Comprehensive Advisory for UAE Mainland Employers
Employment relations in the UAE Mainland are governed by a comprehensive statutory framework led by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), its Executive Regulations, and the policies issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE). For employers and employees alike, compliance with these regulations is essential to maintain a stable, transparent, and legally compliant workplace.
At ATB Legal, we provide end-to-end advisory and representation services across the UAE mainland employment matters–from employment contracts and HR compliance to MOHRE investigations, disputes, and court litigation. Our team has extensive experience assisting corporate clients, SMEs, and individual employees with complex employment-related issues across various industries in the UAE.
This page discusses employment law in the context of UAE Mainland. For employment matters in DIFC and ADGM jurisdictions, kindly refer the respective pages at ADGM Labour Law and DIFC Labour Law.
UAE Mainland Employment Law
Employing staff in the UAE Mainland involves compliance with mandatory legal requirements governing recruitment, employment contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, termination procedures, settlement of dues, and dispute resolution. Employers must also comply with Emiratization policies, occupational health and safety guidelines, and immigration/labour card processes.
Key areas under mainland employment regulations include:
- Employment contracts (limited, fixed-term)
- Offer letters and contract registration with MOHRE
- Working hours, overtime, rest days, and public holidays
- Annual leave, sick leave, maternity and parental leave
- Termination, resignation, and end-of-service gratuity
- Non-compete clauses & confidentiality obligations
- Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance
- Work permits, visa processes, and absconding regulations
- Emiratization requirements for specific business categories
- Occupational health and safety obligations
- Handling labour disputes and compensation claims
Our in-depth understanding of UAE labour laws enables us to guide clients through policy implementation, compliance, and dispute resolution effectively and efficiently.
Comprehensive Support on Mainland Employment
We assist employers and employees through the entire employment lifecycle, covering:
- Employment Documentation & HR Policies
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts
- Preparing HR policy manuals and handbooks
- Non-disclosure, non-compete & IP protection clauses
- Alignment of policies with UAE labour regulations
- HR Compliance & Advisory
- WPS compliance and payroll structuring
- Advising on working hours, overtime & leave entitlements
- Guidance on restructuring, redundancies, and manpower planning
- Emiratization compliance and new quota requirements
- Disciplinary Actions & Workplace Investigations
- Assistance with employee misconduct investigations
- Drafting warnings, dismissal letters, cease and desist, and internal memos
- Managing employee absconding procedures
- Termination advisory (legal grounds & risks)
- End-of-Service & Settlement Advisory
- Calculation of gratuity and final settlements
- Mediation and negotiation on settlement packages
- Review of termination notices and severance terms
- Visa, Work Permit & Immigration Coordination
- Managing work permit applications, cancellations, and transfers
- Advisory on labour bans, absconding, and related penalties
MOHRE, Court, and Tribunal Assistance
Labour disputes in the UAE Mainland follow a structured process beginning at MOHRE, followed by the Court of First Instance, and then appeals and cassation as required.
Our team represents both employers and employees at every stage:
- MOHRE Conciliation & Complaints
- Filing and defending labour complaints
- Representation during mediation sessions
- Preparing legal submissions, evidence, and calculations
- Advising on MOHRE inspection reports & penalties
- Labour Court Representation
- Drafting statements of claim, memoranda, and defence
- Handling wage claims, unfair termination, compensation claims
- Representing clients before all levels of the mainland courts
- Enforcement of labour judgments
- Tribunal Assistance (where applicable)
- Representation in specialised committees (e.g., Occupational Injury Committee)
- Support in insurance claim filings and employer liability matters
Frequently Asked Questions- Employment Law Services
1. What laws govern employment in the UAE mainland?
Employment in the UAE mainland is primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law) and its executive regulations issued by MOHRE. These laws apply to all private-sector establishments outside free zones (except DIFC & ADGM, which have their own rules).
2. Does your firm assist both employers and employees?
Yes. We represent employers, employees, HR teams, and corporate groups in all mainland and freezone labour matters, including MOHRE complaints, internal investigations, contract disputes, and litigation.
3. Do you assist with drafting UAE Labour Law-compliant employment contracts?
Absolutely. We prepare legally compliant employment contracts, including:
• unlimited-term contracts (as required under current law)
• managerial/CEO contracts
• part-time, remote, and flexible arrangements
• amendments, addenda, and policy updates
4. Can you represent us in MOHRE disputes or labour court cases?
Yes. We provide end-to-end representation before:
• MOHRE complaint centres
• Mediation offices
• Labour Courts at all levels, both in freezones and mainland
• Appeals and Enforcement departments
5. Do you handle termination, resignation, and settlement cases?
Yes. We advise on unlawful/valid termination; notice period disputes; unpaid wages and gratuity; non-competition and confidentiality issues; settlement negotiations; drafting full & final settlement agreements, cease and desist notices.
6. Can you help with internal HR compliance and company policies?
We create and review:
• employee handbooks
• disciplinary policies
• remote work frameworks
• code of conduct policies
• anti-harassment & anti-discrimination procedures
• performance and bonus policies
All tailored to UAE compliance standards, be it mainland or freezones.
7. Do you assist with visa, work permit, and MOHRE administrative issues?
Yes. We guide clients through work permit applications/cancellations; labour contract uploads on MOHRE systems; labour classification compliance; Emiratization requirements (if applicable).
Our Team of
Lawyers and Experts
Representative Experience
Below are examples of employment matters we have recently handled (names anonymised for confidentiality):
Case 1: Unpaid Wages & Gratuity Claim
Acted for an employee in a claim for unpaid salary and end-of-service entitlements, through the MOHRE process and subsequent court proceedings.
Case 2: HR Policy Review & Restructuring Advisory
Advised a Dubai-based technology group on revising its employment contracts, overtime structure, leave policy and HR policy in an internal restructuring under the UAE Labour Law.
Case 3: Work Permit Cancellation When Employer Was Untraceable
Assisted an employee with work permit cancellation and supporting documentation through MOHRE where the employer was non-cooperative.
Last reviewed: July 2026. This page provides general legal information, not legal advice on any specific matter.