Debt Collector Harassment in the UAE: Your Rights & Remedies

For borrowers, financial strain often brings anxiety. But when debt collectors turn to threats, intimidation, or public shaming, the pressure becomes not just stressful — but potentially unlawful. In the UAE, harassment by debt collectors is taken seriously, and borrowers have rights they may not fully realize.

What Constitutes Harassment

Debt collector harassment can take many forms:

• Repeated calls late at night or very early in the morning
  
  

• Threats of arrest or exaggerated legal consequences
  
  

• Abusive or offensive language
  
  

• Contacting employers, friends, or relatives to apply pressure
  
  

• Public shaming, including online exposure
  
  

• Aggressive pursuit even after a debt is disputed
  
  

These practices, while sometimes reported, are at odds with both regulatory standards and the dignity of the debtor.

The Legal and Regulatory Framework

Several laws protect borrowers in the UAE:

• UAE Central Bank Consumer Protection Regulations: Banks and their agents must treat customers fairly, prohibit threats or harassment, and safeguard privacy.
  
  

• Civil and Commercial Codes: Collections must have legal basis, and debtors retain the right to dispute claims.
  
  

• Penal Code: Threats, slander, or public insults can amount to criminal offences.
  
  

• Civil Procedures Law (2022 reform): Enforcement measures like detention are now restricted to limited, clearly defined cases.
  
  

Together, these frameworks set boundaries that collectors must respect.

Where Collectors Cross the Line

Despite legal protections, real-life practices can cross into harassment. Some debtors report collectors calling workplaces, threatening arrest without legal grounds, or even pursuing the wrong individuals due to clerical errors. Privacy violations and intimidation remain among the most common complaints.

What Debtors Should Do

If you are harassed, protecting yourself begins with documentation:

• Keep records of all calls, texts, and emails, noting times and content.
  
  

• Request debt confirmation in writing — the amount, fees, and creditor details.
  
  

• Set boundaries in writing, especially around times and methods of contact.
  
  

• Complain internally to the bank if harassment is by an external agency.
  
  

• Escalate complaints to the UAE Central Bank, Consumer Protection departments, or — in cases involving threats or defamation — the police.
  
  

• Seek legal advice, as harassment can sometimes form the basis for damages or criminal complaints.
  
  

A Balanced Perspective

It is important to note that debt collection itself is legal. Creditors have the right to recover legitimate debts, remind borrowers of obligations, and seek repayment plans. If necessary, they can initiate legal proceedings. What is prohibited is the use of harassment, threats, or abusive tactics to enforce repayment.

Conclusion

Debt collection in the UAE must strike a balance between creditor rights and debtor dignity. The law already provides safeguards against harassment, but awareness and enforcement are crucial. For borrowers facing improper conduct, knowledge is power: by documenting evidence, invoking legal protections, and using complaint channels, they can protect themselves while navigating financial recovery.