ع
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation regulates private sector employment relations through Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. According to an Emirates 24|7 article titled “UAE Labour Law: 10 violations that can get you dismissed without notice”, employers must carry out a written investigation before any such termination and issue a reasoned written decision that is formally handed to the worker. This process ensures procedural fairness while permitting swift action in cases of grave misconduct that undermine the employment relationship.
The publication identified assuming a false identity or submitting forged certificates as the first violation that justifies dismissal without notice. Committing an error that leads to substantial material loss for the employer or deliberately damaging company property while admitting responsibility forms the second ground provided the ministry receives notification within seven working days of the discovery. Breaching clearly posted written safety instructions at the workplace after the employee has been informed of them constitutes the third violation according to the report.
Failing repeatedly to perform essential duties outlined in the employment contract even after a formal written investigation and two explicit warnings of impending dismissal represents the fourth ground for immediate termination. Revealing industrial or intellectual property secrets that cause the employer financial harm or yield personal benefit to the worker stands as the fifth. Appearing at the workplace under the influence of alcohol narcotics or psychotropic substances or engaging in behaviour contrary to public morals counts as the sixth the Emirates 24|7 guide explained.
Assaulting the employer a supervisor or fellow employees at the workplace whether through verbal physical or other punishable means allows for the seventh form of summary dismissal. Remaining absent without valid reason for more than 20 non-consecutive days or seven consecutive days within a year qualifies as the eighth violation. Unlawfully exploiting one’s official position for personal gain and joining a competing establishment without observing required procedures complete the list of 10 the article stated.
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation figures show that 185,793 labour disputes were resolved amicably in the first half of 2026 representing 98.6 percent of all recorded cases while only 2,481 or 1.4 percent were referred to the courts. The Emirates News Agency reported that this high settlement rate stems from procedural improvements including the ministry’s authority to adjudicate claims valued at up to AED 50,000 which has reduced judicial burdens and expedited outcomes for workers. Nearly 9.43 million labour consultations and communications were handled throughout 2025 highlighting the system’s reach across the private sector workforce.
Article 47 of the law protects employees from arbitrary dismissal such as termination in retaliation for filing a substantiated complaint with the ministry or pursuing a successful lawsuit against the employer. In such proven cases courts may award compensation of up to three months of the worker’s last wage. Final entitlements including any unpaid wages and end-of-service benefits must be settled within 14 days of contract termination according to ministry guidelines.
