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

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

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

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

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

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Image Credit: Stock image

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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