Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allContractual rights of a former employee
0
Q: I resigned from my position in October 2016. The company is threatening legal action for soliciting employees and starting my own business to compete with them. All false allegations.
I have responded to their lawyers already but I wanted to know if I have a case against them as not all my contractual rights were honoured.

Jul 30, 2017
405
If a DIFC employer requires a non-compete agreement, should they compensate the employee?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
If my employer in DIFC requires a non-compete agreement that prohibits me from working in my specialty at another company, should they compensate me for this downtime?
What else can I do if I have spent my entire life developing in my field?
Which law regulates this issue in the DIFC zone?





Jul 9, 2024
158
Ensuring that the employee will not approach the clients after leaving
1
Q: I have a small company of 4 people. One of my oldest staff who has worked for 11 years is leaving. He handles 80% of my clients and work.
Without proof, I know he is going to open his firm. I don't want to harm him but I want to secure my clients. Is it legally okay for me to make him sign a contract that he cannot approach my clients in the near future?
If yes, then what will be the procedure?
Do I have to go to the notary to make this contract valid?

Oct 8, 2019
907
I signed an NDA not to join a competitor company. Is this agreement enforceable according to UAE law?




0
Q: In the UAE, I joined an IT company as an IT salesperson. I signed an NDA stating that I will not join any competitor company.
After my visa cancellation from that company, can I still join any IT company according to UAE law?





+1
Apr 22, 2025
47
Legal blog
4 available 4 • View allAn Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 233
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.
Sep 10, 2024
92160
Legal Aspects of Company Incorporations in the UAE 5
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.
Nov 1, 2016
3679
Amendments to the UAE Company Law 2
An interview-format article covering the topic of the amendments to the company law in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
May 24, 2021
757
Navigating the UAE Labor Law Updates: What Businesses Need to Know in 2025 4
Several modifications have been made to the UAE Labor Law 2025 to protect employee rights and guarantee compliance with modern employment practices. In general, understanding UAE labor laws fosters positive employer-employee relations, ensures legal compliance, and helps establish a balanced workplace.
Feb 18, 2025
136
Laws & Regulations
1 available 1 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies 0
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).
Sep 20, 2021
191

Premium
Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
35
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
32
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
42
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
31
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
51

Premium
Other answers by
Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
Apr 29, 2025
23
Despite a waiver, the case is still with the public prosecution. Can I travel? 0
Hello,
I had a case regarding fraud by technical means, and we did a tanazul.
It was attested and submitted to the court, but the case still hasn’t been dropped and is now with the public prosecution.
What do I do now, as I need to travel urgently?
Apr 28, 2025
22
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
35
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
20
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
16

Premium
Other answers by
I want to open a company to do crypto P2P trading on Binance. How to guarantee the bank account not to be closed? 0
I want to do crypto P2P trading on Binance. But I want to do it safely, so I want to open a company and do it. My monthly turnover will be around 4 million AED.
I heard a lot that banks are freezing or closing business bank accounts because of this kind of activity. I want to know whether that is true or not.
Apr 2, 2025
91
How to solve the OTP issue blocking my visa change while changing jobs and get a new visa? 0
I need legal advice regarding the cancellation of my work permit to join a new company. Here’s a brief overview:
I have worked for a contracting company in Dubai since 2018, with my visa later transferred to Sharjah. After receiving a job offer in Dubai, I resigned, but my old employer’s attempt to cancel my work permit failed due to an OTP issue.
ICP granted permission to cancel my change-of-status visa, but when my new employer applied for my permit, they found the old one still active. I raised a labor complaint with MOHRE on 21 March 2025, but it's still under process.
My family’s grace period expired on 27 Mar 2025, so I sent them back to India. I’m now facing a daily fine of AED 50 for overstaying since my change of status was canceled on 13 Mar 2025.
Once this is resolved, I plan to bring my family back as my son’s school reopens on 07 April 2025.
I would appreciate your advice on resolving the permit cancellation and overstay fines.
Mar 28, 2025
68
Are the non-compete clauses enforceable in case of resignation to take a better offer? 0
Currently working at Company X in Dubai. I recently got a stronger offer from Company Y, a much larger firm in the same industry but in a different free zone.
When I asked if Company X could match the offer, they proposed a bonus, not a salary adjustment. I resigned. While I didn’t disclose where I was going, they seem to know, and their legal team has started sending letters.
My contract has restrictive clauses, including: “For 12 months post-termination, the employee shall not, without prior written consent, (a) be employed or engaged in any capacity by any business in competition in the UAE with any Restricted Business; (b) have business dealings with any Client or Prospective Client in such competition.”
Friends in law say it’s too broad to enforce. I held a manager role, AED 30k/month, not C-level, though considered a key member. Despite the pressure, I believe they’re overreaching legally.
Please advise if these non-compete clauses are enforceable.
Mar 28, 2025
85
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? 0
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle?
What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?
Mar 21, 2025
96
Can we legally act against community management for a noisy pool unit? 1
Hello,
We live in a development in Ras Al Khaimah, and under our apartment block, there is a loud swimming pool heater/chiller unit that runs 24/7, producing a rattling and humming noise that disturbs our peace.
We can hardly use our balcony due to this noise. Other apartments face the same issue, but the community management refuses to take action.
What legal recourse do we have? Can we serve the community management office with a legal notice?
Mar 24, 2025
79

