Questions & Answers - Legal Advice Middle East

Can we file a case against a customer who launched a campaign online against our business reputation?

Q: Hello, A customer based in Dubai booked a public experience online on the website of a reputable business based in Dubai. The customer came to the business location, the team was ready to provide the experience as per her booking. The customer started to shout loudly, claiming that she was expecting a private experience. She refused to do the experience and left. Then she started calling the Management claiming a refund. The Management explained that as per the T&Cs, experiences booked online are public. The Management offered as a goodwill gesture to refund the customer after deducting the cost of preparations that were paid by the business to set up the experience. The customer refused. The customer used her Instagram account and as an influencer + Google review to launch a campaign against the business reputation, inciting her audience/people not to use the business services. She used signs of alert/warnings. Is there a law that punishes such public incitement in the UAE?

How long does it take for a bounced cheque case to be closed after a settlement?

Q: 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when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance.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!

Can I get a UAE police clearance for US immigration if I was deported in 2022?

Q: 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?

What to do if someone impersonated an employee in the company I own and got mobile lines and phones?

Q: 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?

Is it legally acceptable to give birth in the UAE if the mother is single?

Q: Hello, Is it okay to give birth in the UAE if the mother is single and the father is married? Will there be any problem with that, as long as the parents declare that they are the biological parents to obtain the child`s birth certificate?

How can I refund the amount of online tickets in Dubai for fraudulant misrepresentation?

Q: 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.

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How can victims file a group case for fraud, bounced cheques, and misuse of credit cards?

Q: 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!

How can we remove a partner from the license if he is present but unresponsive?

Q: 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!

I had a criminal case in Dubai and it was closed but I cannot get a PCC. What to do?

Q: 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

Landlord cashed my rent but won’t renew Ejari unless I accept a higher deposit. What should I do?

Q: Hello, I had a rental dispute case with my landlord. Based on the judgment, I paid the entire rent to the landlord, which the landlord has already cashed. He is not issuing the Ejari because he wants to increase the security deposit by 10% every year, which I am not accepting. I have already given the 5% security deposit. The landlord is not accepting it. He is forcing me to sign a new agreement, otherwise he will not renew the lease agreement. Please let me know what I should do.

Can an international supplier still sue me in 2025 for unpaid stock delivered in 2019?

Q: Hello, I own and run a company. We received stock from an international supplier in 2019. However, we were unable to pay due to financial circumstances. The supplier is now threatening to file a civil case in 2025. Is there a limitation period within which they can still pursue this debt?

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Can I travel and return to the UAE during an ongoing labor case against my employer?

Q: Hello, I have filed a case against my employer, and the session is still ongoing in the Dubai court. Can I travel outside the UAE and then come back?

Can I get my deposit back if the seller didn’t inform me about the fee before payment?

Q: Hello, If I paid a 5% deposit for an off-plan apartment but the seller did not inform me about the fee and asked me to pay the deposit beforehand, can I get my deposit back because of being deceived by the seller?

I’m on overstay since a couple of months. Is it possible for me to get a visa with ongoing cases?

Q: I’ve been on overstay for a couple of months. Is it possible for me to get a visa with an ongoing criminal case, travel ban, and civil cases (judgments issued)? If so, what would be the process?

I purchased a tour voucher from a holiday agency in Dubai and could not use due to a visa issue. Can I still claim it?

Q: I purchased a tour voucher from a holiday agency in Dubai in 2023 worth AED 4239.00, but was not able to use it due to a visa problem. I have constant email and communication through phone with them, and they informed me back then that my voucher will be available and has no expiration date that I can use anytime I want. Now I wanted to use it, so I called them last Saturday, 31st May 2025, and they told me it has already expired due to the new policy. Can I still claim and ask for my money back?

Can a client deposit a security cheque due to site delays, despite 50% of the work being done?

Q: Hello, I am currently employed as a subcontractor to work on a project in Dubai. As a general practice, I have provided a security cheque against the advance payment, and the client is now threatening to deposit the cheque even after completing more than 50% of the works due to various delays on site. Is this legal? What steps can I take to protect myself?