Right now, we are all facing a very stressful situation. With the recent sirens, airspace closures, and breaking news, my inbox is overflowing with worried messages from employees across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the Emirates.
You are trying to balance your job with your personal safety. The number one question I am getting right now is: Can I refuse to go to the office if I feel unsafe?
As a career coach who helps UAE professionals navigate tricky workplace situations every day, I want to give you clear, simple answers based on UAE labor laws. You have rights, and your safety always comes first.
Your Boss Has a Legal Duty to Keep You Safe
Under UAE Labor Law (Articles 13 and 36), your employer has a strict legal duty to provide a safe work environment. This is not a suggestion. It is the law.
Here is something many people do not know. In the UAE, your daily commute is legally considered an extension of your workplace. If your company forces you to drive to the office while the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) is sending out “Condition Red” shelter-in-place alerts on your phone, they are taking a massive legal risk.
If you get hurt on your way to work because of falling debris or related accidents, your employer is fully responsible for your medical bills and your salary while you recover. Because of this high risk, smart companies are telling their staff to stay home.
Understanding the Government Rules
You might have seen the recent announcements from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). They strongly advised private companies to allow remote work right now.
Some managers are telling their teams that this MoHRE announcement is “just advice” and not a strict law forcing them to close the office. While technically true for some non-critical sectors, this does not give your boss a free pass to ignore your safety.
Think back to the heavy floods we had in April 2024. The government advised everyone to stay home then, too. Companies that fired people for not coming to the office during those floods faced serious legal trouble. The courts decided that a government safety warning is a valid reason to miss work. The exact same logic applies to the current security situation. A government alert telling you to shelter in place overrides your company’s attendance policy.
What if My Boss Threatens to Fire Me?
Let us talk about the worst-case scenario. You ask to work from home because you are terrified of the commute, and your boss threatens to cut your pay or fire you.
The UAE law protects you from unfair firing. If you are dismissed simply because you followed official police or NCEMA instructions to stay indoors, the labor courts view this as an “arbitrary dismissal.”
If a company is found guilty of this, they are usually ordered to pay you up to three months of your full salary as compensation, on top of all your regular end-of-service money and unused leave pay.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Yourself
If you feel your commute is too dangerous, you need to handle the situation professionally to protect your job and your legal rights. Here is exactly what you should do:
1. Save the Proof
Do not just tell your boss you are scared. Gather hard evidence. Take screenshots of the official NCEMA warning texts on your phone. Save any police updates telling people to stay off the roads. If your area is physically affected, you can even apply for a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate from the local police app. This proves you had a real reason to stay home.
2. Put It in Writing
Never rely on a phone call or a quick chat. Send an email to your manager and HR. Keep it polite but firm. You can say something like: “Due to the current NCEMA safety alerts advising residents to shelter in place, I am unable to commute safely today. I will be working remotely to ensure business continues as usual.” Attach your screenshots to this email.
3. File a Complaint if Needed
If your company docks your pay or fires you after you provide this proof, you can easily file a complaint with MoHRE.
You can call their toll-free number at 80084.
You can use the MoHRE smart app.
You can visit a Tasheel center.
Here is some good news. For financial disputes under AED 50,000, you do not even need to go through a long court battle anymore. MoHRE can look at your evidence and make a final, legally binding decision very quickly to get your money back.
Final Thoughts
You should never have to choose between your paycheck and your life. The UAE has strong systems in place to protect workers during emergencies. Stay informed, keep your communications in writing, and prioritize your safety and the safety of your family.
Disclaimer: I am a career coach, not a lawyer. The information in this post is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Laws and government rules can change quickly during emergencies. You should always speak to a qualified UAE labor lawyer or contact MoHRE directly for help with your personal situation.
