Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allObtaining refund from the developer for project delay


11
Q: I booked an off-plan studio in R.E.P. DIP. The developer posts to me the contract to sign. I signed the contract and posted it back to their address.
The texture property In Dubai has been dealing and I transferred 10% to reserve the unit in June 2015. I have paid over 30% until the end of Dec 2016.
I stopped paying the rest of instalments because after viewing 0% construction report through DLD website and neither developer has provided me Oqood.
There is still no construction as per the DLD report for project number 1514. I am considering to get a refund.
The total price of the studio is AED 330000. 10% at the outset, 36 equal instalments during construction, 20% on handover and 18 equal instalments after the handover.
I have paid 10% and 18 equal instalments out of 36 during the construction as per contract. Total AED 109,973.94 paid: AED 109,973.00
What are the possibilities to get a refund from the developer? How much would it cost?



Apr 19, 2018
5766
Claim against the developer for the breach of contract

2
Q: We are a group of owners, sharing the same concerns. The developer has handed over the properties to us with:
- Unsafe roads, not marked, no signals, no proper speed controls
- We found out also that no pest control, rats are entering homes
- No landscaping and amenities completed /done as advertised and shown during the purchases. We have supportive documents
- No safe security gates
- No proper entrance to the community with very dangerous access, for the single point entry
We raised complaints to the authority but we don't have yet Owners Association formed, and we want to do a case.
Is it possible to do a combined case, since the concerns are the same for all owners?


Feb 5, 2019
1384
Suing the developer for breaching the terms of SPA
1
Q: In June 2008, I bought an office in DSO, for AED 847.339. The completion date was December 2010. For 8 years, the developer dragged the construction for unknown reasons.
I, therefore, did try through RERA and the Notary Public, to get my money back for breach of contract but the developer refused to answer my request.
Today, 8 years later, the office is ready for the final handover. In between, I lost 8 years of rent (AED 360.000) and the opportunity to sell that office when the market was still high.
Last but not the least, the developer just informed me verbally that the office that was freehold is now leasehold despite what is stipulated in the signed SPA.
Today, I would like to know what are my legal options to get my money back or at least get some compensation.

Aug 7, 2018
1075
Terminating the SPA and claiming refund for changing specifications



2
Q: Can a developer change the layout of the building as shown at the launch event and part of all brochures/online advertisements/model under the pretext that the same is not included in the SPA?
For the launch, we got convinced with the building design and layout but at delivery, it’s changed without prior intimation.
Can I make a legal case or can they take the guise that it’s not part of the SPA?
Can I get a refund for the 30% advance payment and refuse possession of the unit?




Jun 8, 2020
753
The effect of changing the original SPA many times

1
Q: Based on Dubai's strong reputation, we invested and now own a couple of off-plan properties in the UAE.
(1) Over the years, the master developer has changed the SPA agreement 3 times - how does this affect the original SPA which many owners still hold?
(2) The original SPA does not allow for "sharing or staff accommodation or AirBnB units within the development yet the developer allows this (claiming this is a government directive). Is this legal ie to breach the SPA terms?
(3) As there is no RERA or any property-governing body in this Emirate - what department can be approached to resolve this?


Jun 8, 2021
603
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allLaw No. (9) of 2009 Amending Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 2
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.
Apr 12, 2009
3141
Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 1
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.
Aug 14, 2008
4862

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كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك.
في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة.
أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات.
أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع.
شكراً جزيلاً.
May 1, 2025
12
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
40
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
22
Does filing an online rental dispute by a landlord lead to a travel ban on the tenant? 0
Hello,
Does the initiation of an online rental dispute case by a landlord in Dubai automatically lead to the imposition of a travel ban on the tenant?
This is not related to bounced cheques; the dispute concerns wear and tear versus damage claims by the landlord.
Apr 28, 2025
18

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I secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired.
Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened.
Please advise
Apr 9, 2025
138
What can I do with the contractor I paid to build my house and disappeared before completion? 0
Hey,
I'm building my house in Dubai, and it was going well.
I gave the contractor 420k as a first payment, and we both agreed that the rest would be in installments. Just two months ago, the contractor went off the grid, and I can't find him.
All I have is a security cheque that bounced back when I went to the bank, as the signature doesn't match what's in the file.
However, I learnt that he does have money, but not the amount that's in the cheque.
What should I do now to get my money back?
I need advice.
Apr 8, 2025
123
Transferred within the same UAE group. What happens to my benefits and allowances? 1
Hello,
I was an employee of a major group in the UAE. Now, they have transferred me to another entity within the same group in the UAE.
What happens to the benefits and allowances agreed upon by the first entity?
Please provide the legal details related to this matter, along with the relevant statutory provisions.
Mar 7, 2025
95
How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 1
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?
Mar 11, 2025
106
Juvenile case withdrawn, but the prosecution refuses to drop it. What happens next? 1
Hello,
A juvenile case has been withdrawn by a third party, but the prosecution doesn’t want to end it.
The child is out on bail. Now the case has moved to court.
What steps should be taken next, or how will they handle it?
Feb 26, 2025
85

