Q: I was working for Etihad Airways as cabin crew. I got fired last March so I couldn't pay my loan to the bank. I tried to find a job but I was not lucky. However, when I came back home, a hotel in Dubai sent me an offer letter. But the bank sent me a notice about legal action. If I don't pay the last 4 months I will be facing a big problem with the court. What should I do? Please advise.

Q: Dear Sir, I had a loan of AED 20,000 and I was paying my instalment every month until I lost my job. My outstanding amount was only AED 8000 by then, but hence I didn't have a job and I couldn't pay for 7 months. However, as I found a new job I started to pay again but a case was filed already by this time. I was jailed for 2 days and I was presented to the courts where they gave me a fine of AED 2000, then I was released. Now, the recovery department is calling me again and telling me to pay AED 14000 as they say that's my current outstanding amount. They say that a civil case will be filed if I fail to pay. So what will happen if they filed a civil case? Please advice.

Q: Good day, I just want to find out. The company does not pay salaries for months. Now I have a bad credit record in the UAE. Can I open a case of defamation because the company is giving me a bad name with the banks and with my landlord who is about to open cases against me?

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.

This Law applies to merchants, as well as to all acts of commerce carried out in the UAE by any person even though he be not a trader. Commercial matters regarding which specific Federal laws are issued shall be subject to the provisions of such laws, and to the provisions hereof which do not contradict with said laws.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.