An Abu Dhabi court has ordered two former colleagues to jointly pay Dh50,000 in compensation to their previous employer after finding that confidential business information was leaked to a competing firm.
Court records show the case began with internal concerns, after the company discovered that proprietary data meant to remain in-house had appeared outside the organisation. An internal investigation initially pointed to one employee, who later admitted passing sensitive information to a rival operating in the same sector. His employment was subsequently terminated.
The inquiry later revealed that a second employee had assisted by providing additional internal data, which was also shared externally. Both men acknowledged their involvement during questioning.
The company filed a civil case seeking Dh150,000 in damages, arguing that the disclosures caused financial losses, weakened its competitive position and resulted in missed business opportunities. Criminal complaints were also lodged, accusing the first employee of unlawfully disclosing confidential information obtained through his work, and the second of cooperating in providing and transmitting the data.
In the criminal proceedings, both men were fined Dh5,000 each. The civil case proceeded separately, with the court focusing on the extent of the damage rather than punishment.
In its ruling, the court noted that both employees held sensitive positions and were contractually obligated to protect company information. While it did not grant the full amount sought, the court found that material harm had been proven and awarded Dh50,000 in damages, to be paid jointly by the two former employees.
