Host
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Live Talks Careers
Host
Our guest today is David Mackenzie from Mackenzie Jones. David, thank you for joining us.
David Mackenzie
Good afternoon. How are you?
Host
I’m good. Have you had a good break?
David Mackenzie
I’ve had a lovely break, though I’m a little bit jaded.
Host
You look relaxed and refreshed. You’re out of your uniform today.
David Mackenzie
I am! Casual today—flip-flops and shorts, in case anyone’s interested.
Host
You did this last time—describing your whole outfit! I just think people want to know.
Host
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Ali Al-Assad from Yamalova & Plewka. Ali, thank you very much for coming in.
Ali Al-Assad
Thank you for having me.
Host
Ali is in his uniform: a standard suit and shirt. That’s commitment to the program!
Host
So, David, from your point of view, let’s look at the year in employment. Has 2017 been fantastic, or are people eager to see the back of it?
David Mackenzie
The latter, definitely. It’s been a terrible year for finding jobs—probably worse than 2007. There’s been a drawn-out strangulation of the market, with live vacancies reportedly down 35% compared to 2016.
Host
That’s significant. And it’s been across the board?
David Mackenzie
Yes, across sectors—finance, entertainment, marketing. Many have been made redundant, given themselves breathing space, and then left the region due to lack of opportunities.
Host
What’s driving this decline?
David Mackenzie
Certain industries have had to cut back due to bloat, while newer industries like the gig economy haven’t picked up yet. We’re also seeing FMCG companies move head offices out of Dubai due to costs—salaries, schooling, and living expenses.
Host
Life is getting more expensive here, especially with VAT coming in. Will this impact 2018?
David Mackenzie
VAT will add AED 12 billion to the UAE’s coffers, which is a good thing as we move away from petrodollars. However, it will initially restrict cash flow for businesses, making the next six months challenging.
Host
Could VAT discourage some business owners from operating here?
David Mackenzie
Possibly, but Dubai’s infrastructure and lifestyle are still strong draws. New startups like Careem and Amazon acquiring Souq show the Middle East’s potential.
Host
Where do you see potential growth in 2018?
David Mackenzie
Cybersecurity, tax roles, e-commerce, and compliance are growth areas. Data is the new oil, driving demand for data analytics, blockchain, and IT roles.
Host
Ali, turning to you, what’s the recruitment picture like in the legal world?
Ali Al-Assad
We’ve seen more cases of companies firing employees rather than hiring. Terminations and redundancy claims have increased significantly this year.
Host
You’re also here to talk about non-competition clauses. Can you walk us through what these clauses entail?
Ali Al-Assad
Non-competition clauses should be clear and limited in time, geographical scope, and scope of work. For example, a clause prohibiting competition for two years but not specifying where is too broad and likely invalid.
Host
What happens if someone moves from mainland Dubai to a free zone?
Ali Al-Assad
It depends on the wording of the clause. If it specifies mainland only, moving to a free zone doesn’t breach it. If it includes free zones, the employer must prove damages caused by the move to enforce it.
Host
Are non-competition clauses hard to enforce?
Ali Al-Assad
Yes, especially in free zones where no injunctive relief is available. Employers must prove damages to claim compensation.
Host
Can non-competition clauses stop someone from earning a living in their field?
Ali Al-Assad
No, courts won’t enforce clauses that prevent someone from practicing their profession. A clause might restrict working for a specific competitor but can’t bar them from working entirely.
Host
David, what’s your take on handling non-competition disputes?
David Mackenzie
Leave a company professionally—handover work properly and avoid burning bridges. Emotional exits often escalate into unnecessary disputes.
Host
Great advice. We’ll take some listener questions next.
Host
That’s all for now on Drive Live Talks Careers with David Mackenzie from Mackenzie Jones and Ali Al-Assad from Yamalova & Plewka. Download our podcast at DubaiEye1038.com.