UAE – Employment law in the ADGM
The Abu Dhabi General Market's new Employment Regulations in April 2024 came into effect on 1 April 2025 and reflect its desire to align with international standards, and continue to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces. This virtual course is for employers in the ADGM who need to be aware of the recent changes, ongoing legal developments and periodic updates to ensure compliance with evolving employment regulations in the ADGM and to promote a balanced and harmonious employer-employee relationship.
Synopsis
Employment law in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is characterised by a pro-business regulatory environment, emphasising fairness and compliance. In the ADGM, employment relationships are primarily governed by the new Employment Regulations 2025 providing a robust framework for employment contracts, anti-discrimination measures, and dispute resolution. The ADGM who need to be aware of the recent changes, ongoing legal developments and periodic updates to ensure compliance prioritizes flexibility in employment relationships and encourages alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. This course does not address the federal labour law in the United Arab Emirates or the position in the DIFC. If you wish to gain an understanding of the federal labour laws which apply onshore in the UAE, or the position in the DIFC please our dedicated courses on Employment law in the United Arab Emirates or UAE - Employment law in the DIFC.
Who should attend
This ADGM employment law virtual training course is relevant to ADGM regional HR managers and international HR managers or directors with responsibility for employees in this free zone. It will also be useful to managers and directors who anticipate entering this market and who need to be aware of their responsibilities to their people. A prior knowledge of employment law in this free zone jurisdiction is not required to attend this course.
Programme
The employment law landscape in the ADGM
- framework and structure
- differentiating the legal jurisdictions & their implications for employment law
Recruitment
- background checks
- immigration
Contracts of employment
- mandatory requirements
- choice of law
Key statutory provisions
- probation
- term and notice
- pay, allowances, deductions
- leave entitlements
- working hours and overtime
- entitlements on termination
- non-compete
Employee benefits
- structuring employee benefit packages in line with ADGM standards
Whistleblowing
Disciplinary matters
- statutory requirements
- additional considerations
- practical guidance
Termination of employment
- process
- risk
- additional considerations
Discrimination and harassment
- protected characteristics
- harassment
- penalties
Dispute resolution
- navigating the labour dispute resolution process in the ADGM
Key contacts
Lisa Bryson Partner
M: +971 5668 16410 E: LisaBryson@eversheds-sutherland.com
Corrine Sobers Principal Associate
M: +974 5048 2603 E: corrinesobers@eversheds-sutherland.com
If your organisation is currently responsible for employees in global jurisdictions, or it is considering establishing operations overseas, it is essential that you are aware of the local employment laws and HR best practice. Eversheds Sutherland offers a range of global employment law courses. These courses provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts and from peers who are encountering similar situations to themselves.
For information on any of our international employment law training courses, please contact us on +44 (0) 113 200 4040 or employmenttraining@eversheds-sutherland.com
© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.