UAE: Can my employer enforce a non-compete clause against me?

The non-compete clause in the UAE Labour Law and the implications of breaching it

Published: September 21, 2020 09:28 Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

1 of 16

Have a new job offer? Here is what the non-compete clause in your current contract means. Image Credit: Stock image

2 of 16

The reader has been working in the company for four years. Image Credit: Stock image

3 of 16

He now has a better job offer. Image Credit: Stock image

4 of 16

Reda Hegazy, Senior Legal Advisor and Arbitrator at Al Suwaidi and Company. Image Credit: Stock image

5 of 16

Image Credit: Stock image

6 of 16

Article 127 cover the aspects of protecting an employer business secrets. Image Credit: Stock image

7 of 16

However, the non-compete clause has certain specific requirements, that need to be mentioned in the contract. Image Credit: Stock image

8 of 16

Image Credit: Stock image

9 of 16

All these elements should be applicable at the same time for the clause to be valid. Image Credit: Stock image

10 of 16

The aim of the clause is to protect the employer's interests. Image Credit: Stock image

11 of 16

Image Credit: Stock image

12 of 16

Image Credit: Stock image

13 of 16

You can still join the new company, however, your former employer may file a court case in certain cases. Image Credit: Stock image

14 of 16

What happens if the employer files a court case? Image Credit: Stock image

15 of 16

The former employer would need to prove in court that the employee's new job has led to financial loss for him. Image Credit: Stock image

16 of 16

If proven in court, the employee may need to pay some compensation comparative to the damages. Image Credit: Stock image

Living In UAE Reader Queries

UAE: Can my employer enforce a non-compete clause against me?

More From Living In UAE

Budget travel in Makkah: How Umrah pilgrims can save with the public bus system

UAE: Skip airport lines! How to check in your bags from home in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Are you eligible for the Fazaa or Esaad card? Here’s how you can find out.

Dubai pet owners: Keep your furry friend safe – how to update pet microchip details online

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

UAE: Can my employer enforce a non-compete clause against me?

More From Living In UAE

Budget travel in Makkah: How Umrah pilgrims can save with the public bus system

UAE: Skip airport lines! How to check in your bags from home in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Are you eligible for the Fazaa or Esaad card? Here’s how you can find out.

Dubai pet owners: Keep your furry friend safe – how to update pet microchip details online

GULFNEWS SECTIONS