Freezone Employment Comparison
Select two UAE free zones and compare their employment rules side by side. Notice period, gratuity, non-compete, visa, probation, and termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding UAE Free Zone Employment
The UAE has over 40 free zones, each with varying degrees of employment law independence. Most free zones follow mainland UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), but two major exceptions are DIFC and ADGM, which have their own employment regulations based on English common law.
This distinction matters for employees because it affects gratuity calculations, dispute resolution, non-compete enforceability, and other critical employment terms. Employees in DIFC or ADGM cannot file complaints with MoHRE — they must use their respective free zone courts.
When evaluating a job offer in a free zone, compare not just the salary but the entire employment framework — including gratuity, leave entitlements, notice period requirements, and the available dispute resolution mechanism.