Employment & HR

Employment & HR Lawyers in Dubai and Across the UAE

Employment matters can affect business operations, workplace relationships and individual professional interests. Understanding your legal position early can help you assess your options and make informed decisions.

Shuaib Alsuwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants provides legal advice on employment and HR matters, subject to the firm's confirmed scope of practice and the applicable legal framework.

Overview

Employment advice for businesses and workplace matters.

Employment issues can arise at any stage of the working relationship, from preparing employment contracts and workplace policies to managing grievances, reviewing termination decisions and addressing labour disputes.

Understanding the applicable employment rules, contractual obligations and available legal options is essential when handling these matters.

Our Employment & HR practice page is designed to help employers, HR professionals and individuals understand the legal issues that may arise in employment relationships. The appropriate advice will depend on the circumstances of each matter, the parties involved and the legal regime that applies.

We aim to provide clear explanations of relevant legal considerations so that clients can understand their position, evaluate available options and determine the appropriate next steps.

Services

What our employment team does.

From preventive advice to contested proceedings, we cover the issues UAE employers and executives face most often.

01

Advisory & compliance

  • Employment contracts and executive service agreements
  • HR policies, handbooks and disciplinary frameworks
  • Compliance with UAE labour law, wage protection and Emiratisation requirements
  • Confidentiality and restrictive covenants
02

Workplace issues

  • Workplace investigations and disciplinary processes
  • Grievances, complaints and misconduct allegations
  • Redundancies, restructurings and terminations
  • End-of-service entitlements and final settlements
03

Disputes

  • Claims before MOHRE and the labour courts
  • Executive exit negotiations and settlement agreements
  • Wrongful termination and compensation claims
  • Free zone employment matters

How we work

A structured approach to every employment matter.

Step 01

Scoping

We clarify the facts, contracts, documents and deadlines in a focused first call.

Step 02

Strategy

We set out your options, the risks and likely outcomes, in plain language.

Step 03

Execution

We manage the process, from negotiation to proceedings, and keep you updated.

Step 04

Review

We capture lessons learned and update your contracts and policies to reduce future risk.

Mr. Shuaib Al Suwaidi, Managing Director 33+ years in UAE legal and public service

Legal leadership

Shuaib Al Suwaidi

Managing Director | Senior Legal Attorney, Dubai

Shuaib Al Suwaidi brings more than 33 years of service in the UAE's legal, judicial and public sectors. He began his career with the Dubai Police General Command in 1989, where he served in senior legal roles for over 26 years. In 2016 he became Director of Legal Affairs at Dubai Customs, leading legal compliance, regulatory development and organisational reform until 2022.

He is licensed to appear before all UAE courts. For employment clients, his background in grievance review, regulatory compliance and public sector governance supports the handling of workplace complaints, internal investigations and disciplinary processes, where a clear process and sound record matter as much as the legal argument.

33+Years in UAE legal and public service
All UAE courtsLicensed to appear
4Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu

Relevant experience

  • Chaired and sat on high-level committees, including the High Committee for Legal Review and Grievances
  • Examined grievances and recommended legal procedures
  • Led legal compliance and regulatory strategy at Dubai Customs
  • Provided legal opinions to government and law enforcement entities

Career highlights

  • 2016 – 2022Director of Legal Affairs, Dubai Customs
  • 1989 – 2015Dubai Police General Command, Legal Affairs Division

FAQs

Employment and HR FAQs.

Can an employer terminate an employee in the UAE without notice?

UAE labour law permits termination without notice only in specified circumstances and subject to applicable legal requirements. The appropriate approach depends on the facts, the employment contract and the legal framework governing the employment relationship. Employers should obtain legal advice before making a termination decision.

What end-of-service benefits may an employee receive when employment ends?

Depending on the applicable legal regime and the employee's circumstances, end-of-service entitlements may include gratuity, outstanding wages, unused annual leave and other amounts payable under the relevant law or contract. Eligibility and calculations depend on factors such as qualifying service, basic wage and the applicable employment rules.

Can a lawyer assist with employment disputes?

Legal assistance may help parties understand their contractual obligations, assess the relevant legal issues and consider available options for resolving an employment dispute. The appropriate approach depends on the nature of the disagreement, the evidence available and the applicable legal framework.

What should an employer do when a workplace complaint is raised?

An employer should assess the complaint carefully, review relevant workplace policies and documents, and consider the procedures required by applicable law. Depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate to investigate the allegations, document findings and obtain legal advice before taking disciplinary action.

Where can employment disputes in Dubai be resolved?

The appropriate process depends on the employment relationship, the relevant jurisdiction and the nature of the dispute. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), the competent courts or a separate process applicable to a particular free zone. DIFC and ADGM employment matters may be governed by their respective legal frameworks.

Can employment contracts and HR policies be reviewed by a lawyer?

Yes, legal review can help identify contractual provisions, workplace policies and procedures that may require clarification or amendment. The review should take account of the applicable employment rules and the specific requirements of the organisation.

Start the conversation

Need advice on an employment matter?

A short first conversation can clarify your options, the risks and the next step. Tell us what is happening and we will connect you with the right lawyer.

Arrange a consultation

Dubai Office

Dubai Healthcare City

Oud Metha Offices, 403
Dubai Healthcare City
United Arab Emirates
Office details & directions ↗