Do workers pay court fees for a labour case in the UAE?

UAE law has historically given employees favourable treatment on court fees for labour claims, recognising that workers should be able to pursue wages and entitlements without prohibitive cost. In practice this has meant that employees' labour claims are exempt from certain litigation fees up to a value set by law, with fees potentially applying above that threshold. However, the exact exemption limit and any applicable charges are set by regulation and can change, so you should not rely on a specific figure you read online—confirm the current position with the relevant emirate's courts or MOHRE before filing. Separate from court fees, you may incur other costs such as translation, document attestation, or legal representation if you choose to hire a lawyer, and these are arranged directly between you and your chosen professional. To budget realistically, ask the court's service centre about the current fee structure for your claim value, and get a clear estimate from any representative you engage. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to understand your options before committing.