Yes, they can—and they do. Workplace harassment is a serious issue that affects employees across many sectors in Dubai. Whether it’s verbal abuse, discrimination, intimidation, or inappropriate behavior, employees have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment. When that right is violated, labour lawyers in Dubai play a critical role in helping victims understand the law, gather evidence, take legal action, and obtain justice.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the types of workplace harassment covered under UAE law, what your legal options are, and how experienced Dubai lawyers can support you through every step of the legal process.
1. What Is Considered Workplace Harassment in Dubai?
Workplace harassment refers to any unwanted, abusive, or hostile behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, or harmful work environment. Under UAE Labour Law, employers are legally obligated to prevent all forms of harassment within the workplace.
Harassment can be:
- Verbal – insults, threats, or derogatory comments
- Physical – inappropriate contact, pushing, or intimidation
- Psychological – exclusion, bullying, or manipulation
- Sexual – unwanted advances, lewd remarks, or inappropriate gestures
- Discriminatory – targeting someone due to race, nationality, religion, gender, or disability
Labour lawyers in Dubai handle a wide range of such cases and assist victims in gathering evidence, filing complaints, and pursuing claims for moral and financial damages.
2. Legal Protection Against Harassment in the UAE
The UAE Labour Law, particularly under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, prohibits workplace harassment in any form. Employers who fail to take action against it—or who are found to be complicit—can face serious penalties including fines, legal claims, and reputational harm.
Key protections include:
- The right to report harassment without retaliation
- Protection of personal dignity and safety at work
- Legal penalties against offenders
- Employer obligation to take disciplinary or legal action
Dubai lawyers explain these protections in detail, ensuring victims understand their rights and helping them assert those rights legally and safely.
3. What Are the First Steps if You’re Facing Harassment?
If you are experiencing harassment at work, take the following steps immediately:
a. Document Every Incident
Write down what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and where it took place. Save any relevant messages, emails, or recordings.
b. Report Internally
File a written complaint with HR or management. Keep a copy for your records. If your employer has a grievance policy, follow its steps.
c. Avoid Retaliation
Continue performing your duties professionally and avoid confrontation with the harasser. If retaliation occurs, labour lawyers in Dubai can add it to the legal claim.
d. Seek Legal Advice
Before escalating to external authorities, consult a professional Dubai lawyer. They will advise whether your complaint qualifies as legal harassment and what action can be taken.
4. Can I File a Complaint with MOHRE?
Yes. If internal reporting fails or if the employer refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The process involves:
- Submitting a detailed complaint through the MOHRE platform or call center (80060)
- Attending a mediation session with a government official
- Presenting evidence such as emails, witness testimony, or audio messages
- Reaching a resolution or receiving a referral to the Labour Court
Labour lawyers in Dubai assist with preparing your complaint, organizing evidence, and representing you in these mediation sessions. If the matter isn’t resolved, they proceed to file a case in the Labour Court.
5. Taking the Case to Labour Court
If MOHRE mediation fails, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Labour Court. The legal process includes:
- Drafting a legal memorandum outlining the harassment and the impact on your job
- Translating documents into Arabic
- Attending hearings and submitting evidence
- Claiming financial compensation for emotional distress, career impact, or loss of income
Dubai lawyers provide representation in court, protect your identity where possible, and fight to ensure justice is served. Labour Court proceedings typically take 2–4 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
6. Compensation for Harassment Victims
Employees who are harassed at work can seek various types of compensation:
- Moral damages: Compensation for emotional trauma and psychological harm
- Financial loss: Recovery of salary, benefits, or bonuses lost due to termination or forced resignation
- Reinstatement or apology (in rare cases): Especially when the harasser is a peer, not a manager
The amount awarded depends on the severity of the harassment, evidence presented, and impact on the victim’s health and employment. Labour lawyers in Dubai present your case in a way that justifies your claim and maximizes the outcome.
7. What If the Harasser Is the Employer?
If your direct employer is the person harassing you, the legal process becomes more sensitive. Most employees are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation or termination.
However, the law protects employees who report misconduct—even against owners, directors, or managers. In such cases:
- Dubai lawyers recommend sending a legal notice instead of an internal complaint
- Filing with MOHRE is prioritized
- The case may be filed directly with the Labour Court if the employer blocks visa cancellation, salary, or documents
This route requires legal finesse and confidentiality, both of which professional labour lawyers in Dubai are trained to manage.
8. Can I Be Fired for Filing a Harassment Complaint?
No. Terminating an employee for reporting harassment is considered retaliatory dismissal—a punishable violation of UAE Labour Law.
If you are terminated after filing a complaint, you can:
- File a claim for arbitrary dismissal
- Demand reinstatement (rare) or compensation (common)
- Include the employer’s retaliation as a second legal violation in your claim
Dubai lawyers regularly handle cases where a harassment complaint leads to unfair dismissal. In many cases, victims receive up to three months’ salary as compensation for unlawful termination.
9. Can Men File Harassment Claims?
Yes. Harassment is not gender-specific. Men who face verbal abuse, racial discrimination, exclusion, or sexual harassment have the same legal rights as women.
Unfortunately, many male victims stay silent due to fear of social stigma. Labour lawyers in Dubai assure full confidentiality, respectful representation, and non-judgmental legal guidance for all victims—regardless of gender.
10. What If I’m Working in a Free Zone?
Free zone employees must report harassment cases to the respective authority, not MOHRE. Each free zone has its own internal dispute resolution process. However, if unresolved, the case can still be referred to Dubai Labour Court.
Experienced Dubai lawyers know the procedures for all major free zones, including:
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
They assist with internal complaints and formal legal filings if required.
11. Can I File a Police Report for Harassment?
Yes—if the harassment involves threats, physical assault, or sexual misconduct, you can file a criminal complaint at the police station. In such cases:
- The offender may be fined or jailed
- The matter may go to Public Prosecution
- Labour court proceedings may run parallel or wait for the criminal verdict
Labour lawyers in Dubai help file police reports and coordinate between criminal and labour proceedings to ensure a unified legal strategy.
12. Confidentiality and Privacy Protection
Harassment cases often involve sensitive details. Reputable Dubai lawyers:
- Keep all communication private
- Avoid public disclosure of victim identity
- Request court sessions in private (where applicable)
- Use neutral language when drafting legal documents to avoid reputational harm
Your safety, dignity, and emotional well-being remain top priority throughout the case.
Final Thoughts
Workplace harassment should never be tolerated—legally, ethically, or professionally. In Dubai, the law stands firmly on the side of the victim, offering legal pathways to justice, financial compensation, and workplace reform.
But asserting your rights alone can be overwhelming. That’s why working with experienced labour lawyers in Dubai gives you the legal power, structure, and guidance needed to handle these cases with confidence and care.
From the first consultation to the final judgment, skilled Dubai lawyers are your voice when others try to silence it—and your shield when the system feels too heavy to face alone.
