RESPONDING TO POACHING IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Two of the most important assets of any business are its
confidential information and its employees. Companies stand to lose
both when their employees defect to a competitor. In this bulletin
we highlight some of the key legal, commercial and practical
measures available to UAE employers when faced with a competitor
poaching one or more of their employees.
LEGAL PROTECTION
UAE law expressly recognises an employer's need to protect
its business interests in relation to business secrets and
protection of clients. Non-compete restrictions are permissible
provided they are reasonable in terms of scope, territory and
duration and there are civil and criminal liabilities for employees
who unlawfully disclose their employer's confidential
information. UAE law also prohibits "unfair competition",
which includes hiring an employee from a third party with a view to
obtaining clients or confidential information from that
