Abu Dhabi court orders company to pay Dh11,000 to former employee

Ruling underscores UAE’s strict stance on labour rights, ordering firm to pay unpaid wages

Last updated: August 25, 2025 | 10:10

2 MIN READ

Abu Dhabi court orders company to pay Dh11,000 to former employee

The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has ordered a private company to pay Dh11,000 to a former employee after finding the firm withheld his salary for a month.

The employee had filed a lawsuit demanding Dh21,000 in total, including Dh11,000 in unpaid wages and an additional Dh10,000 in compensation for the financial and emotional hardship he said he endured because of the delay. He also sought court fees and expenses.

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According to court filings, the man argued that he had worked for the company under a contract that was not formally registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. His services were later terminated, and the company allegedly refused to pay the salary owed.

The court cited provisions of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which stipulate that workers are entitled to agreed wages once they have performed their duties or made themselves available for work, and that employers must pay those wages at the time and place specified in the contract or by customary practice.

In its ruling, the court noted that the company had acknowledged the employee’s entitlement to the salary but failed to transfer the amount to him through his requested bank payment method. With no evidence presented to show the wage had been paid or that the employee had waived his claim, the court deemed the nonpayment a violation of a core legal obligation and ordered the company to pay its former employee one full month’s salary.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.