Question: I recently changed jobs and joined a new company in Dubai. But I was fired within a week of joining, citing company restructuring. Can I take the new company to court and file a claim? What are my rights in this case?
Answer: Yes: In the UAE, employers can fire employees during the probation period, but they must give the employee 14 days' notice. This is in accordance with Article (1) of the Federal Decree No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, which states: "An employer may employ an employee during a probation period, which shall not exceed 6 months from the date of commencement of service. During this period, the employer may terminate the employment of the employee by giving the employee fourteen days' written notice."
If either the employer or the employee fails to comply with the notice period stipulated in the labor law regarding the termination of the employment contract, the party that violates the provisions of the law may be required to pay compensation to the other party.