Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allLegal restrictions in case of resigning to work with a competitor

5
Q: Dear Sir,
I worked as a site engineer in a landscaping company for about 3 years.
Now, due to personal reasons, I have to quit the job (notice period given already) and move on to another competitive company.
But in my contract, it has been mentioned that I cannot join in any other competitive companies.
Please suggest to me if I can happily join another company as I have already given the notice period to my existing company or whether I might face any issues in future?
Please reply urgently.
Regards,


Dec 26, 2019
1629
Non-competition clause or agreement in employment contracts
1
Q: Hello there,
I was working for a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone since 2011 as a senior sales manager. I was asked to resign due to the company not performing well. I resigned.
Now, after 3 months I have a job offer in another Jebel Ali free zone company. I had signed a standard JAFZA non compete agreement in 2011.
I have told my former employer through emails where I am joining and I have received no objection from them verbally and a firm no objection through SMS from the signatory authority of the company.
They are dodging giving the letter. Will it be a problem for me in the future?

May 31, 2019
1130
Signing a non-compete clause upon termination of a labor contract


1
Q: Dear sir/madam,
I had signed a labor contract with the Ministry of Labour which had no "non-compete" clause.
Now, I want to leave the company, but my employer wants me to sign the "non-compete" clause in the termination contract.
In this case, is the non-compete clause applicable or not?



Oct 19, 2022
319
Legal blog
2 available 2 • 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
92304
Case Summary in DIFC Courts, Small Claims Tribunal 3
Introduction: In the case of [A] v [B] [2024] DIFC SCT, the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts’ Small Claims Tribunal addressed a dispute concerning the non-payment of invoices. Natalie, the claimant, alleged that Nola, the defendant, had failed to fulfill payment obligations outlined in an Engagement Agreement dated November 23, 2023.
May 2, 2024
306
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations 34
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).
Sep 20, 2021
26894
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148526

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Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me? 1
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
68
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
72
We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
59
Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
The employee would meet clients and conduct business activities on the UAE mainland.
Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
Mar 19, 2025
71
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
111

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My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
Apr 30, 2025
21
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
16
Does filing an online rental dispute by a landlord lead to a travel ban on the tenant? 0
Hello,
Does the initiation of an online rental dispute case by a landlord in Dubai automatically lead to the imposition of a travel ban on the tenant?
This is not related to bounced cheques; the dispute concerns wear and tear versus damage claims by the landlord.
Apr 28, 2025
14
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
38

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How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
16
After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
Apr 29, 2025
17
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
39
What can a company do if an employee agrees to stay but then stops reporting to work? 0
Hello,
My employee provided a resignation. Our company offered a salary raise and made a deal with him where he agreed to continue with us, but it’s not on paper.
He suddenly stopped coming to work, stating he doesn’t want to work anymore.
What rights do we have as a company, and what can we do about it?
Apr 30, 2025
21
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
23

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After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
Apr 29, 2025
17
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
29
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
23
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
38
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
42

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My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
Apr 30, 2025
21
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
16
After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
Apr 29, 2025
17
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
39

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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
29
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
39
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court? 0
Hello,
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?
Apr 16, 2025
62
Can a Muslim convert marry in the UAE while separated from a non-Muslim ex-husband? 1
Hello,
I have been separated for 7 years from my late ex-husband in the Philippines.
I am a converted Muslim since 2016, and my ex-husband was not Muslim.
Can I marry my Egyptian fiancé here in the UAE?
Apr 7, 2025
156
Can an employee on sick leave legally apply for overtime work? 1
Hello Lawyers,
Eid Mubarak!
Could you please advise? Can an employee on sick leave also apply for overtime at the same time? Is there any law related to this?
Thank you!
Apr 3, 2025
83

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My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
Apr 30, 2025
21
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
16
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
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What can my wife do if the company marked her as single and denied her maternity coverage? 0
Hello,
My wife's company renewed their insurance and registered my wife as single, so the maternity benefits are not covered, even though we were already married before she joined the company.
She is now 35 weeks pregnant. What should we do?
Apr 29, 2025
16
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