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Where to go, what to file, what to expect

Something's gone wrong. Here's the process

By Hamza Maghrabi · Last updated 21 August 2026

Real step-by-step guides for the disputes people actually face in the UAE — not just "contact a lawyer."

Employment

Unpaid salary, wrongful termination & other labour disputes

  1. File the complaint — free, via the MOHRE app or eServices portal (Services for Employees → Labour Complaint), the call centre 800-60, WhatsApp 600590000, or any Tasheel centre. You'll need your Emirates ID and work permit number — MOHRE pulls your employment record automatically.
  2. Timing matters — file within 30 days of the issue where possible, and no later than 1 year after it arose.
  3. MOHRE mediates — typically within 14 working days, the employer gets 2–3 working days to respond, and MOHRE may propose a settlement.
  4. If unresolved — MOHRE refers the case to the specialised Labour Court, which has a fast-track process for wage claims; there's generally no court fee for the employee on wage disputes.

Full context: Labour Law Q&A · Check your notice/termination position first with the Contract Analyzer.

Tax

Challenging an FTA penalty

  1. Reconsideration Request — submit on EmaraTax within 40 business days of being notified of the penalty. Must be in Arabic, with supporting documents. Requests after the deadline are auto-rejected.
  2. FTA decision — issued within 40 business days of a complete submission.
  3. Still disagree? Escalate — appeal to the Tax Disputes Resolution Committee (TDRC) within 40 business days of the FTA's decision. You must pay the disputed amount or provide a bank guarantee first.
  4. TDRC decides within 20 business days. Under AED 100,000 combined tax+penalty, the TDRC's ruling is final. Above that, either side can appeal to federal court within 40 business days.

Check what you might owe first: Penalty calculator.

Property

Rental disputes (Dubai)

  1. File with the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) — part of Dubai Land Department, via rdc.gov.ae or the Dubai REST app.
  2. Conciliation first — most cases go through a conciliation/mediation attempt before a formal hearing.
  3. Committee hearing — if unresolved, a judicial committee hears the case; decisions can typically be appealed within a set window.

Other emirates run equivalent rental committees — e.g. Abu Dhabi's Rental Disputes Settlement Committee via adjd.gov.ae.

Consumer & financial disputes

Cheques, consumer goods, and small claims

Bounced or Post-Dated Cheque Dispute — Cheque Dishonour

What it is: A cheque issued to you is returned unpaid (bounced) or a post-dated cheque you issued is now due but you cannot fund it. Timeline & process: The cheque issuer (drawer) must be notified of dishonour within 30 days. You can file a cheque dishonour case at the relevant court (Magistrate's Court for smaller amounts, First Instance Court for larger). Penalty on drawer: The drawer faces liability to cover the amount plus costs, and a criminal penalty if dishonour was deliberate. Cost to file: Filing fee ~AED 300–500 depending on amount and court. Timeline to resolution: 2–6 months typical. Tip: Keep the original cheque and bank return slip as evidence.

Consumer Complaint — Faulty goods or services

What it is: You bought goods or services that are defective, not as described, or unsafe. Where to file: The Consumer Protection Authority (part of the Ministry of Economy) in your emirate; online portal available at economy.gov.ae. Some emirates also have Consumer Protection Committees. Timeline: File within 12 months of the purchase or discovery of the defect. Authority aims to resolve within 45 days. Remedies: Refund, replacement, repair, or price reduction — authority decides based on the case. Cost: Filing is free. Before filing: Try to resolve directly with the seller; many complaints are settled at this stage if you document defects clearly (photos, videos, purchase receipt).

Civil Dispute / Small Claim — Money owed, contract breaches

What it is: A general civil matter (money owed by a contractor, unpaid invoice, breach of a commercial contract, property damage claim, etc.) that doesn't fall under labour, rental, or criminal categories. Where to file: Magistrate's Court (for claims up to AED 100,000 — fast-track, ~3–6 months) or First Instance Court (for larger claims or complex disputes — slower, ~6–12 months). File at the court in the emirate where the dispute arose. Documents needed: Copy of the contract or evidence of the agreement, invoices, emails, bank statements, photos (if applicable), witness statements if available. Cost: Court filing fee ~AED 400–2,000 depending on claim amount. Representation: You can represent yourself (many people do in Magistrate's Court) or hire a lawyer (~AED 5,000–20,000 for simpler disputes, more for complex ones). Outcome: Court orders payment, restitution, or dismissal depending on evidence. Judgement is enforceable via local bailiffs if the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily.

General information about UAE rules, not tax or legal advice. Verify anything that affects a decision with the relevant authority or a licensed adviser. About · Contact · Terms · Privacy