ATB LEGAL
Dispute Resolution Employment Corporate & Commercial Personal Status Intellectual Property Regulatory & Compliance International Trade Insights People About Contact Us
Insights · Labour Law

Labour Law

Legal analysis and practical guidance on cross-border business, disputes, corporate, employment and IP matters across India and the UAE — including the Legal Help Desk, our Q&A column on the problems clients actually meet.

Labour Law

UAE Clarifies Exceptional Circumstances Where Commute Time May Be Treated as Working Hours

The treatment of employee commute time under UAE employment regulations has been clarified within the framework of the UAE Labour Law and its implementing provisions. The position confirms that ordinary commuting time is not considered part of working hours, except in specific and limited circumstances. Legal Framework Under UAE labour legislation, working hours are defined […]

ATB Research Team · 26 Mar 2026 · 3 minRead →
Labour Law

Employee Breaches of Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements in UAE: Civil and Criminal Liabilities

Explore how UAE onshore law addresses employee confidentiality and non-compete breaches with civil damages, criminal penalties, and termination rights—plus strategies for employers to safeguard sensitive business information.    In the UAE, protecting confidential business information is not just a contractual obligation—it is a legal imperative. When employees breach confidentiality or violate non-compete clauses, the fallout […]

Joel John Roy · 24 Dec 2025 · 10 minRead →
Labour Law

What to Do When Your Employer Refuses To Accept Your Resignation in the UAE

This article provides a comprehensive guide for employees in the UAE who are facing difficulties with their employers not accepting their resignation. Under UAE Labour Law, employees have the right to resign at any time, provided they comply with contractual and legal notice periods. Despite this, some employers may delay or refuse to accept resignations, […]

Amy Denny · 28 Jun 2025 · 7 minRead →
Labour Law

UAE’s New WPS Mandate for Domestic Workers: A Big Step Forward in Labour Reform

In a progressive move to strengthen labour protections, the UAE has now mandated that domestic workers must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS). This change aligns with ongoing efforts to improve transparency and uphold fair treatment across all employment sectors.  What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)?  The Wage Protection System is an […]

Aeron Abraham Thomas · 9 Apr 2025 · 3 minRead →
Labour Law

Understanding Worker Rights and Employer Obligations in the UAE

With the enactment of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the legal framework in the United Arab Emirates pertaining to employer obligations and employee rights has substantially evolved. This law sets forth extensive obligations for employers, such as giving their employees accommodation and health insurance. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has emphasized […]

Fidha Anzar · 10 Sep 2024 · 5 minRead →
Labour Law

UAE Labor Law Revolution: Transforming Worker Rights in 2024

The UAE has recently completed a significant transformation of its labour laws, with key amendments that took effect on August 31, 2024. These changes, part of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024, aimed to enhance the protection of worker rights and strengthen labour regulations throughout the country. Article 54 of the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. […]

Fidha Anzar · 5 Sep 2024 · 5 minRead →
Labour Law

Penalties Incurred Due to the Non-Compliance of Employment Regulations Under UAE Mainland

The UAE has established a vigorous legal framework to maintain cordial, healthy relationships between employers and employees, aiming to protect both parties and maintain harmony in the working environment. Non-compliance with employment regulations in UAE Mainland can lead to harsh penalties, including fines, suspension of licenses, and even criminal charges in some situations. Below is […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 29 Aug 2024 · 7 minRead →
Labour Law

Penalties Incurred Due to the Non-Compliance of Employment Regulations Under DIFC

Non-compliance with employment regulations under the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) can lead to significant penalties. Below are key points on the penalties and repercussions for failing to abide by with DIFC employment laws Failure to Pay Employees on Time Employers must pay salaries within 7 days after the end of the wage period. A […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 28 Aug 2024 · 7 minRead →
Labour Law

Understanding DIFC Employment Permits

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) controls and targets a unique legal framework, which is completely different from the expansive intricacies of UAE labor laws. This training offers several types of employment permits modified for different working arrangements. Knowing these permits is essential for both employers and employees to ensure agreement and use up well […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 28 Aug 2024 · 8 minRead →
Labour Law

Working Hours and Overtime Under DIFC Employment Law

Under the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Employment Law, the laws on working hours and overtime are aimed at keeping in mind the employees’ rights while guaranteeing a smooth process for employers. It operates as a separate jurisdiction within the UAE, governed by its own set of laws and regulations. One of the key aspects […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 24 Aug 2024 · 4 minRead →