Dubai Issues New Decree on Central Grievances for Employees

In a significant move to enhance justice, transparency, and employee rights, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Decree No. (5) of 2026 on the Central Grievances Committee for Dubai Government employees.

The new decree aims to protect job security, encourage innovation, and ensure fairness in government employment by allowing employees to appeal final administrative decisions that affect their legal status, roles, and work conditions.

Under the Decree, a Grievance Adjudication Committee has been established to review appeals. The Committee will include a Chairman, Deputy Chair, and members with legal and HR expertise, appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Representatives from the Executive Council’s General Secretariat, the Supreme Legislative Committee, and the Dubai Government HR Department will also be included. The decree defines the responsibilities of the Committee, its chairman, and members.

Employees can submit grievances within 14 working days of receiving a decision. Late submissions are accepted only with a valid excuse. Grounds for grievances include lack of jurisdiction, legal violations, procedural errors, abuse of authority, decisions against public interest, excessive disciplinary actions, or unjustified decisions.

Some grievances may be rejected if they fall outside the Committee’s jurisdiction, are submitted after deadlines, have been previously decided by the Committee or courts, or if the employee lacks a legitimate interest.

All decisions of the Grievance Adjudication Committee are final and binding on government entities. While administrative challenges are not allowed, employees can still appeal in courts.

The Decree also mandates strict confidentiality for all members, staff, and experts of the Committee, including after leaving their positions. Any documents or evidence related to grievances must be returned to the Committee for secure archiving or handling.

This decree cancels Executive Council Resolution No. (41) of 2015 and repeals any conflicting provisions in other legislation. Existing regulations under the old resolution remain in effect until replaced, as long as they do not conflict with the new Decree.

The decree is effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.