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Where to go, what to file, what to expect

Something's gone wrong. Here's the process

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

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Employment

Unpaid salary, wrongful termination & other labour disputes

  1. File the complaint โ€” free, via the MOHRE app or eServices portal (Services for Employees โ†’ Labour Complaint), the call centre 800-60, WhatsApp 600590000, or any Tasheel centre. You'll need your Emirates ID and work permit number โ€” MOHRE pulls your employment record automatically.
  2. Timing matters โ€” file within 30 days of the issue where possible, and no later than 1 year after it arose.
  3. MOHRE mediates โ€” typically within 14 working days, the employer gets 2โ€“3 working days to respond, and MOHRE may propose a settlement.
  4. If unresolved โ€” 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 ยท Check your notice/termination position first with the Contract Analyzer.

Tax

Challenging an FTA penalty

  1. Reconsideration Request โ€” 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 โ€” issued within 40 business days of a complete submission.
  3. Still disagree? Escalate โ€” 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) โ€” part of Dubai Land Department, via rdc.gov.ae or the Dubai REST app.
  2. Conciliation first โ€” most cases go through a conciliation/mediation attempt before a formal hearing.
  3. Committee hearing โ€” if unresolved, a judicial committee hears the case; decisions can typically be appealed within a set window.

Other emirates run equivalent rental committees โ€” 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 โ€” 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 300โ€“500 depending on amount and court. Timeline to resolution: 2โ€“6 months typical. Tip: Keep the original cheque and bank return slip as evidence.

Consumer Complaint โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” fast-track, ~3โ€“6 months) or First Instance Court (for larger claims or complex disputes โ€” slower, ~6โ€“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 400โ€“2,000 depending on claim amount. Representation: You can represent yourself (many people do in Magistrate's Court) or hire a lawyer (~AED 5,000โ€“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.