UAE Labour Law: Harassment at Work — Your Rights & Steps

Every employee in the UAE has the right to a safe and respectful work environment. Key protections include:

• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law) prohibits any form of physical or verbal harassment by employers or colleagues.
• Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (Penal Code) criminalises sexual harassment (Article 359) and public indecency.
• Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 requires companies to establish clear anti-harassment policies.
• Employees cannot be dismissed or penalised for reporting harassment in good faith.
• UAE law protections apply to all employees, including domestic workers under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017.

UAE law recognises several categories of workplace harassment:

• Sexual harassment — unwanted physical contact, suggestive comments, or requests for sexual favours
• Verbal harassment — bullying, shouting, humiliation, or threats
• Psychological harassment — deliberate isolation, unreasonable workloads, or public humiliation
• Discrimination — based on gender, nationality, religion, or disability
• Cyber harassment — unwanted messages or threats via phone, email, or social media

Follow these steps to protect yourself and build a record:

The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation is your primary point of contact for labour disputes:

• Call the MOHRE hotline: 800 60
• Submit a complaint via the MOHRE app or at mohre.gov.ae
• Visit a MOHRE service centre in your emirate
• MOHRE will contact your employer and attempt mediation within 14 days
• If unresolved, MOHRE refers the case to the Labour Court — no fees for workers earning under AED 20,000/month