Retirement benefits law

Retirement planning and end-of-service benefits are vital components of employee relations in the UAE. Kayrouz & Associates advises employers on designing, administering, and complying with retirement benefit schemes under local laws and free zone frameworks.

Practice Overview

Employers in the UAE are legally obligated to provide end-of-service benefits, yet the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding these entitlements are evolving rapidly. Our lawyers help businesses understand their obligations and structure compliant and cost-effective retirement benefits packages.

We advise on statutory gratuity payments, DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) plans, pension fund options for GCC nationals, and end-of-service alternative schemes tailored to employer needs. Our team ensures that retirement programs align with employment contracts, internal policies, and free zone or federal law.

Kayrouz & Associates also supports companies facing disputes over benefit entitlements, delayed payments, or allegations of underpayment. We work to resolve claims efficiently, whether through mediation or formal legal proceedings.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Structuring end-of-service and retirement plans
  • DIFC DEWS scheme compliance and administration
  • Advising on gratuity calculations and payment timing
  • Drafting benefit clauses in employment contracts
  • Resolving disputes over unpaid or miscalculated benefits
  • Advising on retirement planning for senior executives
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.
    Pierre Kayrouz

    Pierre Kayrouz

    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva

    Maria Valeyeva

    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma

    Georges Touma

    Head Litigator
    Carlos Rahme

    Carlos Rahme

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    Sandy Geagea

    Legal Consultant
    Rita Semaan

    Rita Semaan

    Legal Consultant
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Paralegal
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Junior Legal Counsel
    Saeed Gaber

    Saeed Gaber

    Legal Research Analyst

    Priya Bavanasi

    Senior Corporate Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Professor Mark Engelman

    Mark Engelman

    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Arka Navle

    Arka Navle

    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    Nashita Nazneen

    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Business Development Manager

    Marium Razzaq

    Solicitor

    Parvathy Pavithran

    HR and Document Controller

    Göksu Öznergiz

    Associate

    Chantal Elia Khawam

    Front Desk Specialist
    Corporate Law

    Key regulatory changes affecting UAE companies in 2026

    UAE companies face tighter enforcement, new compliance deadlines, and expanded liability in 2026 under updated tax, corporate, AML and employment laws. This article outlines the changes that require action, the authorities involved, and the timelines that matter.

    read article
    February 19, 2026
    Corporate Law

    What happens if a company cheque bounces in the UAE?

    A company cheque that bounces in the UAE no longer automatically triggers criminal liability. This article explains when enforcement is civil, when criminal penalties still apply, and how recovery works under current UAE law.

    read article
    February 19, 2026
    Corporate Law

    Insurance Compliance Failures in the UAE: Enforcement Trends and Regulatory Shifts After Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025

    Recent enforcement actions by the Central Bank of the UAE highlight growing regulatory scrutiny of insurance companies following the introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025. This article examines common compliance failures, licensing risks, and the practical implications of the September 2026 transition deadline.

    read article
    February 19, 2026
    View all news and insights