Abu Dhabi Labour Court Successfully Recovers Dh7.8 Million for Hundreds of Workers

The Abu Dhabi Labour Court has successfully recovered Dh7.8 million ($2.1 million) in outstanding financial entitlements for 948 workers following the resolution of three significant labour disputes. The payments were successfully collected via judicial deposits and direct amicable settlements brokered between employers and workers, stemming from total claims of Dh12.3 million.

This achievement was the result of a collaborative effort involving the Abu Dhabi Labour Court, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and the respective parties. The concerted action secured full payments for 457 workers, while 491 workers received partial payments. For the remaining balances, structured instalment plans were established to guarantee the continued recovery of all outstanding dues.

Crucially, the settlements allowed the affected employees to retain their current jobs with the companies involved. This approach preserves stable employment relationships, supports ongoing economic activity, and ensures business continuity. Court officials noted that this outcome highlights their dedication to swiftly resolving labour disputes and safeguarding workers' rights under applicable laws. Furthermore, it emphasizes the ongoing partnership with the ministry to enhance enforcement procedures and foster a stable, sustainable working environment.

Resolving Labour Disputes in the UAE

During the first half of this year, the ministry successfully resolved 185,793 labour disputes amicably, representing an impressive 98.6 per cent of all filed cases. Only 2,481 cases—accounting for just 1.4 per cent of the total—were escalated to the judiciary for further legal action. A primary driver behind this high resolution rate is the authority granted to the ministry to directly adjudicate labour disputes, particularly claims valued up to Dh50,000. This capability accelerates dispute resolution, alleviates pressure on local courts, and ensures claimants receive their legal entitlements much faster.

Additionally, the upgraded Wage Protection System has proven vital in minimizing labour disputes by proactively monitoring employer compliance with wage-payment regulations and detecting delays or violations early. Both the broader labour dispute resolution framework and the Wage Protection System are fully integrated with the ministry’s digital and regulatory platforms, improving compliance monitoring and data-driven decision-making. Employers and employees can continue to submit complaints and seek assistance through the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre (80084), as well as via the official website and smart application.