In 2025, Ahmed, a senior engineer in Dubai, was called into an HR meeting where he was suddenly handed a termination letter. He asked, “If terminated, what are your rights?” — a question many employees face unexpectedly. Without prior warning, his benefits, visa status, and financial plans were at stake.
This article explores UAE employment contract termination cases in Dubai, helping you understand your legal standing and how to respond.
To speak with a lawyer about your employment termination case, click the WhatsApp icon below.
Table of Contents
What the UAE Law Says About Termination
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, commonly referred to as the UAE Labour Law, employment contracts may be terminated legally for several reasons. But knowing when a termination is legal versus arbitrary is critical.
The Legal Grounds for Termination are:
- Mutual agreement between both parties.
- End of the contract term with no renewal.
- Termination with notice by either party.
- Immediate termination of employment UAE for just cause (e.g., fraud, gross misconduct).
Under the termination law in Dubai, a 30-day minimum notice is required unless the employer has valid grounds for immediate dismissal.
Termination vs Resignation – What Are Your Rights?
Understanding the difference between termination and voluntary resignation is crucial when navigating UAE employment contract termination cases in Dubai, as it directly affects what you are legally entitled to. The table below highlights the main differences in entitlements and obligations.
The table below highlights the main differences in entitlements and obligations:
| Aspect | Termination | Resignation |
|---|---|---|
| Notice Period | 30–90 days (as per contract) | 30 days (unless waived) |
| Gratuity Eligibility | Yes, based on years of service | Yes, under same conditions |
| Compensation if Arbitrary | Up to 3 months’ salary | Not applicable |
| Legal Complaints | Employee can file via MOHRE | Employer can report misconduct |
| Visa Cancellation | Done by employer | Initiated by employee or employer |
Related: Dubai DMCC Termination of Employment
What Happens If a Company Terminates You in Dubai?
If you suddenly lose your job, you may be entitled to a range of benefits and protections under UAE law. This section explains what you can claim if a company terminates you without just cause.
If a company terminates you, you may have several protections under the uae labor law employment termination protections:
The employee rights after termination are:
- Final salary and benefits paid within 14 days.
- End-of-service gratuity if employed for over one year.
- Annual leave balance payment in cash.
- Flight ticket or repatriation costs, if stated in contract.
- One day per week leave during notice period to seek new employment.
These protections apply in most uae employment contract termination cases in Dubai, unless an employee has committed a serious violation.
Immediate Termination: What the Law Allows
Some situations allow employers to end a contract on the spot, but these are rare and regulated by strict rules. Learn when immediate termination of employment in the UAE is legal — and when it isn’t.
Employers may initiate immediate termination of employment UAE under Article 44 of the labor law, but this is strictly limited to:
- Dishonesty or falsifying documents.
- Repeated policy violations after warnings.
- Leaking business secrets.
- Unjustified absence exceeding 7 days in a row or 20 non-consecutive days.
However, such termination must be based on documented evidence. Otherwise, the employee may claim unlawful dismissal.
Dubai Labour Law for Termination in Special Scenarios
Certain life events or legal protections apply when termination occurs in sensitive circumstances. Here’s what Dubai labour law says about maternity, sick leave, and harassment-related cases.
- During maternity leave: Illegal to terminate unless major misconduct is proven.
- While sick: Employer must allow full sick leave (up to 90 days) before considering dismissal.
- In harassment situations: You may resign and still claim compensation if the employer failed to provide a safe work environment.
These examples fall under evolving dubai labour law for termination, with courts often favoring employees if their rights were violated.
FAQs
Being dismissed from your job can be emotionally and financially challenging, but you are not without options. Whether your case involves uae employment contract termination cases in Dubai, immediate termination, or if a company terminates you unfairly, there are legal protections in place. Knowing your employee rights after termination ensures you can stand up for what you are owed.
For personalized legal guidance on termination law in Dubai, click the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen to contact our employment lawyers in dubai.
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.
