Resolving Labour Disputes in Dubai: MoHRE & Court Steps
May 9, 2025
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Dubai's vibrant economy attracts talent from across the globe, creating a dynamic and fast-paced work environment 
[20]
[30]. While this energy fuels innovation and growth, it's also a reality that disagreements can sometimes arise between employers and employees 
[15]
[17]. Issues like unpaid wages, disputes over termination, or disagreements about contract terms can unfortunately happen [15]
[27]
[28]. Thankfully, the UAE has a clear legal framework, primarily Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law), and a dedicated authority, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), to help resolve these issues fairly in the private sector 
[2][15]
[24]. This guide will walk you through the MoHRE process step-by-step, explaining how labour disputes are handled in Dubai, based on official procedures [2]
[7][15].
The Legal Framework: MoHRE's Role
The foundation for employment relationships in Dubai's private sector is Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 [2][15][24]. This law outlines the rights and obligations of both employers and employees [2][15]. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is the central government body responsible for overseeing these relationships and managing labour disputes [2][7][15]. Think of MoHRE as the first port of call when disagreements arise, except for specific free zones like the DIFC or ADGM which have their own systems [7]
[26]. For most private sector workers and companies on the mainland and in many free zones, initiating a complaint with MoHRE is the mandatory first step [2][7][15].
Step 1: Filing Your Labour Complaint with MoHRE
So, you have a workplace grievance – what now? Both employees and employers have the right to file a labour complaint with MoHRE if they believe their rights under the Labour Law or employment contract have been violated [2]&size=28)
[11]
[12][15][17]
[22]. It's generally advised to file your complaint promptly, often within 30 days of the issue occurring, to ensure it falls within the required timeframe [12].
How do you actually file? MoHRE offers several convenient channels:
•
To file successfully, you'll need essential information and documents ready. This includes your personal or company details (names, IDs, contact info), a clear description of the problem, and any supporting evidence like your contract, payslips, relevant emails, or letters 
[9]
[13]
[18][22]. For online submissions, be prepared for identity verification, often via an OTP sent to your phone or email [9][13][18].
Step 2: The MoHRE Mediation & Amicable Settlement Phase
Once your complaint is lodged, MoHRE's main goal, as outlined in Article 54 of the Labour Law, is to try and help both parties reach an amicable settlement [2]
[5]
[6][11][12][15]
[29]. MoHRE doesn't take sides; instead, they act as a neutral facilitator [7]
[8][15][26]. A MoHRE official, often a legal researcher, will review the complaint and evidence [9]. They'll then contact both the person who filed the complaint and the other party involved [9]. Often, MoHRE will schedule a mediation meeting, which could be in person or virtual, to discuss the issues and explore potential solutions [7][9][26]. The law gives MoHRE a specific timeframe, usually 14 days from the filing date, to attempt this friendly resolution [2][7][11][12][26]. Importantly, the law also offers some protection for workers during this phase; MoHRE has the power to potentially require the employer to continue paying the worker's salary for up to two months if the dispute led to wage suspension 
[3][5][6][11][29].
Step 3A: Resolution via MoHRE Decision (Claims ≤ AED 50,000)
Here's where things have changed significantly thanks to recent legal updates (Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2023 / No. 9 of 2024) [3][5][6][7][29][24]. If mediation doesn't lead to an agreement, and the total value of the claim is AED 50,000 or less, MoHRE now has the authority to issue a final and binding decision on the matter [3][6][7][9][29][24]. This isn't just a recommendation; it carries the weight of a court order and is legally enforceable (like a writ of execution) [3][7]. MoHRE can also issue such final decisions if a settlement previously agreed upon and approved by them is later violated by either party, regardless of the original claim amount [3][7][24]. If you disagree with MoHRE's final decision, don't worry, there's an appeal process. You have the right to appeal the decision directly to the Court of Appeal within 15 working days of being notified [3][6][7][12][29]. Filing this appeal pauses the enforcement of MoHRE's decision until the Court of Appeal makes its ruling [3].
Step 3B: Referral to the Labour Court (Claims > AED 50,000)
What happens if mediation fails within the 14-day window, and your claim is worth more than AED 50,000? In this scenario, MoHRE doesn't issue a final decision itself [3][5][7][24]. Instead, MoHRE is required to refer the dispute to the competent Labour Court [2][3][5][7][9][11][12][15][24][26]. To do this, MoHRE prepares a summary of the dispute, including the arguments from both sides and its own comments or recommendations [2][11][12][29]. This memorandum and the case file are then sent electronically to the Labour Court [2][7]. MoHRE will inform both parties about the referral [9]. It's then crucial for the claimant (the person who initially filed the complaint) to take the next step and formally register the case within the Labour Court's system [2][11].
Understanding the Dubai Labour Court: The Next Stage
So, your case is heading to the Labour Court. What exactly is that? The Labour Court is a specialized circuit within the Dubai Court of First Instance, specifically designed to handle employment disputes from the private sector 
[31]
[1][15][27]. Its jurisdiction covers cases referred by MoHRE (claims over AED 50,000) and appeals against MoHRE's final decisions (claims under AED 50,000) [7][15]
[21][26][27][28]. These courts apply the UAE Labour Law and cover companies on the mainland and in most free zones (excluding financial free zones like DIFC/ADGM) [7][15][26][27].
It helps to understand where the Labour Court fits in Dubai's overall three-tier court system: Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation [31][8]
[10]
[14]
[25]. This means decisions made by the Labour Court (as part of the Court of First Instance) can potentially be appealed to the Court of Appeal, and in some high-value cases, even further to the Court of Cassation [3][8][25][27]. Court proceedings are primarily conducted in Arabic, so any documents you submit must be officially translated [3]
[19][20][26]. Cases rely heavily on written evidence, and hearings are led by judges [7][21][24][26]. One important point: employees filing claims are generally exempt from court fees if the claim value is under AED 100,000, making justice more accessible [29][27][28].
Practical Tips & Key Resources
Navigating a labour dispute can be stressful. Here are some practical tips:
For Employees:
•
Know your basic rights under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021) [2].
For Employers:
Key MoHRE Contacts:
Given the legal complexities, especially if a case proceeds to the Labour Court, seeking advice from a qualified legal professional specializing in UAE labour law is often recommended [7][15][21]. They can help you understand the nuances and navigate the court procedures effectively [7][21][24][26].
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