Skip to main content
LEXAI

Ask a Lawyer·Labour / Employment

Labour / EmploymentAnswered

What counts as arbitrary dismissal in the UAE and what compensation can I get?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 26, 2026·1 answers
A worker who feels they were fired unfairly wants to know whether it qualifies as arbitrary dismissal and what they can claim.

This answer is AI-generated by LEXAI. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

1 answers

Best answer
L
LEXAI

AI-generated answer

Jun 26, 2026
Arbitrary dismissal in the UAE generally means termination for an invalid reason or in breach of the law — for example, dismissing a worker for filing a legitimate MOHRE complaint. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, if a court finds the dismissal arbitrary it may order compensation capped at up to three months' wage, in addition to notice pay, unpaid wages and end-of-service gratuity — which you keep regardless. To claim, file first with MOHRE, which attempts settlement before referral to the labour court; gather your contract, termination letter, payslips and evidence of the real reason. Outcomes depend on the facts. Full step-by-step guide: Arbitrary dismissal compensation in the UAE. Compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to assess your claim.
Helpful (0)

Facing something similar?

Describe your own situation below. Your details go to our team, and a suitable lawyer in the LEXAI directory may receive them so they can contact you about it.

Pick your situation so your enquiry can reach a suitable lawyer in the LEXAI directory who works in that area.

Your details stay private and are used only to handle your enquiry. Your enquiry may be offered to a suitable lawyer automatically, and may be offered to another if there is no response, so a lawyer can contact you about it. Privacy policy

Related Questions

Underlying law

Related UAE legislation

Keep reading

Related guides

Labour Employment

3 Months' Salary on Termination in the UAE: Arbitrary (Unlawful) Dismissal Compensation Explained

UAE labour courts can award up to three months' wage when a dismissal is unlawful under Article 47 of Federal Decree-Law 33/2021. Learn what counts as unlawful termination, how judges set the amount, and how it stacks with notice pay and gratuity.

5 min read

Labour Employment

DEWS in the DIFC: How the Employee Workplace Savings Plan Works

Your DIFC employer must pay at least 5.83% of your monthly basic wage into DEWS or another certified scheme every month, rising to 8.33% after five years. Who is covered, how the 50% floor works, what UAE and GCC nationals are owed, and how to get the money out.

5 min read

Labour Employment

Non-Renewal of an Employment Contract in the UAE: Notice, Sample Letter and Final Dues

UAE labour law sets no separate notice period for letting a fixed-term contract expire, but silence can extend it on the same terms. What a non-renewal letter should say, two neutral sample letters, what is owed within 14 days, and the visa steps.

5 min read

Have a legal question?

Post your question and get a free answer about UAE law. For advice on your own situation, speak to a lawyer.

Ask a Question
Related Questions

What counts as defamation under UAE law?

1 answers

Which country's law applies to my divorce as a foreigner in the UAE?

1 answers

Is my employer required to pay for my annual flight ticket in the UAE?

1 answers

What can I do if my employer ignores the MOHRE settlement or the court ruling?

1 answers

Can a domestic worker resign before the contract ends in the UAE?

1 answers

Need direct legal help?

Browse Lawyers
Browse Lawyers