What should I do if a debt collector is harassing or threatening me in the UAE?

If a debt collector in the UAE is harassing or threatening you, you have protections. A collector may contact you about a genuine debt and propose repayment, but threats, intimidation, abusive language, impersonating police or officials, or disclosing your debt to your employer, family, or contacts can breach UAE laws on harassment, defamation, privacy, and cybercrime. Start by documenting everything: save call logs, voicemails, SMS and chat messages, names, and dates. Tell the collector in writing to communicate only about the debt and through lawful means. If the conduct continues or includes threats, you can report it to the police and, where harm is caused, consider a civil remedy. If the collector represents a bank, the bank's conduct is also subject to consumer-protection oversight. Separately, address the underlying debt — verifying it is genuinely owed and exploring a repayment plan or consolidation. A lawyer can both stop abusive conduct and resolve the debt. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI. The UAE Government justice portal explains your protections under the law.