I later signed another contract with the Dubai Media City Authority, which only mentions that my non-compete is limited to the territory of Dubai.
Which contract am I bound by?
Additionally, the line of business is different between my former employer and my new employer. However, my former employer is saying that they will take legal action and file a case against me.
My new employer has a business within their group umbrella that is similar to one of the products of my former employer.
Can I be held legally liable?




Nov 2, 2023
295
Can my employer block me from joining a competitor without a non-compete clause?




0
Q: Hello,
I don't have a non-compete clause in my contract, and I am moving to a competitor. I have given 2 months’ notice, and my current employer asked me to take 3 weeks’ garden leave until the end of my notice period.
However, today I received a letter from my current employer stating that I cannot work for a competitor for a period of 1 year, and they are also telling me not to contact any suppliers, clients, or colleagues.
Is this correct and reasonable? I can't be idle for a year. What can I do?





+4
Sep 23, 2025
43
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Can I reject the rent increase (41%) & short notice (81 days) served by my landlord in RAK? 0
Dear Legal Community,
I am seeking advice regarding a residential tenancy contract renewal in Ras Al Khaimah.
Situation:
Property: Residential unit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Current Annual Rent: AED 27,000.
Contract Expiry: December 21st, 2025.
Landlord's Proposal: Increase to AED 38,000 (approx. 41% increase).
Notification Date: October 1st, 2025 (81 days before expiry).
My Questions:
Notice Period Validity: Is a notice of 81 days for a rent increase legally valid in Ras Al Khaimah, given the common requirement of 90 days' prior notice?
Rent Increase Legality: Is a 41% rent increase permissible under RAK rental laws and the RAK Municipality Rental Index, or are there caps/guidelines?
Tenant's Rights: What are my rights in this situation? Can I insist on renewing at the current rent (AED 27,000) due to the invalid notice?
Dispute Resolution: What is the process for escalating this to the Ras Al Khaimah Rent?
Oct 1, 2025
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I have a Labour case against the company and they cannot find them on the registered address. What to do? 0
I have a labor case against the company; it's a small company working from home. After MOHRE, I filed it in the court.
3 hearings are over already, and the other party has not shown up at any hearings and has not responded to any court notifications.
They are not coming to the registered address, so the court has not been able to serve them properly either.
The trade license is active, and the company is working, putting updates on LinkedIn and all that.
How many more hearings might the court give before giving judgment?
What can be done from my side?
Oct 1, 2025
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Is a termination notice valid if the employee read it in the mail and replied to it? 0
Hello,
Q: Is the notice of termination considered delivered and acknowledged if the employee has read it in the mail and responded to the message by asking additional questions?
If the employee does not sign the notice, is it necessary to draw up a report stating their refusal to sign the notice?
Oct 1, 2025
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Is termination with a 30-day notice but without a valid reason considered arbitrary dismissal? 0
Hi,
I would like to get your legal advice regarding my employment termination.
I was on a 24-month limited contract, and I’m currently in my 10th month. The company terminated me with a 30-day notice period, but without any valid reason, prior warning, or performance issue.
Could you please advise if this is considered an arbitrary dismissal under UAE Labour Law, and what compensation or claims I may be entitled to in this situation?
Thank you in advance for your help!
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Can my employer cancel my labour contract and revoke my labour card without my knowledge? 0
Can my employer cancel my labour contract and revoke my labour card without my knowledge?
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Will the court rule based on the expert’s higher report or my lawyer’s lower claim? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am currently involved in a court case against a developer who failed to fulfill his obligations under our contract. My lawyer filed the lawsuit at the beginning of the case, claiming the return of the amounts I paid.
Later, the court appointed an expert. The expert has now issued his report and concluded that the developer owes me a much higher amount than what was originally claimed by my lawyer, as the expert also included items such as lost profit and other damages.
I am confused and would like your guidance: in my situation, will the court’s decision be based on the expert’s report, or only on the lower amount requested by my lawyer in the lawsuit?
Thank you very much for your advice. The court is in Shajrah.
Sep 26, 2025
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How to enforce a catch order on a tenant back in Dubai despite a travel ban? 0
Good morning,
I am a landlord in a case against my tenant, who has been evicted due to non-payment of rent. The court has already issued the eviction order and provided me with a list of the tenant’s furniture. I also applied for a travel ban and license blocks against the tenant.
However, I recently found out that the tenant is currently in Dubai. Since I already have a catch order from the court, could you please advise me on the following:
1. How is it possible for the tenant to re-enter the UAE despite the travel ban and catch order?
2. What is the procedure for me to follow up and activate the catch order now that the tenant is in Dubai?
3. What further steps can we take to ensure the payment settlement is enforced?
I would appreciate your urgent guidance on this matter.
Thanks!
