Dubai has introduced a new system that allows government employees to formally challenge certain workplace decisions, following a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The new framework, established under Decree No. (5) of 2026, creates a Central Grievances Committee that will review complaints from Dubai government staff regarding administrative decisions affecting their jobs.
What is the new committee?
The Central Grievances Committee is a body created to review appeals from government employees who believe an administrative decision affecting them was unfair or improperly handled.
A separate Grievance Adjudication Committee will examine the appeals and issue final decisions.
Who will be on the committee?
The committee will include:
- A chairman and deputy chairman
- Members with legal and human resources expertise
- Representatives from:
- The General Secretariat of the Executive Council
- The Supreme Legislative Committee
- The Dubai Government Human Resources Department
Members will be appointed by the chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council.
What decisions can employees challenge?
Employees may submit grievances against final administrative decisions affecting:
- Their employment or legal status
- Job roles
- Working conditions
On what grounds can a complaint be filed?
Appeals can be made if an employee believes a decision involved:
- Misapplication of the law
- Failure to follow required procedures
- Abuse of authority
- Excessive disciplinary action
- Lack of proper justification
How long do employees have to file a grievance?
Employees must submit their complaint within 14 working days after receiving written notice of the decision. Late submissions may still be accepted if there is a valid reason.
When can a complaint be rejected?
The committee may reject grievances if:
- The issue falls outside its jurisdiction
- The complaint is filed after the deadline
- The matter has already been decided by the courts
- The employee has no legal interest in the case
Are the committee’s decisions final?
Decisions issued by the Grievance Adjudication Committee will be final and binding on government entities. However, employees still retain the right to challenge decisions through the courts.
What else does the decree change?
The new decree replaces Executive Council Resolution No. (41) of 2015, which previously governed the grievances process for Dubai government employees.
The law will take effect once it is published in the Official Gazette.
Entertainment6 months ago
Announcements7 months ago
Lifestyle6 months ago