Do I file with MOHRE or DIFC/ADGM courts for my UAE employment dispute?

The right forum depends on where you are employed. Most private-sector employees in the UAE—mainland and many free zones—fall under the federal labour system administered by MOHRE, so their disputes start with a MOHRE complaint and may proceed to the local labour court. However, the two financial free zones, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), have their own separate employment laws and their own courts. If your employer is registered in DIFC, your employment is generally governed by DIFC employment law and disputes are heard by the DIFC Courts, not MOHRE. Likewise, ADGM-registered employment is governed by ADGM regulations and the ADGM Courts. Check your employment contract and your employer's registration to identify which regime applies, because filing in the wrong forum wastes time. The substance of your rights—wages, notice, end-of-service benefits—exists in all systems but the rules and procedures differ. If you are unsure which applies to you, get advice early; verified UAE legal professionals are listed on LEXAI. Confirm jurisdiction via MOHRE, the DIFC Courts, and ADGM.