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Can I file a complaint against my company for discrimination between employees?

I am working in the UAE and facing issues of workplace favoritism and possible discrimination.

Despite being a consistent top performer with many years of experience, I was rejected for a promotion that was instead given to someone with less experience and weaker performance.

When I asked for feedback, I was given contradictory and false reasons, including being told that HR rejected me based on “how I sat in the interview,” even though it was an audio-only call.

I was also told that promotions are not based on performance but on whether I had the “manager’s blessings.”

In addition, I have observed:

- Promotions are repeatedly going to people from the same community or close to managers.

- Most of the management team belongs to one community.

- Shift schedules are being changed after release to favor certain individuals.

This has created a toxic environment with no fair career growth opportunities.

My question is, under UAE labor law, do I have grounds to challenge this type of favoritism?

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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19 Sep 2025, 05:25

Yes, you may have grounds to challenge favoritism under UAE law only if it amounts to unlawful discrimination (such as promotion bias based on nationality or religion).

If it is just “office politics” without clear discrimination, the law gives limited protection.

Your best approach is to carefully document the pattern and, if strong evidence exists, file a complaint with MOHRE or seek legal advice.

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Ahkam Legal Consultancy
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19 Sep 2025, 05:25

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Based on the details you've shared, there appear to be potential violations under UAE Labor Law, particularly regarding non-discrimination (Article 4) and the employer’s duty to ensure a fair and respectful workplace (Article 13).

While promotions aren’t strictly required to be performance-based, patterns of favoritism, especially if linked to nationality or community, combined with contradictory feedback and unequal treatment, may constitute indirect discrimination.

To assess the strength of your case and advise on the best course of action, including filing with MOHRE or pursuing legal remedies, we recommend scheduling a detailed consultation.

This will allow us to review your documentation, understand the context, and guide you through the next legal steps with clarity and confidence.

Please let us know a suitable time to connect.

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Amiri Advocates & Legal Consultants
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19 Sep 2025, 06:25

You are allowed to raise an objection under the UAE labor law, since everyone has the right to complain.

But in practice, such an objection will not lead to any positive result, because the court cannot interfere with how a company manages or promotes its staff.

Also, the company has the legal right to end your employment contract, and the law does not stop it from doing so.

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Rashid Khalil Obaid Advocates and Legal Consultancy
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19 Sep 2025, 06:37

Dear questioner

As per UAE law, you have strong grounds against discrimination and hatred, but you should have written proof to show the same in the MOHRE labor courts.

Article 4 of the Labour Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of "race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability which would have the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity, or prejudicing equal treatment."

The fact that promotions are repeatedly going to people from the same community and that most of the management belongs to one community strongly suggests a pattern of nationality or racial discrimination.

Before taking any official action, it is crucial to gather and document evidence. Your ability to prove your claims will be the most important factor in a successful outcome.

If you need more details, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

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Future Vision Advocates Legal Consultancy
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19 Sep 2025, 08:44

Dear Inquirer,

Under UAE labor law, discrimination and unfair employment practices are taken seriously, especially if favoritism or bias affects promotions, opportunities, or creates a hostile work environment.

While promotions are generally at the employer’s discretion, if you can demonstrate that decisions were based on discriminatory grounds rather than merit, you may have legal grounds to challenge such practices.

To properly assess your situation and determine the best course of action, we recommend booking a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy so we can review the details and advise you on possible legal remedies.

Best regards,

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Rashid Khalil Obaid Advocates and Legal Consultancy
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19 Sep 2025, 09:39

As the law relating to regulating labor relations, any discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin, or disability which would have the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity, or prejudicing equal treatment in the employment, the maintenance of a job and the enjoyment of its benefits, is prohibited.

Employers are prohibited from discriminating against workers in jobs involving similar tasks.

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