Court of Cassation: no MOHRE contract does not shield employers from labour claims

A recent Dubai Court of Cassation decision provides an important clarification for employers operating in the UAE: the absence of a formal Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) employment contract does not necessarily defeat an employee's labour claims. In a significant employment dispute involving competing corporate entities, an undocumented employment structure, and claims exceeding AED 688,000, the Dubai Court of Cassation reaffirmed that employment relationships may be established through all legally recognised methods of proof. Employers cannot avoid the application of UAE labour law simply because formal employment documentation was not properly implemented. The judgment also reinforces broader litigation principles concerning jurisdiction, evidentiary conduct, and employer compliance obligations.