Is Your Non-Compete Enforceable?
Answer 5 questions about your non-compete clause. Get an instant assessment based on UAE Labour Law.
Question 1 of 5
How long does your non-compete last after leaving?
Non-Compete Clauses Under UAE Labour Law
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 10, employers in the UAE can include non-compete clauses in employment contracts. However, the law sets clear limits on what is enforceable.
A non-compete clause must not exceed two years in duration. It must be limited in geographic scope — typically to the UAE or a specific emirate, not worldwide. And it must be necessary to protect legitimate business interests such as trade secrets, client relationships, or proprietary information.
UAE courts have the power to modify or void non-compete clauses that are deemed overly broad. In practice, courts consider the employee's role, their access to confidential information, the duration and geographic scope of the restriction, and whether the employer provided compensation during the restriction period.
Junior employees without access to trade secrets or key client relationships are rarely held to non-compete clauses, even if they signed one. Senior employees with knowledge of pricing strategies, client lists, or proprietary processes face stricter enforcement.
DIFC and ADGM have their own employment laws with slightly different rules on non-competes. If you work in a free zone, check which employment law governs your contract.