The United Arab Emirates resolved nearly 99 percent of labour disputes without court involvement in the first half of 2026, according to data released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Between January and June, the ministry settled 185,793 labour disputes amicably, representing 98.6 percent of all recorded cases during the period. Only 2,481 of these disputes, or 1.4 percent, were escalated to the judiciary, reflecting an efficient dispute resolution framework aligned with international standards.

This high rate of amicable settlements marks a significant accomplishment for MoHRE’s Labour Market Services Sector. The ministry has continued to refine its labour dispute resolution system to ensure balanced employment relationships and protect the rights of both employers and employees. A key factor contributing to the streamlined process is the ministry’s expanded authority to adjudicate labour disputes involving claims of up to Dh50,000. This jurisdictional enhancement has accelerated dispute resolution timelines, eased the courts' caseload, and enabled quicker access to entitlements for workers.

Ahmed Al Qara, Director of the Labour Relations Department at MoHRE, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the dispute resolution system through an integrated approach that focuses on proactive solutions and effective legal mechanisms. He highlighted that the ministry prioritizes amicable settlements by leveraging specialized legal professionals within a reinforced complaint-handling process aimed at resolving cases within established timeframes.

Al Qara also noted the role of the ministry’s growing ecosystem of digital services in improving accessibility and customer satisfaction. Among these, the upgraded Wage Protection System has proved instrumental in reducing disputes by actively monitoring compliance with wage payment regulations. This system identifies delays or violations early, enabling MoHRE to intervene before disputes escalate to legal proceedings. Such proactive enforcement has also contributed to increasing employer compliance and fostering trust between employers and employees.

Both the labour dispute resolution framework and the Wage Protection System operate in conjunction with broader digital and regulatory platforms, supporting enhanced monitoring and data-driven decision-making by the ministry. MoHRE continues to encourage workers and employers seeking assistance to reach out through its Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at the toll-free number 80084 or via its website and mobile application.