Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allAre the non-compete clauses enforceable in case of resignation to take a better offer?




0
Q: 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.





+3
Mar 28, 2025
102
Can 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
107
I resigned and joined another company and facing a case based on the non-compete agreement. What to do? 



0
Q: Hi.
I have resigned from a company to move out of the country. Later I decided to come back and I asked them if they could take me back.
They declined and I have a message stating that I'm free to join anywhere. I joined a new organization and they are filing a labor case for a non-compete clause and not clearing my FnF.




Dec 9, 2024
101
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allAn Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 235
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
94019
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
27407
Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations 8
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.
Sep 27, 2015
12477

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
7
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20
Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
20

Premium
Other answers by
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
Am I entitled to take 15 days' leave immediately after my probation period ends? 0
Hello,
I want to apply for 15 days' leave to visit my family immediately after my probation period ends. Is this legal as per UAE labor law?
Thanks in advance for educating me!
May 19, 2025
17
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
20
What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
27

Premium
Other answers by
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
15
What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
27
Why was my first UAE employment visa rejected if there’s no travel history? 0
Hi,
My employment visa was rejected without any reason stated. I contacted MOHRE, and they said it was rejected by ICP Abu Dhabi. I have never been to the UAE or any other country.
This is my first visa application. I am from Pakistan, and I heard there is a shadow ban on some cities in Pakistan.
I contacted ICP, but they said there is no ban on any nationality.
May 16, 2025
21

Premium
Other answers by
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai? 0
Hello,
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
19
Can my parents take legal action if I move out without their consent while under my father’s sponsorship? 0
Hello,
I'm 23, female, Pakistani, under my dad's sponsorship on a residence visa for the next 2 years.
During these 2 years, I hope to leave my house, but my abusive parents would raise hell if I even brought up the topic. So my only option is to leave without them knowing.
My concern is: what legal action can they take against me if I move out without their approval?
I don’t want to do anything illegal or risk my residency.
May 16, 2025
15
Why was my first UAE employment visa rejected if there’s no travel history? 0
Hi,
My employment visa was rejected without any reason stated. I contacted MOHRE, and they said it was rejected by ICP Abu Dhabi. I have never been to the UAE or any other country.
This is my first visa application. I am from Pakistan, and I heard there is a shadow ban on some cities in Pakistan.
I contacted ICP, but they said there is no ban on any nationality.
May 16, 2025
21
Am I allowed to travel to my home country during the probationary period? 0
Hello,
Is it okay if I travel to my home country during the probationary period?
I have 7 days pending (days off and public holidays). My manager agreed to give all 7 days together, and I am planning to go see my family.
Do I need to get approval for traveling?
May 16, 2025
42

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
7
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
20
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
15
My sister passed away, leaving her son. How can I transfer his visa to my name? 0
Hello,
My sister passed away and left her son. Her husband has given me power of attorney and a legal heir certificate.
How can I transfer the son's visa to my name in the UAE?
May 19, 2025
23

Premium
Other answers by
Where can I view a copy of a judgment issued by the Sharjah Court? 0
Hello,
Where can I view a copy of a judgment issued by the Sharjah Court?
May 13, 2025
24
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
What can I do if the landlord has not been responding to renew the commercial lease contract and Ejari? 0
Good day.
For the last 3 years, the landlord's office has not responded to renew the contract, so I contacted RERA for renewal.
The office doesn't respond to emails related to renewal, even though I started sending emails and reminders 2 to 3 months before expiry, and I have no choice but to contact RERA and send a notice.
Once the renewal was processed by law, the landlord's office delayed in releasing the Ejari. Since it is a commercial property, my renewals are related to a staff visa, and I have to pay delay penalties.
The landlord's office staff tried to take advantage of the Emirati owner, and no direct meeting was fruitful.
What is the law that safeguards expats and sorts out issues without mutual compromise as they try to force their terms to be acceptable by law and not supported by any documentation?
May 6, 2025
33
A hair salon caused serious damage to my hair and scalp. What can I do to sue them? 0
I’m looking for legal advice regarding a hair salon incident that caused serious damage to my hair and scalp.
I visited a salon for a colouring treatment, during which two rounds of bleach, which is not what I booked in for, were given to me without proper approvals, and were applied back-to-back without a strand test or proper consultation.
As a result, I’ve been experiencing extreme hair breakage, daily hair loss, and ongoing scalp irritation. This has been especially distressing as I’m currently pregnant.
It’s now been over 20 days since the incident, and despite multiple polite follow-ups, the salon has ignored all communication.
I’m now exploring legal action to pursue compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused. I have full documentation, messages, and photos.
Any guidance on the best next steps or legal routes I can take would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
May 6, 2025
86
I paid for a partner visa but never received it. How can I recover my money? 0
Hello,
I have a friend who has an agency that promised me a partner's visa. She told me the payment would be 7800 AED full package, then I paid over half, 4900 AED, last October 2024.
But up until February 2025, I still didn’t receive any documents from her. So I decided to apply somewhere else, and I got my investor's visa already.
Now, I am asking for a refund, but until now, she is not giving it to me and not replying to my messages. What do I do with this?
May 14, 2025
21

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
7
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
16
Am I entitled to take 15 days' leave immediately after my probation period ends? 0
Hello,
I want to apply for 15 days' leave to visit my family immediately after my probation period ends. Is this legal as per UAE labor law?
Thanks in advance for educating me!
May 19, 2025
17
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
20
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