If I work in a UAE free zone, do I complain to MOHRE or the free zone authority?

It depends on which free zone you are in. The UAE has two financial free zones—DIFC in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi—that have their own employment laws and their own courts, so disputes there are handled within those systems, not by MOHRE. Most other free zones (the non-financial ones) operate under the federal UAE Labour Law, and labour matters are connected to MOHRE's framework, though the specific free zone authority that issued your work permit may be your first point of contact for certain procedures. In practice, check your employment contract and which authority issued your permit: if it is DIFC or ADGM, follow those courts' processes; otherwise, the federal MOHRE-based labour-dispute route generally applies, sometimes coordinated with the free zone authority. Filing in the correct place from the start avoids delays. Keep your contract, permit details, and salary records ready whichever route applies. If you cannot tell which system governs your job, get advice before filing, because the wrong forum can cost you time. Verified UAE legal professionals are listed on LEXAI, and you can confirm jurisdiction with MOHRE, DIFC, or ADGM.