Abu Dhabi Launches Labour Prosecution to Protect Workers’ Rights
In a landmark move to bolster justice and fairness in the workplace, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has announced the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution. This newly formed legal body will be dedicated to overseeing investigations and claims involving labour disputes and domestic worker cases, marking a significant step in the emirate’s ongoing efforts to modernise and specialise its judicial framework.
Expanding the Scope of Specialised Prosecutions
The resolution reflects Abu Dhabi’s determination to expand the scope of specialised prosecutions, recognising their vital role in achieving swift, accurate, and efficient judicial processes. By tailoring the justice system to the specific needs of sectors such as labour relations, the emirate is reinforcing its position as a global model for transparency, accountability, and the protection of workers’ rights.
Jurisdiction Under UAE Labour Laws
The jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution will cover offences under Federal Law No. (33) of 2021, which regulates employment relations across the UAE, and Federal Law No. (9) of 2022, which governs domestic workers. Within the geographical scope of the emirate, this specialised prosecution unit will have the authority to handle cases ranging from unpaid wages and contract violations to workplace abuse and unsafe conditions.
Serving a Diverse Workforce and Employers
The creation of this body addresses a growing need for efficient and focused legal handling of labour-related cases. Abu Dhabi’s labour market is diverse, employing hundreds of thousands of expatriates in industries such as construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and domestic services. By introducing a dedicated prosecution arm for labour issues, the emirate is ensuring that every case is examined by legal professionals with deep expertise in UAE labour law. This will not only benefit workers but also safeguard the rights of employers, providing a fair and balanced legal environment for all.
Faster Resolution for Labour Disputes
One of the key objectives of the Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution is to expedite case resolution. Labour disputes, by their very nature, can become protracted, leaving both workers and employers in prolonged uncertainty. With a specialised unit in place, backed by trained prosecutors and support staff, the process will be significantly faster. This means reduced backlogs, shorter waiting times, and timely delivery of verdicts—without compromising the fairness or thoroughness of judicial proceedings.
Leadership and Expertise in the New Prosecution Body
The structure of the new prosecution body has been carefully designed to ensure efficiency. It will be led by a public prosecution member of at least Chief Prosecutor rank, supported by a team of experienced prosecutors and administrative staff trained in handling labour and domestic worker cases. This ensures that the people managing these sensitive matters are equipped with the necessary legal knowledge, cultural awareness, and procedural expertise to deliver justice effectively.
Protecting the Rights of Domestic Workers
The move is also a proactive step toward improving the rights and working conditions of domestic workers, a group often more vulnerable due to the nature of their employment. Under Federal Law No. (9) of 2022, domestic workers are entitled to fair wages, rest periods, and protection from abuse. The Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution will act as a safeguard, ensuring that these rights are not only protected in law but upheld in practice. By offering domestic workers a clear legal channel for filing complaints and seeking justice, the emirate is setting an example for the region in terms of human rights and labour protections.
Ensuring Balance and Fairness for Employers
For employers, the establishment of the Labour Prosecution offers clarity and reassurance. Disputes will be resolved based on evidence and in accordance with the law, protecting businesses from false or unfounded claims. It also creates a structured avenue for employers to raise grievances against workers who violate contractual obligations, thereby promoting a workplace culture built on mutual respect and legal compliance.
Transparency, Awareness, and Public Engagement
The ADJD has underlined its commitment to ensuring that the Labour Prosecution operates with the highest levels of transparency. All procedures, from the initial filing of a complaint to the final verdict, will follow internationally recognised standards. In addition, the department plans to invest in public education campaigns to raise awareness of the new system. These campaigns, offered in multiple languages, will inform both workers and employers of their rights, obligations, and the process for seeking justice through the Labour Prosecution.
Aligning with UAE’s Vision for Judicial Excellence
This initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s strategic vision for a world-class judicial system. Over recent years, the country has introduced a series of reforms aimed at modernising labour laws, digitising legal services, and encouraging alternative dispute resolution methods. The launch of the Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution is a natural progression in these reforms, providing a dedicated platform for one of the most important areas of law—labour relations.
Boosting Abu Dhabi’s Global Reputation
It also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s international reputation as a city that values both business and human rights. The emirate has worked hard to attract global investment, and a fair, transparent legal system is a critical part of that appeal. By ensuring that disputes are resolved swiftly and equitably, Abu Dhabi sends a clear message to investors and global talent alike: this is a place where contracts are honoured, rights are respected, and justice is upheld.
Long-Term Impact on the Labour Market
The long-term impact of this new prosecution body could be transformative. For workers, it means a faster, more reliable path to justice, improving morale and confidence in the system. For employers, it creates a predictable and fair legal environment, which is essential for maintaining productivity and business stability. For Abu Dhabi as a whole, it represents another step toward its vision of becoming a global leader in governance, law, and economic competitiveness.
Looking Ahead to Implementation
As the Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution begins its work, the focus will be on implementation and continuous improvement. With clear laws, specialised expertise, and a commitment to transparency, the emirate is well-positioned to ensure that labour disputes are not only resolved but resolved in a way that builds trust in the judicial process.
In a region where economic growth depends heavily on a diverse workforce, this move stands as a reminder that sustainable progress requires fairness, equality, and a legal system that protects everyone—regardless of their role or nationality. By launching the Abu Dhabi Labour Prosecution, the emirate has made it clear that it is not only open for business but also committed to ensuring that every individual contributing to its success is treated with dignity and justice.
