What should I do if my employer pays less than my contracted salary in the UAE?

Being paid less than your registered contract salary is a form of underpayment and a labour-law breach. Start by confirming the gap: compare your signed employment contract (and the figure registered with MOHRE) against what is actually arriving through the Wage Protection System each month. Small discrepancies might be explained by a lawful, agreed deduction shown on your payslip — so ask your employer in writing to itemise any deduction and justify it. If there is no lawful reason and you are simply receiving less than agreed, that shortfall is recoverable. Document each month's expected versus actual amount, keep payslips and bank records, and raise the issue formally. If it is not corrected, file a complaint with MOHRE, which will attempt conciliation and, failing that, refer the matter to the labour court. The WPS record is powerful evidence because it is official and traceable. Acting promptly is wise, as claims can be time-sensitive. To quantify what you are owed and pursue it, you can compare verified UAE employment lawyers on LEXAI who handle underpayment disputes.