Q: How do I have my deposit returned from a canceled project? The deposit was paid in October 2008.

Q: Hi, We invested in a project which has been canceled for the last four years. Until now, we have not heard anything from the Dubai Courts although we registered our details with them. All the monies paid were into an escrow account. How can we chase this up further?

Q: I had invested in a real estate project in Dubai, but it was canceled and the special committee was formed under the property law. But a few weeks ago, new property law has been established under which the special committee no longer exists. Kindly let me know how can I get my invested money back!

Q: Hello, I am contacting you from Switzerland. Firstly, my dad purchased a property in Dubai in a project in 2007. Today we have not received anything yet. Every time there is a different story. We get delayed. The project is canceled by Dubai Land Department and the website mentioned that "Held for the Project's Land selling procedures", but I haven't had information for years. I sent many mails to find out about the progress and I never get a reply. Could you please help me by advising me on how my situation would be? I will be grateful to you!

Q: Dear Lawyers, I have a question regarding a new developer taking over a property from an old developer who fled Dubai many years ago. The new developer is trying to get investors to sign a new SPA, which includes additional fees. I have not signed the new SPA yet. The new developer claims: "The Judicial Committee for Incomplete & Cancelled Real Estate Projects in the Emirate of Dubai approved the continuation of the project as planned and instructed the new developer to issue amended SPA contracts to all investors, taking into consideration that non-compliant investor contracts shall be canceled in accordance with the procedures and regulations applied." Accordingly, as per the verdicts, they request all investors to comply with the decisions and verdicts issued within a 15-day notice. I have paid 80% of the total fees, and the project is about 60% complete. Does the new developer have the right to cancel the old SPA and take my unit if I don't sign the new SPA? Also, can I request the project to be completed?

This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.

This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.

The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.