Workplace Harassment UAE
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Workplace Harassment UAE — Your Rights and How to Report It
Workplace harassment in UAE is a serious violation of both labour law and criminal law. No employee — regardless of nationality, seniority, or employment status — should have to endure harassment, bullying, or abusive treatment at work. If you are experiencing harassment at work in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, you have legal protections and a clear right to report and seek redress.
What Constitutes Workplace Harassment Under UAE Law?
UAE law — including the Labour Law, the Cybercrime Law, and the Anti-Harassment Law — recognises multiple forms of workplace harassment:
• Sexual harassment: Unwanted physical contact, sexual comments, requests for sexual favours, or creating a sexually hostile work environment
• Psychological harassment (bullying): Repeated, targeted behaviour intended to humiliate, intimidate, or undermine an employee — including from managers or colleagues
• Verbal harassment: Repeated abusive language, threats, or demeaning comments
• Cyber harassment: Harassing messages, emails, or social media contact from colleagues or managers
• Discrimination-based harassment: Targeted mistreatment based on nationality, religion, gender, or disability
Legal Framework Protecting Employees
Several laws protect employees from harassment in the UAE:
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labour Law): Prohibits discrimination and harassment and obliges employers to provide a safe working environment
• Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Combating Discrimination and Hatred: Criminalises harassment based on religion, nationality, and belief
• Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 (Cybercrime Law): Criminalises online and electronic harassment
• Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Anti-Harassment: Specifically criminalises sexual harassment in all contexts including the workplace
Your Rights When Facing Workplace Harassment
• The right to a safe, harassment-free working environment — this is an employer’s legal obligation
• The right to report harassment internally without fear of retaliation — employers cannot dismiss or penalise employees for making good faith harassment complaints
• The right to file an external complaint with MOHRE or the police
• The right to resign and claim constructive dismissal if the employer fails to address harassment
• The right to compensation for any harm caused by harassment
Steps to Take if You Are Experiencing Workplace Harassment
Step 1 — Document everything: Keep detailed records — dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Save copies of any electronic communications.
Step 2 — Report internally: Follow your company’s HR complaint procedure. Submit the complaint in writing and keep a copy. This creates a formal record and triggers the employer’s obligation to investigate.
Step 3 — Consult a lawyer: Before taking external action, get specialist legal advice. A lawyer will assess the strength of your case, advise on the best route, and help ensure you do not inadvertently prejudice your position.
Step 4 — MOHRE complaint: If the internal process fails or if you fear retaliation, file a complaint with MOHRE. Harassment connected to your employment can be addressed as a labour matter.
Step 5 — Police report if criminal: Sexual harassment and certain forms of cyber harassment are criminal offences. A police report may be appropriate alongside the labour complaint in serious cases.
Constructive Dismissal — When Harassment Forces You Out
If your employer’s failure to address harassment makes your working conditions intolerable and forces you to resign, this can constitute constructive dismissal — treated legally as if the employer terminated you unfairly. You may be entitled to full wrongful termination compensation even though you were the one who resigned.
Employer Obligations Regarding Harassment
Employers in the UAE have affirmative legal obligations regarding workplace harassment. They must maintain a harassment-free workplace, have a clear internal complaints procedure, investigate complaints properly, take appropriate action against perpetrators, and protect complainants from retaliation. Failure to meet these obligations exposes employers to significant legal liability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
UAE law protects employees who raise good faith harassment complaints from retaliatory dismissal. Document all harassment carefully before reporting, take legal advice first, and file your complaint through the proper channels. If you are dismissed in retaliation, this strengthens rather than weakens your legal position.
Anonymous complaints to MOHRE are possible in some circumstances, but they are less effective. Our team will advise on the safest and most effective approach for your specific situation.
