Countering Poor Leadership in the UAE

What Can an Employee Do Against an Incompetent Boss in the UAE?

Workplace dissatisfaction often stems from managerial incompetence. When a team is led by someone whose professional knowledge, leadership skills, or attitude towards people is questionable, it can impact not only the team's morale but also individuals' mental health and careers. In the United Arab Emirates, including the city of Dubai, there are various legal regulations to protect employees – but what if the issue is not a direct violation of law, but simply managerial incompetence?

A Brief Overview of the Legal Background

The labor regulations in the United Arab Emirates are currently defined by Federal Decree No. 33 of 2021, which regulates employment relationships. Article 13, Subsection (13) of the law mandates that employers must provide a safe and appropriate work environment for employees.

However, this provision does not directly apply to cases where someone feels their superior is simply unfit for their position. The law lacks a clause that specifically allows for complaints about a manager's professional incompetence – unless it involves conduct that constitutes a legal violation.

When Is Managerial Behavior Considered Illegal?

Incompetence alone is not illegal. However, if a manager's behavior:

- amounts to harassment (verbally, physically, or mentally),

- is discriminatory in nature,

- can be interpreted as abuse of power,

- or creates a hostile or toxic workplace environment,

an employee is entitled to file a complaint.

Article 14, Section (2) clearly states: “Sexual harassment, harassment, any form of verbal, physical, or mental violence against an employee by the employer, manager, or colleagues is prohibited.”

Therefore, if a manager's behavior is not only professionally weak but also explicitly harmful or illegal, the door is opened for an official report.

Where Can the Employee Turn?

Initially, it is always advisable to turn to the internal grievance handling system. Most Dubai-based companies have a Human Resources (HR) department that can be approached in such cases. Internal escalation channels, the so-called “grievance policy” or whistleblowing systems, provide employees with the opportunity to officially express their concerns.

If these channels do not yield results, or if the manager's behavior seriously violates employees' rights, the next step may be to contact the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Complaints can be submitted to the MoHRE either online or in person. The effectiveness of a complaint increases when it is accompanied by concrete examples, documented incidents, witnesses, or other evidence.

Legal Actions Are Not Always the Fastest Solution

However, it is important to keep in mind that legal proceedings in the UAE can also be time and energy-consuming. If an employee wishes to file a complaint against their manager, it is worth considering the potential long-term impact of such an action. It is possible that the company culture does not support such feedback, or the HR system is not independent. In such cases, employees might consider other options – such as internal transfers to another team or department.

What Can Employees Do?

Dealing with incompetent managers requires great patience and diplomatic skills. If the individual is not harmful but fails professionally, it is worthwhile to present criticism constructively and with a solution-focused approach. Feedback can even be requested in writing, for instance, during the annual evaluation conducted by HR. If several team members share similar opinions, it might be beneficial to report the problem collectively – focusing not on personal issues, but on improving team efficiency and morale.

Summary

The labor regulations in the United Arab Emirates strive to protect employees, but managerial incompetence alone is insufficient to initiate a legal complaint. However, if a manager's behavior crosses certain boundaries – such as harassment, discrimination, or abuse of power – legal steps can be taken, initially through the company's internal systems, and ultimately through the MoHRE.

For employees, it is crucial to be aware of their rights and consciously utilize the available tools – while maintaining their own integrity and professionalism throughout the process. A well-articulated, evidence-supported complaint can bring about change not only for the individual in question but also for the entire workforce.

(Source: Provisions of UAE Labor Law.)