UAE resolves 99% of labour disputes without courts

The UAE's labour dispute resolution system has resolved 98.6 per cent of all disputes amicably during the first half of 2026, reducing the burden on courts.

It comes after the ministry was given authority to adjudicate labour disputes involving claims of up to Dh50,000. 

The move helps accelerate dispute resolution and enable claimants to obtain their entitlements faster.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) 185,793 labour disputes were resolved amicably through its labour dispute resolution system, with only 2,481 disputes (1.4 per cent of the total) referred to the judiciary.

Apart from the dispute resolution system, the Wage Protection System has also played a proactive role in identifying labour disputes by monitoring employers’ compliance with wage payment requirements.

“This allows the Ministry to intervene promptly and take necessary action before issues escalate into legal disputes while also improving employer compliance and strengthening trust between both parties to the employment relationship," explained Ahmed Al Qara, Director of Labour Relations Department at MoHRE.

All labour complaints must be filed by contacting Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084.