Question: If the company I work for is in the free zone of Abu Dhabi, does the UAE's labour law apply? If not, then what are my rights as an employee?
Answer: Some investors may elect to set up their business in free zones to avoid any complications or restrictions in the Corporate Law which requires a business to have a local investor or sponsor. This is not necessary in the free zone.
Some laws are not applicable to free zone companies, such as the tax law - though only on the condition that the company's activities do not exceed the border of the free zone. The UAE's main federal laws are absolutely applicable to such companies, such as The Federal Penal Law, since any crime takes place in the free zone shall be subject to the criminal procedures set up in the Federal Penal Law in the designated Emirate.
The answer to the most frequently asked question about whether or not the Federal Labour Law is applicable to free zone companies is yes. When the UAE courts look into any dispute or litigation between the employers and employees, the only law applicable before the labour courts is the Federal Labour Law.
Question: Contractually, I am obligated to work 9 hours a day including a lunch break. If I do not take a lunch break can I leave after working 8 hours?
Answer: As per article number 65 of the labour law, the maximum working hour per day must not exceed 8 hours. Article 66 of the law also provides that employees must not work for more than 5 hours in a row. And the law clearly states that lunch breaks should not be included in the total number of working hours.
The same article grants only the employer the right to organise work timings in the company, as long as they are not breaking the law.
Therefore, you neither may disobey the employer's working time without the consent of the employer themselves, nor may you leave an hour earlier.
I had the pleasure of consulting with Dr. Hassan AlHais, and I must say the entire experience was exceptional.The reception and meeting area were impeccably clean, quiet, and managed to the highest standards, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. View testimonial
Abdullah Client
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I had the pleasure of consulting with Dr. Hassan AlHais, and I must say the entire experience was exceptional.The reception and meeting area were impeccably clean, quiet, and managed to the highest standards, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.The customer service was outstanding.. View testimonial
Salam Amir Client
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Dr. Hassan is brilliant. I have been working with him for more than 15 years. His work product and legal advice are of the highest caliber. Competent. Professional. Knowledgeable. Analytical and strategic thinker. Honest. Without exaggerating, Dr. Hassan is the best family litigator in the UAE. Highly recommend.
Abed Awad Client
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I owe the success of my case to Dr. Hassan's diligent approach. He remained focused, put me at ease and always went the extra mile. Dr. Hassan tirelessly put my case in the best possible light and I cannot thank him enough. I would highly recommend Dr. Hassan - I am grateful to him from the bottom of my heart.
Raphael Lauria Manager, FME General Trading
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Regardless of the complexity of the matter I know Dr. Hassan Elhais will consider not only legal strategy but also business practicalities in providing advice and litigation options.
Dr. Massimo Hakim Chairman, Italian Style
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I recommend Dr. Hassan Elhais to anyone who says 'I'm in legal trouble'. I was extremely satisfied with the high standard of his work. He has always been there when I have needed him and I refer all my clients, family and friends to him/his firm.
Manish Gupta CEO, EDS FZE
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Best lawyer in Dubai.
Aigul Beishembieva Client
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Happy with the team of Mr. Hassan Elhais. Knowledgeable on UAE laws and i got the advice i was looking for. Highly recommended!
Mukesh Pandey Client
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Dr. Hassan Elhais was very professional and he listened to my needs. He was very prompt, efficient and always kept me informed. Dr. Hassan Elhais's service was excellent and I would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues.
James Horsley British Client
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Their team of attorneys are not only highly knowledgeable and professional but also incredibly attentive to the needs of the client. They will provide you with a top-notch service every step of the way. The staffs are friendly, responsive, and always kept you informed about the progress of your case. I highly recommend this for anyone in need of legal assistance.
May Ann Adrias Client
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...the extraordinary effort that has been exerted by the staff, and we specially thank Dr. Hassan Mohsen Alhais. Wishing your continues success & excellence...
H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin Mohammed Hashir Al Maktoum
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We are extremely happy to note that you won all three cases which we entrusted to you. Your superb handling ensured the result in our favour. We very much appreciate this and feel grateful to you. You not only won the cases, but managed to get the judgement executed without much delay..View testimonial
Chandru Malkani Client
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Dr. Hassan Elhais is among the best legal consultants I have ever worked with. He has an amazing ability to reduce complex issues into a simple concept that non-legal people can understand. He consistently develops innovative litigation strategies that help us to achieve our ultimate legal goals.
Zhuo Liu Client
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I believe everyone should recognize what a difference Dr. Hassan Elhais work has made to people's lives; and especially to our family's life, because we will remain forever grateful to each and every one of his team.
Luis Pozueco Client
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Dr. Hassan Elhais never fears cases that involve exposure and he always gives me his honest assessment of our chances of success, which is invaluable to me.
Bassam Yamout Director, JM Metal Trading LCC
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Dr. Hassan Elhais is a responsible, reputable counsel who operates to high levels of service.
British Client
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Dr Hassan Elhais is responsive, thorough and creative with his advice, and is a valued advisor and legal consultant.
Asma Mattar Manager, Italian Style
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Knowing Dr. Hassan for years now, I can say confidently he is the most trustworthy person I ever met, not only because he is very knowledgeable, smart and has a very high acumen, but also he is very dedicated and buying his clients and interest first..View testimonial
Ahmed Higazy Client
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I have had nothing but exceptional work from Dr. Hassan, all my family and business related legal work goes to him. Having been in and out of Dubai since 2004 and having wasted money on bad legal advice elsewhere, I feel VERY qualified to say that he is absolutely the best in the UAE. Thank you Hassan.
Rich Firth Client
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Dr. Hassan is the best lawyer in UAE I have dealt with, he is very professional and has consistently upheld the highest standards of professional ethics, ensuring that my best interests were always at the forefront. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hassan to anyone..View testimonial
Hossam ElDeeb Client
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Ex UK Senior management now running a busy business in Dubai that requires bulletproof corporate legal contracts that are customised to our unique needs. This includes everything from HR contracts to complex sales agreements. Dr. Hassan has undoubtedly proven to be the best legal expert we have encountered here..View testimonial
