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

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 neighbors on the upper floor are causing noise throughout the day, almost 24/7. They keep dragging furniture, dropping heavy objects, and slamming doors. The property manager was not very helpful, and I cannot sleep or take power naps. I sleep when they do and wake up when they wake up. Also, there are 6 family members in a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai.

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.?

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, I recently found an apartment for rent and agreed with the agent to make payments in three installments. I provided the agent with post-dated checks for the second and third payments and planned to transfer the first payment, deposit, and agency fee to the agent’s account once the lease agreement was finalized. However, the lease agreement has not been finalized yet, and I have since found a better place. Since I have not signed any lease agreement, should I be concerned about the landlord cashing the checks for the second and third payments? Is it legal? Additionally, the agent requested an extra 2,000 dirhams beyond the amount he intended to include in the lease agreement.

Hello Sir, I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025. After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues. However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details. I would like to know my rights and what I should do 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?

I hired an agency to close my free zone company in October last year and paid them already. However, I have now been informed by the FDA that the company has not been closed, and I am required to upload a renewed license (which I do not have), otherwise, I will face a penalty. The agency I hired is not responding to my messages. What can I do?