Sep 26, 2025
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Can I pursue both criminal and civil cases for a confirmed medical error and claim full compensation? 0
Hello,
I received a final report from the Higher Medical Authority stating that a medical error happened in my case and the responsibility lies with the doctor.
So I wanted to know a couple of things:
- Can I file both a criminal and a civil case (will it help or will it worsen my case)?
- Can I include the surgery charges and medical charges paid by my insurance company to the hospital in the calculation of compensation?
Sep 25, 2025
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How can I correct a mistaken Commercial Registration (CR) number in the enforcement request? 0
Hello,
How can I correct the Commercial Registration (CR) number that was entered by mistake in the enforcement request?
Please guide me to the proper procedure or authority.
Sep 25, 2025
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Can I renew my visa despite having a pending police case and a travel ban? 0
I currently have a pending police case and a travel ban. My visa is about to expire and is due for renewal.
I checked with the police, and the case is still under review because the complainant has not submitted the required medical report, despite being asked for it for almost a year.
Is there a chance that my visa renewal will be rejected? Also, can I request the dismissal of the case since the complainant has failed to provide the necessary report?
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Will the court rule based on the expert’s higher report or my lawyer’s lower claim? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am currently involved in a court case against a developer who failed to fulfill his obligations under our contract. My lawyer filed the lawsuit at the beginning of the case, claiming the return of the amounts I paid.
Later, the court appointed an expert. The expert has now issued his report and concluded that the developer owes me a much higher amount than what was originally claimed by my lawyer, as the expert also included items such as lost profit and other damages.
I am confused and would like your guidance: in my situation, will the court’s decision be based on the expert’s report, or only on the lower amount requested by my lawyer in the lawsuit?
Thank you very much for your advice. The court is in Shajrah.
Sep 26, 2025
23
How to enforce a catch order on a tenant back in Dubai despite a travel ban? 0
Good morning,
I am a landlord in a case against my tenant, who has been evicted due to non-payment of rent. The court has already issued the eviction order and provided me with a list of the tenant’s furniture. I also applied for a travel ban and license blocks against the tenant.
However, I recently found out that the tenant is currently in Dubai. Since I already have a catch order from the court, could you please advise me on the following:
1. How is it possible for the tenant to re-enter the UAE despite the travel ban and catch order?
2. What is the procedure for me to follow up and activate the catch order now that the tenant is in Dubai?
3. What further steps can we take to ensure the payment settlement is enforced?
I would appreciate your urgent guidance on this matter.
Thanks!
Sep 26, 2025
38
Are non-compete and training repayment clauses valid under UAE labor law? 0
Hello,
My wife, who is on my dependent visa in the UAE, has received a job offer. She plans to remain on her dependent visa, and the hiring company has included additional terms in her employment contract.
These terms include:
- A two-year non-compete clause, preventing her from working in a competing business in the UAE after leaving the company.
- A requirement to repay AED 10,000 for training costs if she resigns within one year of starting the job.
- A clause stating that resigned or terminated employees will not receive any bonuses or incentives after leaving.
- A disclaimer that any clause violating the UAE Labour Law (Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) will be considered invalid.
Are these conditions legally enforceable under UAE law?
Can I include a statement to ensure both parties are legally safe?
Oct 1, 2025
21
Can I reject the rent increase (41%) & short notice (81 days) served by my landlord in RAK? 0
Dear Legal Community,
I am seeking advice regarding a residential tenancy contract renewal in Ras Al Khaimah.
Situation:
Property: Residential unit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Current Annual Rent: AED 27,000.
Contract Expiry: December 21st, 2025.
Landlord's Proposal: Increase to AED 38,000 (approx. 41% increase).
Notification Date: October 1st, 2025 (81 days before expiry).
My Questions:
Notice Period Validity: Is a notice of 81 days for a rent increase legally valid in Ras Al Khaimah, given the common requirement of 90 days' prior notice?
Rent Increase Legality: Is a 41% rent increase permissible under RAK rental laws and the RAK Municipality Rental Index, or are there caps/guidelines?
Tenant's Rights: What are my rights in this situation? Can I insist on renewing at the current rent (AED 27,000) due to the invalid notice?
Dispute Resolution: What is the process for escalating this to the Ras Al Khaimah Rent?
Oct 1, 2025
42
Can I travel to India with an emergency certificate without canceling my new residence visa? 0
Hello,
I am on a residence visa, but I lost my passport. I have already applied for an emergency certificate from the Indian Embassy. Can I go to India without residence visa cancellation?
My company didn’t allow me to cancel my visa; last week I only got my new residence visa. Now, what’s the procedure, Sir?
Without sponsorship involvement, how can I travel to India?
Oct 1, 2025
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Will the court rule based on the expert’s higher report or my lawyer’s lower claim? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am currently involved in a court case against a developer who failed to fulfill his obligations under our contract. My lawyer filed the lawsuit at the beginning of the case, claiming the return of the amounts I paid.
