Department profile
Pinsent Masons

Employment

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates


Pinsent Masons

Rankings

About

Provided by Pinsent Masons

Our employment team advises a diverse range of clients, including Middle East-based businesses, European companies and major international companies on all aspects of employment and labour law in the region.   The team is regarded as a market leading practice in the UAE and one of the strongest employment team's in the Region. 

The team's prioritizes advising clients in a solutions orientated way which reflects market practice.  The team advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters in relation to the onshore UAE employment matters, DIFC and ADGM employment law and employment issues in respect of all of the other free zones within the UAE. 

Services delivered through our team include:

  • Local Employment Contracts and Handbooks: assisting major international clients converting their HR documentation into employment contracts and policies.
  • Senior Executive Terminations: supporting clients on senior executive separation arrangements to ensure the process complies with local law requirements as well as the client’s commercial and practical objectives.
  • Employment Litigation: advising and representing clients on all aspects of employment disputes and litigation. This includes representing clients before the onshore Labour Courts as well as the DIFC and ADGM Courts. 

  •  Transfer of Employees: assisting in the transfer of employees, including between entities and assisting on corporate transactions where employees are locally transferred pursuant to a merger or acquisition.

Industries (19)

  • Banks
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Construction & Materials
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Insurance
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Private Clients / Individuals
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - United Arab Emirates

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Pinsent Masons has an impressive employment offering in Dubai covering matters as diverse as employee transfers and workplace investigations into alleged instances of harassment. The team acts for an impressive and growing list of important market players in several key economic sectors. It is adept in both contentious and non-contentious matters, with its lawyers regularly appearing before the DIFC courts in high-stakes employment disputes. The team is also very well versed in the provisions of the UAE's 2021 Labour Law and its amendments.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pinsent Masons carried out a review of Dubai Multi Commodities Freezone Authority's employment policies and documentation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team's ability to stay ahead of market trends and to provide relevant insights makes it a valuable partner for businesses navigating employment and labour law matters.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • Pinsent Masons is eager to ensure client satisfaction and has a great team that caters to all its clients' needs. The team always delivers above expectations.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • The employment department at Pinsent Masons stands out for its open and professional approach.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • Pinsent Masons is very responsive and knowledgeable. It considers things from the business perspective and can often pre-empt our questions.

    Employment respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Luke Tapp
    Band 1Luke Tapp

    Luke Tapp

    Middle East employment head Luke Tapp has quickly cemented his reputation as one of the top employment lawyers in Dubai. He is especially noted for his handling of DIFC and ADGM matters, with clients turning to him regularly for advice on HR policy and contract review. His practice also sees him act on executive termination mandates and other exit-related issues.
    • Luke Tapp's leadership and expertise in employment law, along with his proactive and engaging approach, make him a key contact for legal guidance and industry insights.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Luke has always provided the most accurate advice and support.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Luke is simply great. He gives the client a great level of comfort in his ability to help and deliver what is required.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Luke Tapp is very accessible and calm.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Luke Tapp displayed remarkable skill, professionalism and dedication in helping us achieve a favourable outcome.

      Employment respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Pinsent Masons (1)

United Arab Emirates

Members

Provided by Pinsent Masons

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