Hello everyone, I’m seeking professional legal opinions regarding an ongoing dispute we are facing with a free zone authority in the UAE. We are an official channel partner for the Free Zone and have generated several clients and successful business registrations through our efforts. Despite fulfilling our responsibilities as per the agreement, the Free Zone has not released our due commission. It's been several months now, and we've experienced repeated delays, vague justifications, and non-committal responses from their end. It appears they are intentionally using delaying tactics. We are exploring our legal options now and would appreciate guidance on the following: What legal steps can be taken in such a case in the UAE? Is this considered a breach of contract or unfair commercial practice? Would it be advisable to send a legal notice first, or directly approach the relevant dispute resolution authority?

Hello, I am writing to seek your advice regarding an issue with my previous employer. I resigned from the company due to the non-payment of my salary and gratuity for the past 8 months. I have since joined a new company, and my employment with my previous employer has been officially canceled. I would like to know if I can still file a case or recover my unpaid salary and gratuity from them, despite my employment with them having ended. I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any legal actions I can pursue to recover the owed amounts. Thank you for your time and assistance!

I bought an investment property last year on the condition that the landlord serve the 12-month notice specifically for the purpose of selling the unit and gave the tenant the notice. The landlord sent a court notice of 12 months for selling the property which was sold to me. Plus at the time of renewing the lease with the new landlord (myself) during these 12 months. It was mentioned in the contract that the landlord will not renew. It was also mentioned that the validity of the contract is until the date of court notice. The landlord sold the property as per the notice. The tenant got their 12 months. Now the tenant is refusing.

Hello, We would like to ask for legal advice. Our company is currently renting a warehouse, and our contract ends in June. We have just received an email from the landlord stating that they do not wish to renew our contract once it expires. Please note that we were informed through a regular email, not via an Emirates Post registered email or Dubai Courts. They mentioned that they will use the warehouse for their own purposes. May I know if this is allowed, considering we were given only three months' notice? As I understand, a one-year notice is required for eviction. Does our case fall under eviction? I look forward to your response, as we would like to explore our options.

Hello, I would like to serve a vacating notice to my tenant, as I am selling the property. Is there any way to serve a notice shorter than 12 months? What is the process, and what is the normal cost involved?

Hello, If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days? Thank you!

I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered. Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in. However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract. What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out? What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?

Hello, My landlord issued an eviction notice stating an intention to sell. He has since sold the property before the eviction date, and now the new owner intends to use the old notice to evict me and re-rent the apartment at a higher rate. Is this allowed?

Hello, I have a criminal case for fighting, and it is now in prosecution. The decision shows “a temporary matter” as both parties are accused. What does it mean? I have not received a call from the prosecution yet.

Hello, My rent cheque was bounced, and my landlord filed a case against me in Sharjah Court. I received a fine of 2,000 AED, which was later reduced to 1,000 AED upon appeal. Does this case count as a criminal conviction under UAE law, or was it handled as a civil matter? If I apply for a U.S. visa, will I need to submit court records under the requirement for applicants with past convictions?

Hi Everyone, I have been working in the UAE since 2019. Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times. After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval. I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.

Hello, Two days ago, I bought a used car. But yesterday, I found out that there has been major tampering with the odometer. I have all the necessary proof to provide. Where do I move forward from this?

Hello, How can I apply for Ras Al Khaimah fine reduction for my expired resident visa? I'm staying in Dubai.

Hello, The matter is whether we can file a case against an Ajman-based firm for non-shipment of cargo against the payment made to them. They haven’t delivered the cargo nor returned the amount.

Hello, I am planning to acquire a local LLC. What are the required documents and the process to complete the formalities?

Hello, My landlord issued an eviction notice stating an intention to sell. He has since sold the property before the eviction date, and now the new owner intends to use the old notice to evict me and re-rent the apartment at a higher rate. Is this allowed?

Good morning. My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract. Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use. Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.

The bank filed a case against me using security cheques and executed a travel ban from Dubai Courts.

I would like to know how to clear my police record due to a legal case that was closed 1 year ago. I need to clear it in order to be able to get a job position.

Hello, My friend has just come back from traveling to find his storage space burnt down in Dubai. He is a photographer and musician with high-value items. Everything has been burnt down. What does he do now?

What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?

Hello, I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation". Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?

Hello, Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? At the same time, they are employed by another company.

I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract. The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance. They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document. The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on: 1. Which law applies to this dispute? 2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above? Kindly advise.

Hello, If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days? Thank you!