Later, the court appointed an expert. The expert has now issued his report and concluded that the developer owes me a much higher amount than what was originally claimed by my lawyer, as the expert also included items such as lost profit and other damages.
I am confused and would like your guidance: in my situation, will the court’s decision be based on the expert’s report, or only on the lower amount requested by my lawyer in the lawsuit?
Thank you very much for your advice. The court is in Shajrah.
Sep 26, 2025
23
How to enforce a catch order on a tenant back in Dubai despite a travel ban? 0
Good morning,
I am a landlord in a case against my tenant, who has been evicted due to non-payment of rent. The court has already issued the eviction order and provided me with a list of the tenant’s furniture. I also applied for a travel ban and license blocks against the tenant.
However, I recently found out that the tenant is currently in Dubai. Since I already have a catch order from the court, could you please advise me on the following:
1. How is it possible for the tenant to re-enter the UAE despite the travel ban and catch order?
2. What is the procedure for me to follow up and activate the catch order now that the tenant is in Dubai?
3. What further steps can we take to ensure the payment settlement is enforced?
I would appreciate your urgent guidance on this matter.
Thanks!
Sep 26, 2025
38
What if someone borrows from loan apps and leaves before the first installment is due? 0
Hello,
What happens if a person takes a loan from applications such as instant loan apps and exits before the first installment is paid?
Will the immigration team pull the customer from the airport? This exit from the country is an urgent requirement and an unavoidable situation.
The first installment repayment date has not yet come.
Sep 25, 2025
42
Is termination with a 30-day notice but without a valid reason considered arbitrary dismissal? 0
Hi,
I would like to get your legal advice regarding my employment termination.
I was on a 24-month limited contract, and I’m currently in my 10th month. The company terminated me with a 30-day notice period, but without any valid reason, prior warning, or performance issue.
Could you please advise if this is considered an arbitrary dismissal under UAE Labour Law, and what compensation or claims I may be entitled to in this situation?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Oct 1, 2025
11
What can I do if the company did not provide me with a visa after 10 months of working with them. 0
The company did not provide me with a visa after 10 months of working with them.
They always promise that it is in process.
Then they terminated me verbally.
Sep 30, 2025
42

Premium
Other answers by
Will the court rule based on the expert’s higher report or my lawyer’s lower claim? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am currently involved in a court case against a developer who failed to fulfill his obligations under our contract. My lawyer filed the lawsuit at the beginning of the case, claiming the return of the amounts I paid.
Later, the court appointed an expert. The expert has now issued his report and concluded that the developer owes me a much higher amount than what was originally claimed by my lawyer, as the expert also included items such as lost profit and other damages.
I am confused and would like your guidance: in my situation, will the court’s decision be based on the expert’s report, or only on the lower amount requested by my lawyer in the lawsuit?
Thank you very much for your advice. The court is in Shajrah.
Sep 26, 2025
23
How to enforce a catch order on a tenant back in Dubai despite a travel ban? 0
Good morning,
I am a landlord in a case against my tenant, who has been evicted due to non-payment of rent. The court has already issued the eviction order and provided me with a list of the tenant’s furniture. I also applied for a travel ban and license blocks against the tenant.
However, I recently found out that the tenant is currently in Dubai. Since I already have a catch order from the court, could you please advise me on the following:
1. How is it possible for the tenant to re-enter the UAE despite the travel ban and catch order?
2. What is the procedure for me to follow up and activate the catch order now that the tenant is in Dubai?
3. What further steps can we take to ensure the payment settlement is enforced?
I would appreciate your urgent guidance on this matter.
Thanks!
Sep 26, 2025
38
Can I pursue both criminal and civil cases for a confirmed medical error and claim full compensation? 0
Hello,
I received a final report from the Higher Medical Authority stating that a medical error happened in my case and the responsibility lies with the doctor.
So I wanted to know a couple of things:
- Can I file both a criminal and a civil case (will it help or will it worsen my case)?
- Can I include the surgery charges and medical charges paid by my insurance company to the hospital in the calculation of compensation?
Sep 25, 2025
44
How can I correct a mistaken Commercial Registration (CR) number in the enforcement request? 0
Hello,
How can I correct the Commercial Registration (CR) number that was entered by mistake in the enforcement request?
Please guide me to the proper procedure or authority.
Sep 25, 2025
25
What if someone borrows from loan apps and leaves before the first installment is due? 0
Hello,
What happens if a person takes a loan from applications such as instant loan apps and exits before the first installment is paid?
Will the immigration team pull the customer from the airport? This exit from the country is an urgent requirement and an unavoidable situation.
The first installment repayment date has not yet come.
Sep 25, 2025
42
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