Q: Hi, I hired a real estate agent from Dubbizle Abu Dhabi. We reached a consensus of AED6,500/- commission for his services. Once I liked the property, I gave AED5,000/- cheque as security. Later, after signing the tenancy contract I gave cash AED5,000/- to him. As AED1,500/- was pending, I didn't take the cheque back. Later from the landlord, I got the information that he took an extra commission of AED5,000/- from the landlord as well by telling him that we are relatives and he is not charging any commission from me. So the landlord increased the rent by AED5,000/- and once the payment was made to the landlord (single payment by my employer); landlord had already given AED5,000/- to the agent. Later the agent called me to ask for remaining AED1,500/-. At this time I said 'no' as he has already made a double commission. I forgot about the cheque. Today I received a message from my bank that the cheque has been encashed and AED5,000/- has been deducted from my account. What are my options now?

Q: I joined a Dubai based company as GM in May 2016 and resigned with a one-month notice from 1-05-17 to 31-05-17. My boss told me to prepare accounts and clear issues ‘AFTER MY RESIGNATION’ (Used these words specifically in a letter) and took a security cheque (Blank dated) with a letter signed to this effect. Within 37 days I compiled that data with satisfaction on 7-06-2017, and in the presence of auditors, my boss processed my visa cancellation. My boss advised verbally to collect my gratuity and security cheque later on. After one month of cancellation, my boss filed a complaint in the Labour Department that I joined his competitors whom I started working with them. Four months after cancellation, he deposited my security cheque in the bank without my knowledge and it was dishonoured. I filed a complaint in Labour, but the matter was referred to the court. My boss did not recruit a new GM for the last five months, and things got messed up. Now, he is putting all the blame on me for his mismanagement and I am working in a new company now. I want my security cheque back with my Gratuity. Please advise.

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.