Good morning, My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused. On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000. My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract. Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment. My question: Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case? Or just wait and see? Thank you for your assistance.

Hi everyone, I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice. I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22. The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area. I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive. To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond. My question is: what should I do next? Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now. Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?

Dear Lawyers, Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai? If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature? Thank you!

Hello Experts! Kindly assist with the below: In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court? Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?

Dear Lawyers, How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?

Last Friday, I was booking tickets for the Miracle Garden on some Dubai tickets website, and on the OTP page, it showed 225 to be paid on my phone. The otp was added automatically, and I couldn't read the message properly. It turns out 4,225 got deducted from my account. I immediately called the bank, and they said they can't reverse the transaction, fill out the dispute resolution form, etc. Even tho the transaction was in process today, the transfer shows complete. Is there a way to get it back? I registered an online complaint with the Central Bank and cybersecurity. I really need the money with my rent coming up, please guide me.

Someone impersonated an employee in the company I have owned since 2012 and extracted 18 mobile lines in addition to several iPhones. I was surprised that the company cut off our landline and mobile communications on the pretext that he was monitoring a debt of 167,000 dirhams. This person was arrested, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to deportation. However, the telecommunications company is still demanding from my company and pursuing me because of this debt that we are not to blame for. How can this matter be resolved?

Salam Sir, I hope you're doing well. I had a criminal case in Dubai. Now the case is closed, but I want to obtain a PCC. Can I? I already applied for that, but it was rejected. Please help me out. Thanks

Hello, I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents. It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance. Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I would like to ask for legal advice regarding a fraud case in Abu Dhabi involving multiple victims. The suspect issued bounced cheques, received AED with a promise to exchange it into IDR but failed to deliver, misused other people’s credit cards, and operated an unlicensed travel/tour business. Many clients paid for Umrah or vacation packages that never happened. The total loss is significant, and many victims have evidence such as WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, and bounced cheques. We believe this involves a breach of trust and embezzlement. We would like to know if we can file a group case, what legal steps to take, and the cost of legal representation. Thank you!

Salam, My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees. This is the clause mentioned in my contract: "The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party's legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)" My question is: 1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)? 2. I didn't even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay? My case is in MOHRE. Thanks

Hi, Amnesty 2024 has just started, and I really want to apply for it, but I have a company bounced cheque and personal credit card debt. Is there any solution to avail of the amnesty and legalize my status? If yes, what is the step-by-step procedure? Thank you to those who can enlighten me on this question, and God bless us all!

Hello, I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country. Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work. What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back? Thank you!

I have an unpaid credit card of approximately AED 45000 in the UAE. I will be traveling to Qatar due to work. Will I be arrested in Qatar?

I have had a drug case against me recently and it has been closed. I have paid my fine and I am cleared from the travel ban. I am still working with the same employer but I am thinking about changing jobs. Will I be able to get a new employment visa and be hired in a new firm despite the record?

Last Friday, I was booking tickets for the Miracle Garden on some Dubai tickets website, and on the OTP page, it showed 225 to be paid on my phone. The otp was added automatically, and I couldn't read the message properly. It turns out 4,225 got deducted from my account. I immediately called the bank, and they said they can't reverse the transaction, fill out the dispute resolution form, etc. Even tho the transaction was in process today, the transfer shows complete. Is there a way to get it back? I registered an online complaint with the Central Bank and cybersecurity. I really need the money with my rent coming up, please guide me.

Someone impersonated an employee in the company I have owned since 2012 and extracted 18 mobile lines in addition to several iPhones. I was surprised that the company cut off our landline and mobile communications on the pretext that he was monitoring a debt of 167,000 dirhams. This person was arrested, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to deportation. However, the telecommunications company is still demanding from my company and pursuing me because of this debt that we are not to blame for. How can this matter be resolved?

Hello, I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents. It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance. Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I would like to ask for legal advice regarding a fraud case in Abu Dhabi involving multiple victims. The suspect issued bounced cheques, received AED with a promise to exchange it into IDR but failed to deliver, misused other people’s credit cards, and operated an unlicensed travel/tour business. Many clients paid for Umrah or vacation packages that never happened. The total loss is significant, and many victims have evidence such as WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, and bounced cheques. We believe this involves a breach of trust and embezzlement. We would like to know if we can file a group case, what legal steps to take, and the cost of legal representation. Thank you!

Good day! One of our partners on the license has not been in communication since November 2024. He is also in Dubai but is not answering phone calls or replying to messages. What is the procedure to remove his name from the license in this situation without his absence? Please advise!

Last Friday, I was booking tickets for the Miracle Garden on some Dubai tickets website, and on the OTP page, it showed 225 to be paid on my phone. The otp was added automatically, and I couldn't read the message properly. It turns out 4,225 got deducted from my account. I immediately called the bank, and they said they can't reverse the transaction, fill out the dispute resolution form, etc. Even tho the transaction was in process today, the transfer shows complete. Is there a way to get it back? I registered an online complaint with the Central Bank and cybersecurity. I really need the money with my rent coming up, please guide me.

Someone impersonated an employee in the company I have owned since 2012 and extracted 18 mobile lines in addition to several iPhones. I was surprised that the company cut off our landline and mobile communications on the pretext that he was monitoring a debt of 167,000 dirhams. This person was arrested, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to deportation. However, the telecommunications company is still demanding from my company and pursuing me because of this debt that we are not to blame for. How can this matter be resolved?

Hello, I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents. It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance. Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I would like to ask for legal advice regarding a fraud case in Abu Dhabi involving multiple victims. The suspect issued bounced cheques, received AED with a promise to exchange it into IDR but failed to deliver, misused other people’s credit cards, and operated an unlicensed travel/tour business. Many clients paid for Umrah or vacation packages that never happened. The total loss is significant, and many victims have evidence such as WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, and bounced cheques. We believe this involves a breach of trust and embezzlement. We would like to know if we can file a group case, what legal steps to take, and the cost of legal representation. Thank you!

Hello, I'm living outside the UAE now. Can I get a police clearance for US immigration purposes even though I had a case and was deported in 2022?