United Arab Emirates
Overview
Please review the information below and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course.
Harassment and discrimination based on a protected characteristic are prohibited under national law. National law also protects employees from bullying.
Applicable Laws
The primary national laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic are:
- The Labour Law and
- Law No. 2 of 2015 against Discrimination and Hatred
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any characteristic set forth below is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates.
- Belief
- Sect
- Faith
- Religion
- Race
- Colour
- Ethnic origin
Regional, state or other political subdivision laws may provide additional, separate standards and remedies for certain prohibited conduct.
Definitions
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any persistent behavior aimed at annoying the victim through actions, words, or signs, with the intention of satisfying the perpetrator’s or others’ sexual desires.
Filing a Claim in the United Arab Emirates
Employment discrimination and harassment claims may be filed in court.
Potential Remedies
In the United Arab Emirates, an employee who has experienced workplace discrimination or harassment may be entitled to monetary and other remedies. An employer may be required to take certain actions to correct or redress discriminatory harassment or violations of workplace safety standards. Potential remedies are listed below.
- Compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Damages for injury to dignity or feelings
- Cease and desist orders
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a complaint relating to discrimination or harassment or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.
It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.