Labour Court Dubai: A Complete Guide for Employees & Employers
2025-09-14المقال السابق: Who are the labour lawyers in dubai?
When disputes arise between employers and workers, knowing how Labour Court Dubai works is essential. Whether it’s non‑payment of wages, arbitrary dismissal, or end‑of‑service benefits, this is the forum often chosen by those seeking justice. As leading labour lawyers in Dubai, our experience shows that a well‑prepared case before Labour Court in Dubai can make all the difference.
This article is for both employees and employers, as well as those seeking lawyers in Dubai for labour law issues. We explain what the Labour Court in Dubai is, its fees, jurisdictions, how to file a case, essential documents, and where to find the Court. By the end, you should know exactly whether you need legal help and how to engage it.
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Table Of Contents
Dubai Labour Court Fees
Labour Court in Dubai refers to the judicial branch of Dubai Courts that handles labour disputes under the UAE’s federal labour laws (such as Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021 on employment relations).
It is where disputes that cannot be fully resolved via mediation at the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) are adjudicated. Claimants often seek remedies like unpaid wages, gratuity, leave pay, or compensation for unfair termination.
Here is a breakdown of the common fee structure at Labour Court in Dubai:
| Claim Value / Scenario | Court Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to AED 100,000 (employee claim) | No court fees charged to the employee |
| Above AED 100,000 | 5% of the claim amount, capped at AED 20,000 |
| Translation/document processing | Variable, depends on document length and requirements |
| MOHRE mediation (pre-court) | Free |
5 Primary Jurisdictions of UAE Labour Courts
The UAE Labour Courts, including Labour Court in Dubai, are responsible for adjudicating a wide range of employment disputes under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its executive regulations. These courts ensure a balanced application of justice between employers and employees, providing both parties with a reliable platform for resolving workplace conflicts. The five primary jurisdictions include:
- Unpaid Salaries and Benefits: Disputes over wages, commissions, bonuses, and allowances where the employee claims non-payment or underpayment.
- Wrongful Termination and Arbitrary Dismissal: Cases where the employee alleges that termination was carried out without legal justification or in violation of labour laws.
- End-of-Service Gratuity Claims: Disputes involving the calculation or non-payment of gratuity as per years of service and final salary.
- Employment Contract Violations: Breach of contract terms, whether by the employer (e.g., duties, working hours) or the employee (e.g., absconding, breach of non-compete clauses).
- Workplace Entitlements and Injuries: Claims related to unpaid overtime, annual leave, public holidays, or compensation for injuries sustained on the job.
These courts cover both private sector and, in many cases, free zone employment disputes (excluding DIFC and ADGM, which have their own legal frameworks). Labour Court in Dubai has dedicated circuits to handle these matters efficiently and transparently.
How to File a Labour Case in 6 Steps
Here’s a practical step‑by‑step guide for taking a case to Labour Court Dubai:
- Attempt Amicable Resolution / Internal Dialogue
First, try to raise the issue with your employer directly. Sometimes this solves things without needing legal action. - File a Complaint with MOHRE
Use the official channels: MOHRE website/app, call centre, in person (e.g. at a Tasheel centre). Provide full details of complaint. - Mediation Phase
MOHRE attempts mediation. If both parties reach agreement, case ends. If not, MOHRE issues a referral memo. - Referral to Labour Court
Once mediation fails, you must file at Labour Court Dubai. Use the referral memo, submit the Statement of Claim, pay required court fees (if applicable), and ensure all documents are in proper form (often Arabic or translated). - Court Proceedings / Hearing
Attend hearings, present evidence, respond to counter‑arguments. Sometimes expert reports or witness statements may be requested. Be aware of deadlines. - Judgment & Enforcement
Once judgment is issued, enforcement may follow. If the losing party does not comply, there are mechanisms (execution court, MOHRE, or others) to enforce. If necessary, there is right to appeal.
Why 90% of Labour Cases Choose Dubai Courts
Several reasons explain why such a large number of labour disputes end up in Labour Court Dubai:
- Dubai is populous with many private sector employers and expatriate workers, so volume is high.
- MOHRE mediation often refers cases to the Court when agreement fails.
- The legal framework (Federal Law 33/2021 + regulations) provides relatively clear rights and remedies.
- Employees tend to prefer a formal judgment for enforceability (e.g. for salary, gratuity, etc.).
- Courts are seen (and generally accepted) as impartial and efficient, especially for standard monetary remedies. Lawyers in Dubai for labour law often advise that the court system is the surest path when employer refuses to negotiate.
Essential Documents for Labour Cases
To bring a strong case before the Labour Court Dubai, you will typically need:
- Original employment contract (fixed term or indefinite).
- Salary slips, bank statements, WPS records.
- Termination notice or dismissal letter (if applicable).
- Correspondence (emails, WhatsApp, etc.) about the issues (warnings, disputes).
- Passport copy, visa/work permit copy.
- Proof of leave, overtime work, or other entitlements claimed.
- Any MOHRE referral memo.
- Any witness statements, if relevant.
Where to Find Dubai Labour Court
Locating the Labour Court in Dubai is crucial once you have a referral memo from MOHRE or need to submit legal documents. Here are the main ways to access the court system for labour disputes:
- Physical location: Part of Dubai Courts; there are Al Adheed Centres that serve as access points in registration and first‑instance filings.
- Online: Dubai Courts website offers electronic filing services; MOHRE portal often links/refers to online services.
- Service centres: MOHRE service centres, Tasheel centres, Al Adheed centres for document submission or customer support.
FAQ
The Labour Court Dubai is a critical forum for enforcing employment rights under UAE labour law. Whether you are an employee seeking unpaid benefits or an employer facing wrongful claims, understanding how this court works—and when to engage experience of labour lawyers in Dubai—can affect your outcome. As lawyers in Dubai for labour law matters, we recommend gathering full documentation, being aware of deadlines and fees, and considering legal representation when stakes are high.
If you want advice tailored to your specific case or situation at Labour Court in Dubai, contact our legal consultant in UAE to assist you.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, you should consult a qualified lawyer licensed in Dubai / UAE.
Legal Sources:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Dubai Courts – Labour Court Division.
- UAE Government Portal – Labour Disputes
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