Latest news with #HabibAlMulla
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Former employee who missed 13 years of annual leave awarded Dh59,000 compensation
The Court of Cassation in Abu Dhabi has ordered an employer to compensate a former employee for 13 years of unused annual leave. The case involved an employee who worked at the company from 2009 until his contract was terminated in June 2022. After leaving the organisation, the employee claimed he had never taken his entitled annual leave during his tenure and sought financial compensation. According to Habib Al Mulla and Partners, the employer failed to provide any documentation proving otherwise. As a result, the court awarded the employee Dh59,290 in compensation. Initially, in case number 2024/73, a lower court had ruled in favour of the employee but limited the compensation to a maximum of two years' worth of unused leave. However, the Court of Cassation overturned this decision and granted full compensation for the entire period. Dr Habib Al Mulla, founder of Habib Al Mulla and Partners, said in a statement on the social media platform X that this ruling sets a significant precedent in labour disputes related to unused leave in the UAE. He added that the ruling will have significant implications for employers concerning the management and recording of leave entitlements, the potential financial obligations arising from unpaid leave and practical steps for employers to review and update leave policies. The verdict was announced by the Cassation Court in December 2024. Navandeep Matta, Senior Associate at Kochhar & Co. Inc. Legal Consultants (Dubai Branch) described the decision as a landmark in UAE employment law. 'This ruling has sent shockwaves through the employment sector, as the court awarded compensation for 13 years of unused leave. It marks a turning point in how accrued leave is interpreted under UAE labour law,' he told Khaleej Times. Citing Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Matta explained that employees are legally entitled to compensation for unused leave upon termination, including a limited portion of leave carried forward from previous years. 'In this case, the Court emphasised that it is the employer's legal responsibility to prove that the employee either took their leave or was compensated for it,' he added. 'The company's internal records showed only one vacation over a decade, with no evidence of payments in lieu of leave. Based on this, the court ruled in favour of the employee, using the final basic salary to calculate the owed compensation.' Matta further noted that the decision sends a strong message to employers about the importance of proper documentation. 'This judgment should serve as a wake-up call to HR departments and company leadership. Accurate leave tracking and timely settlement of entitlements are not just best practices — they are essential for compliance.' 'Ultimately, the judgment strikes a balance between legal entitlements and evidentiary fairness. Accrued rights cannot be ignored due to poor record-keeping. Employers must act proactively or risk being caught on the wrong side of the law,' he concluded.
Khaleej Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Free legal help for 54 citizens as law firm launches new scheme for entrepreneurs
UAE law firm Habib Al Mulla and Partners has launched a new legal scheme to help 54 Emiratis in their entrepreneurial endeavours in honour of the country's 54th National Day. Emiratis from across all seven emirates will be able to receive comprehensive, pro bono legal support to help establish licenced businesses in Dubai. Registration is now open, and applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply before August 31, 2025, so that there can be enough time for legal support, licensing, and onboarding. The selected entrepreneurs will be notified in phases starting September 2025, with formal onboarding and support kicking off immediately thereafter. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Alia Al Mulla, Partner at the law firm, told Khaleej Times that there will be a focus on first-time entrepreneurs and individuals in the early stages of their careers. 'Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a clear vision, commitment, and readiness to proceed with business formation,' she said. She added that the initiative will help those who are still in the pre-licencing or initial planning stage, and that it will help give them the legal and structural foundation needed to have a successful business. Al Mulla explained that the initiative is open to all business types, but more emphasis will be placed on businesses in sectors that align with the UAE's priorities, like technology, sustainability, creative industries, and community-focused services. She said, 'Whether it's a food startup, a fintech platform, or a social enterprise, the goal is to empower Emiratis to launch ventures that are not only commercially viable, but socially impactful and aligned with national development goals.' The legal initiative includes the following: · Drafting of company formation and incorporation documents. · Supporting company registration with relevant governmental authorities. · Providing financial support to help participating Small and Medium -sized Enterprises (SMEs) start confidently. · Organising legal workshops and offering expert consultations on business and legal matters. · Over 1,000 hours of legal support, completely free of charge.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Chambers organises workshops on Corporate Tax, Employment Law
Dubai Chambers recently organised two workshops focusing on key aspects of the UAE's Corporate Tax regime and Employment Law. The sessions were designed to ensure the local business community remains informed on the latest legal and regulatory developments across diverse sectors and attracted a total of 125 participants from the private sector. The first workshop focused on the evolution of the UAE Corporate Tax and was organised in collaboration with Habib Al Mulla & Partners and Andersen. The session offered practical insights into corporate tax in the UAE. Participants gained a clear understanding of essential areas including the applicability of corporate tax, Free Zone taxation, tax grouping, calculation methods, transfer pricing compliance, and key legal considerations. The workshop also addressed industry-specific expense deductions, corporate tax return readiness, recent legislative updates, and tax accounting considerations for current and deferred tax. This comprehensive session ensured participants were well-prepared for compliance in the evolving tax landscape. The second workshop was organised in collaboration with Fragomen UAE and Gateley Middle East and explored the UAE's employment laws and regulations. The session provided an overview of the legal framework governing the labour market and practical guidance on visa requirements, categories, and work permits. The workshop also covered essential employment aspects such as probation, pay and benefits, performance management, grievance procedures, and end-of-service processes.
Mid East Info
22-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
In the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Legal Affairs, the winners of the Habib Al Mulla Academy Legal Research Writing Competition were announced
Habib Al Mulla Academy, in collaboration with LexisNexis and Saint Joseph University in Dubai, proudly held the awards ceremony of the first edition of the Habib Al Mulla Legal Writing Competition, a unique initiative aimed at empowering future legal minds and encouraging innovation in legislative writing. This morning's ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC was attended by legal professionals, academics, and competition finalists. The event concluded with an award presentation by Dr Juma Alfalasi from the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (DLAD), followed by closing remarks from Dr. Habib Al Mulla. We are pleased to announce the top three winners: Alia Al Marzouqi – First Place Abeer Shalish – Second Place Aseel Abu Shehab – Third Place The competition invited students from across the UAE to submit legal research papers focused on current legislative developments and innovative legal solutions. Participants were evaluated by a distinguished panel of legal academics and practitioners. It was also announced that the first-place prize has been increased to AED 20,000 in the second edition and that a new category has been introduced for legal research in the GCC countries.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The winners of the Habib Al Mulla Academy Legal Research Writing Competition were announced
Dubai, UAE – Habib Al Mulla Academy, in collaboration with LexisNexis and Saint Joseph University in Dubai, proudly held the awards ceremony of the first edition of the Habib Al Mulla Legal Writing Competition, a unique initiative aimed at empowering future legal minds and encouraging innovation in legislative writing. This morning's ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC was attended by legal professionals, academics, and competition finalists. The event concluded with an award presentation by Dr Juma Alfalasi from the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (DLAD), followed by closing remarks from Dr. Habib Al Mulla. We are pleased to announce the top three winners: Alia Al Marzouqi – First Place Abeer Shalish – Second Place Aseel Abu Shehab – Third Place The competition invited students from across the UAE to submit legal research papers focused on current legislative developments and innovative legal solutions. Participants were evaluated by a distinguished panel of legal academics and practitioners. It was also announced that the first-place prize has been increased to AED 20,000 in the second edition and that a new category has been introduced for legal research in the GCC countries.
