Abu Dhabi court orders healthcare facility to pay doctor Dh84,000 in salary dispute

 The Abu Dhabi Labor Court – First Instance, ruled that a healthcare facility must pay a doctor Dh84,542, provide her with a travel ticket to her home country upon departure from the UAE in economy class not exceeding Dh1,500, issue her a certificate of experience, and bear the legal costs within the awarded amount, in a case involving delayed salaries and wages.

The doctor had filed a lawsuit against the facility where she had been employed, demanding payment of overdue salaries totaling Dh99,709, annual leave compensation for her period of service amounting to Dh5,600, legal interest at a rate of 12% annually from the date of claim until full settlement, an experience certificate, a travel ticket worth Dh1,500, and coverage of fees, expenses, and attorney’s fees.

Case documents showed that, according to the employment contract, the doctor’s total monthly salary was Dh35,000, with a basic salary of Dh14,000. She had worked at the facility for less than six months under a two-year contract. The burden of proving salary payment rested with the employer, which failed to provide evidence contradicting the doctor’s claims. The facility also failed to present legal proof that the doctor had received the salaries she claimed.

Regarding the monthly deductions the doctor contested, the facility argued that these were due to her failure to adhere to working hours, late arrivals and early departures, non-compliance with internal policies, and unpaid leave and absences, which were deducted from her monthly salary. However, the facility did not present evidence to substantiate these claims, nor proof of any written investigation regarding her absence or tardiness. Consequently, she was entitled to Dh84,542.

The court noted that the employment contract showed the doctor had worked for 5 months and 19 days—less than six months—and therefore did not meet the eligibility requirement for the leave compensation she requested, which warranted rejecting that part of her claim.