Dear Respected Lawyers, Subject: Request for Legal Advice Regarding Unlawful Practices by a Debt Collection Agency I would greatly appreciate your advice and guidance regarding a troubling issue my colleague is facing with a collection agency. The company has been contacting the employer, urging them to ask my colleague to get in touch with them regarding a supposed liability. This claim is related to a 15-year-old closed dispute with a bank credit card, and the issue seems to stem from outdated and inaccurate information on the AECB report. Our main concerns are as follows: Unauthorized Access: The company is accessing her AECB report without her consent. She has never given permission for them to retrieve or view her personal financial information. How is it possible for a third-party agency to openly access and track AECB reports, especially for a dispute that was resolved 15 years ago?

I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property. Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale. Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale. This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell. Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord? Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?

Hello, My ex-wife has abused me in chat and called me the following: illiterate, beggar, and said that I don’t have [------]. She called me a bad parent and a bad son. Can I file a cyberbullying, defamation, or abuse case against her? What are my options?

Hi I'm an Irish citizen and a resident of the United Kingdom. I got investment fraud in Dubai. I invested money into a business with a Pakistani national guy in March 2024 via bank transfer into his business account. Now he's giving back the money which I invested in business after 9 months. He's preparing a letter from a local lawyer to kick me out of the business. I do not have any other option than to take out at least my money. But it's unfair to me that he used my money in business and took all the advantage. Some people say to me that if you claim money or take legal action against him, it will take too much time and I need to travel to Dubai to appear in court because it is a civil matter. But I'm not a resident. How can I follow the civil case there? That's why my partner knows that I can not do anything and this case keeps running long time and in the end nothing happens. But I'm thinking that I will submit a complaint through my embassy and I also have a solicitor in the United Kingdom.

Dear Lawyers, My relative lost his wife during childbirth due to clear medical negligence, as stated in the report from the DHA medical committee. He had to relocate to India due to the situation and is currently working there. Please guide us on the steps to take for justice and compensation.

Good morning. My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract. Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use. Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.

Dear Lawyers, The case needs to be filed during official working hours, on a subsequent working day (if the last day falls on an official holiday), in Dubai. With Smart Police Stations operating 24/7, how are these situations considered? Should the case be filed during working hours, say before 3 PM, etc.?

As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp. I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee? Please help. Regards, B.

Hello, Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?

Hello, I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number? Fujairah Jail.

Hello, I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation". Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?

Hello, Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? At the same time, they are employed by another company.

Hello, If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days? Thank you!

I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract. The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance. They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document. The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on: 1. Which law applies to this dispute? 2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above? Kindly advise.

I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered. Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in. However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract. What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out? What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?

Dear Lawyers, Can a partner in an LLC company (Dubai Mainland) sell their shares to a third party without the consent of the other partners? If one partner wants to exit the company and the other shareholders are neither responding to this request nor giving permission, what is the way forward? We have sent an email to the other shareholders notifying them of the intention to sell the shares, but there has been no response. Please advise. Please advise!

Dear Lawyers, I joined a company in Dubai. According to the contract agreement given to me by the company, if I leave before the fixed contract period, I have to give two months' notice and pay a sum of 6000 dirhams. I agreed to this and continued to work under that agreement. However, the company has now introduced a new contract agreement, and all employees are under pressure to sign it. The new conditions state that no employee can take a similar job in the UAE and must agree to pay USD 3500 (AED 12600) upon leaving during the contract period. What actions can I take regarding the unfairness of this situation?

Dear Lawyers, How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?

Dear Sir, I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to seek your advice regarding a debt case filed in 2016 in the UAE. The debt amounts to approximately 45,000 AED (20,000 AED cheque amount and 25,000 AED credit card amount). The associated interest has now possibly exceeded 150,000 AED. I have recently secured a job in Dubai and am eager to return; however, I am currently unable to pay the full debt amount. I am aware of a court fine of 5,000 AED. I would like to understand if there is any possibility of returning to Dubai by paying only this court fine and lawyer fee. Could you please advise on any available legal avenues or procedures that may allow me to resolve this matter and return to Dubai under these circumstances? Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and assistance! Best Regards,

Dear Sir/Madam, I have been a tenant in a residential unit since 2023. The real estate representative of the landlord sent a WhatsApp message stating that my rent is finalized at 24,200 AED, up from the previous contract amount of 22,000 AED, without any prior notice or email from the landlord. Kindly guide me!

Hello, Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?

I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying. The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire. Does he have any option to avoid payment? Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses. Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE. Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment. Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money? Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?

Hello, In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?

Hello, I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed. After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms. To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size. Key issues: - Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area. - The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover. - The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment. I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.

Hello, A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?

Hello, I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation". Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?

Hello, Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? At the same time, they are employed by another company.

I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract. The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance. They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document. The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on: 1. Which law applies to this dispute? 2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above? Kindly advise.

Hello, If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days? Thank you!

I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered. Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in. However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract. What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out? What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?