Anti-Harassment Policy

This policy is applicable to all SUAD employees and Delegates.

1.1 As a diverse organization, SUAD respects and values everyone’s differences. We treat Employees with dignity, respect, and fairness. 

1.2 Harassment is a form of offensive treatment or behaviour, which to a reasonable person creates an intimidating, hostile or abusive work environment. 

1.3 It is the policy of SUAD to maintain a professional and ethical organizational environment and workplace, with respect to the customs and values of different cultural groups and nationalities. Behaviour of a disrespectful, discriminatory, or harassing nature will not be tolerated. 

1.4 Religious values are widely respected in the UAE and SUAD. Committing blasphemy or sacrilege against any religion is considered deeply offensive. 

1.5 SUAD is committed to providing Employees and others on its premises with an environment that is free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment. Accordingly, SUAD prohibits harassment and will not tolerate any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, by anyone. 

1.6 Employees must not, under any circumstances, engage in any form of sexual abuse such as: 

• Inappropriate conversations of a sexual nature

• Obscene language of a sexual nature

• Suggestive remarks or actions

• Jokes of a sexual nature

• Obscene gestures

• Unwarranted and inappropriate touching

• Sexual exhibitionism.

1.7 In addition, harassment for any discriminatory reason, such as race, colour, national origin, religion, sex (including conditions of pregnancy), marital status, political belief, status disability, age, and any other protected status is a violation of federal laws, which may subject the individual harasser to personal ad even criminal liability for any such unlawful conduct. Employees shall treat persons fairly regardless of such factors mentioned above. 

1.8 Everyone has the responsibility to maintain acceptable standards of personal behaviour and to assure that others can carry out their work assignments in a business-like atmosphere, free from discrimination. 

1.9 If a situation involving discrimination or harassment occurs, the affected individual should bring the matter immediately to the attention of their line manager and the HR Department. 

1.10 SUAD forbids retaliation against anyone for reporting harassment, registering a complaint pursuant to this policy, assisting in making a harassment complaint, participating in an investigation, filing a charge of discrimination, or otherwise pursuing their rights under applicable laws. 

1.11 An Employee of the University may not use any pictures/photos or images taken of the University, members of the University to visitors of the University without the University’s prior written consent and that of the persons involved. Taking photos of people in the UAE is a sensitive issue and at times, prosecutable issues. 

1.12 Any Employee who violates this policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to, and including, termination. 

Reference: SUAD’s HR policy V.3.0 Approved by SUAD’s Board of Trustees 10/04/2025

Reviewed 24/01/2025

Approved by SUAD’s BoT 10/04/2025