Losing a job unfairly can be stressful. In Dubai, the law protects employees from arbitrary dismissal.
If an employer fires an employee for filing a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or for taking legal action, the termination is considered illegal.
This article explains arbitrary dismissal compensation Dubai and how employees can claim their rights. It also highlights legal services available for those facing unfair termination in 2025.
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Table of Contents
Arbitrary Dismissal Compensation Dubai
Under Article 47 of the UAE Labor Law, an employer cannot dismiss an employee in retaliation for filing a complaint with MoHRE or initiating a lawsuit.
If proven, such a dismissal is illegal, and the employee has the right to compensation.
Steps to Claim Compensation
The first step an employee should take is to file a complaint with MoHRE. The ministry will attempt to resolve the dispute amicably between the employee and the employer.
If no settlement is reached, MoHRE will then refer the case to court for a legal ruling.
If the court confirms that the dismissal was arbitrary, the employer will be required to pay compensation to the employee.
How Much Compensation Can an Employee Receive?
The court decides the amount of compensation based on factors such as the type of work, the duration of employment, and the extent of damage caused to the employee.
However, the compensation amount cannot exceed three months’ salary, calculated based on the employee’s last wage.
Additional Employee Rights
In addition to compensation for arbitrary dismissal, employees in Dubai are entitled to other rights under UAE labor laws, including:
- Gratuity Payment – Employees who have completed at least one year of service are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity payment, calculated based on their tenure and last salary.
- Notice Period Dues – Employees who are terminated without proper notice are entitled to compensation for the notice period as per their employment contract.
- Unpaid Salaries & Benefits – Employees can claim any unpaid wages, allowances, bonuses, or other benefits owed by the employer.
- Repatriation Costs (for Expatriates) – If an employee is a foreign worker, the employer is responsible for covering repatriation costs, including a flight ticket back to the employee’s home country, unless the employee has secured a new job.
- Compensation for Damages – In some cases, employees may claim additional damages if they have suffered financial or reputational harm due to the employer’s actions.
These rights ensure that employees receive their full entitlements when facing unfair termination.
Example Arbitrary Dismissal Compensation Cases
Employees who face arbitrary dismissal often receive compensation through court rulings. Here are some real-life scenarios illustrating how courts in Dubai handle such cases:
- Case 1: An employee was dismissed after filing a salary complaint. The court ruled it arbitrary dismissal and ordered the employer to pay two months’ salary as compensation.
- Case 2: An employee with five years of service was fired after suing the employer for unpaid wages. The court awarded three months’ salary compensation, gratuity, and pending wages.
- Case 3: A manager was terminated after reporting workplace safety violations. The court found the dismissal to be retaliatory and unlawful, awarding one and a half months’ salary in compensation and ensuring the employee received full end-of-service benefits.
Learn more about Arbitrary Dismissal UAE Law and read about Arbitrary Dismissal DMCC Dubai.
Legal Services for Illegal Termination Compensation in Dubai
Our labor lawyer in Dubai specializes in employment disputes and provides expert legal support for cases of arbitrary dismissal compensation Dubai.
Legal Consultation & Case Evaluation
We provide in-depth legal consultation to assess whether an employee’s termination qualifies as arbitrary dismissal.
Our lawyers carefully review the details of the case, examine relevant labor laws, and advise employees on their legal rights and available remedies.
MoHRE Complaint Assistance
Our team assists employees in preparing and filing complaints with MoHRE, ensuring all necessary documentation and evidence are submitted correctly.
We also provide negotiation support during MoHRE’s mediation process to seek amicable settlements before escalating the matter to court.
Court Representation
If the case goes to court, our legal team represents employees in all legal proceedings.
We handle the filing of lawsuits, gather and present evidence proving arbitrary dismissal, and argue for fair compensation.
Our goal is to secure maximum compensation, gratuity, and unpaid dues for our clients.
Appeals & Settlements
If an initial ruling is unfavorable, we handle appeals to challenge the decision and seek a more favorable outcome.
Additionally, we negotiate out-of-court settlements to resolve disputes efficiently and ensure employees receive the compensation they deserve without prolonged litigation.
FAQs about Dubai Compensation for Unlawful Dismissal
Conclusion.
If you believe you were dismissed unfairly in Dubai, you have the right to seek justice.
The law protects employees from arbitrary dismissal, ensuring they receive compensation and unpaid dues.
Our law firm provides expert legal assistance to help employees claim their arbitrary dismissal compensation Dubai. Contact us for professional support on filing a case and securing fair compensation.
Contact our labor law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.

A legal consultant specializing in UAE labor law. He regularly publishes articles on the website and writes on various areas of UAE law, with a specific focus on labor law.