Premium
Other answers by
How many days do I need to wait for company cancellation following resignation and notice? 0
Hello,
How many days do I need to wait for company cancellation following resignation and one-month notice?
Apr 29, 2025
23
Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
Apr 29, 2025
23
Despite a waiver, the case is still with the public prosecution. Can I travel? 0
Hello,
I had a case regarding fraud by technical means, and we did a tanazul.
It was attested and submitted to the court, but the case still hasn’t been dropped and is now with the public prosecution.
What do I do now, as I need to travel urgently?
Apr 28, 2025
22
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
35
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
20

Premium
Other answers by
Why my status remains "wanted" in CID headquarters after being acquitted in the misdemeanor court? 0
Once someone has been acquitted in the misdemeanor court, then why is it showing in CID headquarters that he is wanted in the police station once again?
Jan 31, 2025
107
What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing? 1
Hello,
What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing?
Feb 1, 2025
94
My hair was damaged by a very known and professional salon. Can I seek refund and compensation? 0
Hello.
I went to a very well-known and professional salon (or so I thought) for a normal hair dye. The guy who did my hair left the dye on my hair for over an hour when it was supposed to be on for a maximum of 30 minutes.
He wasn’t paying attention to me walking around the store talking to everyone and also doing another customer's extensions.
Now my hair is potentially damaged, my skull burns, and is flaky (meaning the dye wasn’t ammonia-free which is extremely unprofessional for such an expensive salon).
I didn’t even get the outcome that I wanted and the dye color doesn’t even show. I talked to him about it but he shut it down so fast and gaslit me the whole time and made me feel like I was the wrong one and I was ‘complaining about something so light’.
Please let me know what I can do legally about this.
Thank you.
Jan 31, 2025
70
Can my employer force me to serve an extra month after my resignation? 1
Hello,
I am writing to clarify the situation regarding my resignation. I officially resigned on December 31st, 2024, and according to my understanding and the initial agreement, my notice period was to end on January 31st, 2025.
However, my contract was amended a few months ago to reflect a two-month notice period. I would like to emphasize that I have not signed this amendment, and the employer is blaming me for not signing the amended contract and will take action against me.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed, as I am eager to ensure a smooth transition and complete all required handover tasks within the original notice period.
I have already completed my notice period, but the employer is still forcing me to serve one more month, which I cannot do as I have another company to join on February 14th.
I can't afford to lose this opportunity. I am currently working in the aviation industry in Sharjah, and my visa is a freezone visa. Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.
Feb 3, 2025
113
What can I do if the tenant refuses to leave the property at the end of the eviction notice? 1
We served our tenant 1-year eviction notice. All done correctly and I don’t think he will leave when he should leave in a week.
He tried to raise a petition to the DLD to say we own other properties that make the eviction illegal which the DLD rejected as we don’t own other property.
I want to be prepared, so does anyone know what documents I’ll need to submit to raise a case if he doesn’t leave and what I need to translate before?
Dec 12, 2024
300
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer