Key takeaways
- Consumer complaints against Dubai businesses go online to Consumer Rights Dubai, part of DET.
- Labour complaints go to MOHRE; MOHRE decides claims up to AED 50,000 itself.
- Rental disputes go to the Rental Dispute Center, with a fee of 3.5% of annual rent (AED 500 minimum).
- Dubai Police takes criminal reports through its app, website and smart police stations.
- Keep evidence: contracts, receipts, messages and dated screenshots.
Which authority handles which complaint
| Complaint about | Where to file | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A shop, product or service | Consumer Rights Dubai (DET) | Defective products, poor service, misleading ads |
| Your employer or employee | MOHRE | MOHRE decides claims up to AED 50,000; appealable within 15 working days |
| Workplace discrimination | MOHRE (private sector) or FAHR (federal government) | Outside work, through UAE police channels |
| Landlord or tenant | Rental Dispute Center | 3.5% of annual rent, AED 500 minimum |
| A crime, fraud or threat | Dubai Police | App, website or smart police station |
| Other civil claims | Dubai Courts | Online case registration |
Consumer complaints
Consumer Rights Dubai, the consumer protection service of the Department of Economy and Tourism, takes complaints online about defective or unsafe products, poor service, misleading advertising and similar problems. Have the receipt, photos and your messages with the business ready.
Workplace complaints
Employees and employers file labour complaints with MOHRE through its online channels. MOHRE contacts you by phone within 14 days, so keep your phone on. For claims up to AED 50,000, MOHRE issues a decision itself; larger claims that don't settle are referred to court. Employees in DIFC follow DIFC's own employment law and courts. See how to file a labour case.
Rental complaints
Tenancy disputes go to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC), which registers first-instance cases online. For rent cases the fee is 3.5% of annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum of AED 20,000; money claims are capped at AED 15,000, and small service fees apply. Documents must be in Arabic or legally translated. See rent disputes in Dubai.
Police complaints
For crimes such as fraud, theft or threats, report to Dubai Police through its app, website or smart police stations. The UAE government portal also lists online UAE police channels for reporting discrimination outside the workplace. In an emergency, call the police directly.
Prepare before you file
- Your Emirates ID or passport, and a trade license if you file for a company.
- The contract, receipt, invoice or tenancy agreement.
- Messages, emails and dated screenshots.
- A short timeline of what happened, with dates and amounts.
- Arabic translations where the authority requires them.
Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives. We type complaints and statements and arrange translations. See complaint filing.
Sources
- Consumer Rights Dubai: submit a complaint
- MOHRE: how to file a labour complaint
- WAM: MoHRE to issue final decisions on labour disputes of AED 50,000 or less
- Rental Dispute Center: register a first instance rental lawsuit
- UAE government portal: justice e-services
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.