How to Report Discrimination in the UAE

Maryam Pervez -

The UAE's anti-discrimination law, enacted in 2015, aims to create a tolerant and open-minded environment by criminalizing all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, sex, doctrine, race, color, or ethnic origin. This legislation seeks to protect all residents, promoting inclusivity regardless of their origin, beliefs, or race.

Key Aspects of the Anti-Discrimination Law

The law explicitly prohibits acts that stoke religious hatred or insult religions through any form of expression, including speech, written word, and online media. In 2023, the law was amended to further prohibit and penalize:

  • Attacks on religious beliefs, rituals, and sacred elements
  • Distortion, damage, desecration, and insult of holy books
  • Disrespectful behavior towards prophets, places of worship, cemeteries, graves, and associated spaces

Penalties for Violations

Penalties for violating the anti-discrimination law are severe, including jail terms ranging from six months to over 10 years and fines between Dh500,000 and Dh2 million. The law also penalizes acts intended to incite hate speech, tribal conflicts, or disturb public peace through any means of expression.

How to Report Discrimination

Residents who experience discrimination can report incidents through several channels:

  • Online Channels of the UAE Police: Reports can be made via the police's online platforms across various emirates.
  • Abu Dhabi Police: Through their Aman service at 8002626 or SMS to 8002828.
  • Dubai Police: Via their Al Ameen service at 8004888 within the UAE or +9718004888 internationally.
  • Sharjah Police: Through their Najeed service at 800151 or SMS to 7999.
  • Judicial Authorities: Filing a lawsuit through judicial authorities is an option.
  • Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): Private sector employees can report workplace discrimination through MOHRE's online channels. Supporting evidence such as employment contracts, pay slips, emails, and witness statements strengthens the case.
  • Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR): Government sector employees can report grievances through FAHR’s online platforms.
  • Human Rights Issues: Reports can be made through the Human Rights Office - Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi and the Community Development Authority (CDA) via 8002121 or human_rights@cda.gov.ae.
  • Ministry of Tolerance and Co-existence: Discrimination issues can be reported via info@tolerance.gov.ae.
  • National Human Rights Institution: Complaints related to human rights can be submitted through their website (https://nhriuae.com/en).

Understanding your rights and the appropriate channels for seeking help and justice is crucial in maintaining the UAE's commitment to tolerance and non-discrimination.

News Source: Khaleej Times