Dealing with a manager who constantly uses demeaning language or undermines your professional contributions can create a deeply stressful environment, even if there is no physical confrontation. Under the UAE’s Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, employees are legally entitled to a safe and professional workplace. Article 14(2) of this law explicitly forbids psychological, verbal, and physical harassment, meaning that persistent bullying or verbal abuse from a superior is a direct violation of your rights as an employee.

If you find yourself in this situation at a mainland company, your first step should be to consult your organization’s HR policies or employee handbook, as companies with more than 50 staff members are required to maintain clear internal conduct regulations. You should formally document the incidents and report the behavior through the appropriate internal channels. Should internal efforts fail to resolve the issue, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Throughout this process, it is essential to keep a record of evidence, such as emails, performance reviews, and messages, to substantiate your claims and protect your professional standing.