Abu Dhabi court orders company to pay former employee over 300,000 dirhams

The Abu Dhabi Labour Court of First Instance ordered a company to pay a former employee AED316,333 in unpaid wages, leave allowances, and end-of-service gratuity.

The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by the worker, who claimed the company failed to settle his dues after his employment period. The court noted that the worker maintained an employment relationship with the company from September 2012 until August 2026.

Because the company failed to appear in court or provide evidence that it had already paid the worker, the judge ruled in favor of the employee. The court stated that the Labour Relations Law requires employers to pay wages on time according to Ministry regulations. The final order requires the company to pay AED232,500 in back wages for a 33 month period, AED9,000 for leave allowances, and AED74,833 for an end-of-service gratuity covering nearly 14 years of service.

The company must also cover the legal fees and expenses associated with the case.