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United Arab Emirates: Contracts of employment

Original and updating author: Samir Kantaria, Al Tamimi & Company

See the legal services provided by the author of International > United Arab Emirates, including any discounts/offers for subscribers.

Summary

  • In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) generally, under the employment contract employers are under an implied duty to act fairly and reasonably, while in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) there are no implied duties on employers. (See General)
  • In the UAE generally, legislation provides that employment contracts must be for a fixed term. In the DIFC and ADGM employment legislation does not distinguish between any types of contract. (See General and Types of contract)
  • In the UAE generally, and the DIFC and ADGM, employees may be appointed for a probationary period of a maximum of six months. (See Probationary periods)
  • Employment contracts must contain certain minimum terms. (See Written contract of employment)
  • The basic rule is that the parties to the employment contract must agree to any variation of the contract's terms (preferably in writing). (See Variation of contract)