UAE firm ordered to pay worker Dh223,000 in withheld wages

Court rules in favour of employee after 30 months without pay

Last updated: December 08, 2025 | 14:03

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UAE firm ordered to pay worker Dh223,000 in withheld wages

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Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Labour Court of First Instance has ordered a company to pay Dh223,000 in compensation to an employee after withholding his salary for 30 consecutive months.

The employee filed a claim seeking his outstanding labour entitlements and related costs, stating that he had worked for the company on a monthly salary of Dh9,300, with a total package of Dh12,325, and had not been paid for nearly two and a half years.

In its judgment, the court noted that under UAE labour law, an employee’s wage must be clearly stated in the employment contract. If not specified, the court may determine it as part of a labour dispute, Al Khaleej Arabic reported. It added that employers are required to pay salaries on their due dates in line with UAE regulations.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi: Mechanic sues company after 22 years of work, wins Dh129,200 in unpaid wages and benefits

The court found no evidence that the company had paid any wages between 1 February 2023 and 1 August 2025, concluding that the employee was owed Dh370,161. However, as the claimant limited his request to Dh223,000, the court ruled in his favour for the amount sought. The company was ordered to pay the awarded sum along with applicable legal costs.

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.