Employment Law & HR Legal Services
Trusted HR Legal Solutions for Every Business
Labour Law & HR Legal Services in UAE for Businesses
Running a business in Dubai or Abu Dhabi means handling many rules about staff. A simple error with an employment contract, annual leave or terminating an employment agreement may result in an employee complaint, penalty or dispute at MOHRE. Some business owners find it stressful to remain compliant with UAE labour law in addition to growing their business.
At Moores Rowland in Dubai, our employment law and HR legal specialists support businesses like yours to avoid these potential problems by providing practical assistance with drafting documents, drafting policies and implementing processes so you can focus on operating your business.
Whether you are a small free zone company, or a growing mainland company, we ensure that your HR setup is aligned with the latest requirements under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its amendments.
What Are Employment Law & HR Legal Services
Employment law & HR legal services enable your business to comply with UAE regulation in hiring, employment contracts, day-to-day operations & employment termination. These services comprise of:
- Document drafting,
- HR policy drafting,
- Dispute management and
- Ensuring your business complies with all legal obligations under Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021, as amended.
- These also include compliance with the UAE Labour Law, MOHRE and HR regulations in Dubai. Our team of experts provides you with simple and straightforward support so you can focus on your business growth without the worry of fines, complaints and errors. We advise SMEs, free zone and mainland entities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to ensure they remain compliant with UAE Employment Law, HR regulations and MOHRE.
Why Businesses Need Employment Law Support in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Labour regulations in the UAE are regularly amended to promote healthy workplaces and attract skilled workers. Some of the latest changes include a two-year filing period after employment ends, higher penalties for violations (up to AED 1 million or more) and stronger employee protections (for example, continued wage payments during disputes). The most common issues for employers include:
- Drafting contracts in line with MOHRE standards
- Adhering to correct working hours, overtime and leave
- Resigning or terminating without issues
- Responding to MOHRE complaints or inspections
- Emiratisation quotas and other compliance matters
- If you don’t have the right support, minor mistakes may lead to huge penalties, operational delays, or lowered team morale. Our employment law and HR legal services provide straightforward, clear guidance for businesses in the UAE.
Our Employment Law & HR Legal Services in the UAE
We offer simple and practical services aimed at companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Here is how we help:
1. UAE-Compliant Employment Contracts Drafting & Review
We prepare and review employment contracts that comply with all current UAE rules. These cover:
- job role,
- salary,
- working hours,
- probation period (up to 6 months),
- contract duration (fixed term up to 3 years),
- notice periods and other important terms.
A good contract helps prevent misunderstandings and any confusion. We prepare the employment contract in clear and in simple language; suitable for mainland, free zone and based on the different work models (full-time, part-time or flexible).
2. Workplace Rules, HR Policies & Handbooks
We help create easy HR handbooks and policies on issues such as code of conduct, leave, remote work, anti-harassment and disciplinary actions. These documents demonstrate that you’re serious about compliance and clearly state what you expect.
3. Employee onboarding & documentation assistance
We ease the process of onboarding by assisting with the work permits applications, contract registration, employee files and help to ensure all paperwork for local and expatriate staff is in line with legal requirements.
4. Termination, Resignation & End-of-Service
Terminating employment should be done carefully to avoid disputes. We assist with:
- Lawful termination,
- Resignation process
- Proper notice periods,
- accurate end-of-service gratuity calculations.
For full-time employees with more than one year’s service, gratuity is normally 21 days basic pay per year for the first five years and 30 days thereafter (capped at two years’ wages).
We help to make these processes run smoothly and in compliance.
5. Support for MOHRE Complaints and Labour Disputes:
We help through the process if there is any complaint at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). This includes:
- Preparing responses,
- Attending meetings and
- Helping to secure fair outcomes.
Smaller claims (less than AED 50,000) are now dealt with more expeditiously, and the time limit to file labour cases has been extended to two years after the end of employment. Early legal help protects your business and minimizes risk.
6. Addressing Workplace Misconduct & Disciplinary Action:
We assist you to follow fair, documented processes for performance and behavior concerns. Well-established processes protect your company and respect your employee’s rights.
7. HR Compliance Audits & Risk Assessments:
We will examine your current arrangements to ensure that they are compliant with the latest legislation relating to contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, wage standards and other relevant areas. We identify gaps, and provide simple fixes to reduce your risk.
8. Support SMEs, Free Zone companies & Mainland Companies:
We know the difference between the various business models. Our services are suitable for small and medium enterprises, free zone companies and mainland businesses in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We make compliance achievable, whatever the size and type of your business.
Key UAE Labour Law Areas We Help You Comply With
Employment Contracts & Work Models
All private sector contracts are for a fixed term. The law recognizes a variety of models, including full-time, part-time, temporary and flexible arrangements.
Working Hours, Overtime & Leave
Normal working hours are up to 48 per week (8 hours per day). Overtime has certain rules and rates of pay. Employees are provided with a minimum of 30 days annual leave, in addition to sick leave, maternity/paternity leave and public holidays.
End-of-Service Benefits
We guide you to calculate and pay gratuity correctly. There is also a voluntary Savings Scheme option, where contributions are put into investment funds.
Anti-Discrimination & Equal Pay
The law forbids discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, or disability. Equal pay for equal work is required.
Workplace Safety & Employee Protection
Employers are required to provide a safe working environment and protect employees from harassment or forced labour.
We also assist with Emiratization compliance, for companies that need to meet their targets.
Who We Support
We offer our Employment law and HR Services to a range of companies in the UAE. Including but not limited to:
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Free zone companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Mainland businesses
- Startups and more mature companies
- Companies recruiting local and expat employees
Whatever the industry or size of the company or team, we adapt our services to your requirements.
Why Choose Moores Rowland UAE for Employment Law & HR Services in the UAE
Businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi choose us because:
- Clear and simple Advice: Our legal experts speak plain business English to you and explain everything in a clear and simple way.
- We serve business clients: we support you with all your business needs in Dubai as well as in Abu Dhabi.
- Practical solutions: we provide documents and steps that you can use in your HR & employment processes immediately.
- Up-to-date knowledge: we keep you updated on all MOHRE updates and latest Federal Labour Laws.
- Local Presence: Our experts understand the UAE market and guide you according to current business and HR needs.
- We don’t just hand you the rules — we demonstrate how to use them to accomplish your business objectives.
Get Support for Employment Law & HR Legal Services in the UAE
Need help with UAE employment contracts, HR policies in Dubai, MOHRE support or full compliance checks? Contact Moores Rowland UAE today. We’re here to talk to you about your needs and show you how we can help your business in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards smoother, safer employment practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the main employment law today?
The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 is the main UAE labour Law and applies to all private-sector employment in the UAE, with the exception of DIFC and ADGM. It replaces the previous labour law Federal Law No. 8 of 1980.
Q2. Do I need written contracts for all employees?
Yes. All employees must have a written contract in the approved MOHRE format. The contract must clear show the job role, salary, working hours and other key terms.
Q3. How does Emiratization affect my company?
It depends on the size, sector and activity of your company. We provide you with a thorough check of your Emiratisation needs and simplify meeting your goals for you.
Q4. What should I do if I need to end an employment contract?
You must adhere to the notice period and the proper UAE procedure. Our team guides you through each step so that the termination process is completed correctly and in accordance with UAE Labour Law.
Q5. Can you help companies in free zones?
Yes. We support mainland companies and many free zone companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We always adhere to the specific rules applicable to each free zone and the UAE Labour Law where relevant.