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Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
40
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
22
After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
Apr 29, 2025
18
Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
Apr 29, 2025
41
What can a company do if an employee agrees to stay but then stops reporting to work? 0
Hello,
My employee provided a resignation. Our company offered a salary raise and made a deal with him where he agreed to continue with us, but it’s not on paper.
He suddenly stopped coming to work, stating he doesn’t want to work anymore.
What rights do we have as a company, and what can we do about it?
Apr 30, 2025
27

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تكاليف تعيين خبير في قضية تتعلق بشركة مقاولات والمسؤول عن تعيينه وحياده 6
لدينا قضية مدنية مرفوعة ضد الشركة؛ وهي عبارة عن خلاف في حساب الكميات وجودتها داخل شركة مقاولات حيث فرضوا غرامات علينا لأعمال لم تكن في نطاق عملنا.
السؤال:
في حال استدعت المحكمة خبيرًا فنيًا للحكم بيننا، مَن يدفع راتب الخبير؟ ومَن يُعينه؟ ومن أي جانب يأتي لضمان الحيادية؟
May 10, 2020
1807
Agreement with the employee to get an advance payment on gratuity 2
Dear Legal Advice ME
I own a company in DIFC which is struggling due to the current crisis and employees were given three months notice because the company will probably be forced to close.
One employee is asking if he can take his gratuity early as his wife has lost her job due to COVID-19. Can I legally give him a loan against a percentage of his gratuity?
He has worked for me for 16 years.
Apr 16, 2020
5809
Early termination of a tenancy contract when the landlord is not responsive 2
I want to early terminate my tenancy contract of one of my nurseries in JLT (retail unit) as the business is completely shut since March. I am unable to contact my landlord who is a Chinese national; he does not reply to email or call and may not be in Dubai.
The final cheque is due 01 May 2020, what should I do?
Apr 9, 2020
1454
استرداد العربون بسبب مخالفة بنود العقد لاتفاق المشتري والمطور 2
دفعت مبلغ حجز لمطوِّر قبل توقيع أي عقود رسمية لشقة، عند معاينة شقة العرض للمشروع قام البائع بإبلاغنا بأن رسوم الخدمات ١٤ درهم وبأن الشقة سيتم تسليمها بنفس تفاصيل تشطيبات شقة العرض وأن العقد غير جاهز حاليًا وسيتم تجهيزه بعد يومين.
تم هذا كله أمام أحد الوسطاء العقاريين الرسميين، وعند طباعة العقود تبين أن رسوم الخدمات ١٧.٥ إلى ١٨ درهم والتفاصيل التي ذكرها البائع بشأن بعض التشطيبات كما بشقة العرض غير مذكورة بالعقد، وعند العودة الى البائع تردد وأنكر وبعد مخاطبة شركته، لم يتعاونوا معي أبدًا ولم يُعيدوا مبلغ الحجز.
كيف يمكنني استرجاع المبلغ علمًا بأنه يوجد لدي فقط وصل مختوم بالمبلغ المدفوع وشهادة شركة الوساطة العقارية؟
Apr 9, 2020
13787

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What happens when the property is sold mid-lease? 2
Dear Sir/Madam,
Does the existing tenancy contract between the tenant and the previous owner remain in force even after the new landlord has purchased the property in the middle of an ongoing lease?
And when should a new tenancy contract be made?
Should it be made immediately after the property has been sold, or at the end of the ongoing tenancy contract signed between the previous owner of the property and the tenant?
Also, does a new contract have to be in place for the tenant to exchange the cheques, or does the existing tenancy contract with the previous owner remain valid for the purpose of exchanging the cheques?
Apr 5, 2023
788
Evicting an employee from school accommodation while a labor case is pending 2
Dear Sir/Madam,
I was wrongfully terminated by my school under Article 44 on March 20th, 2023. I have a case in the labor courts, and the first hearing is on April 4th, 2023.
However, my employer is asking me to vacate the school accommodation. I asked the Ministry of Labor and the courts, and they informed me that the school cannot evict me until the case is resolved.
Is this information correct?
I am currently unemployed and have nowhere else to go until I find another job.
Apr 3, 2023
145
If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa? 10
Hi,
May you and your family be blessed.
I'm extremely tense and need your kind feedback on the following issue.
If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa?
I have been visiting Dubai on a tourist visa without any problems.
The ban was imposed because I had to leave KSA suddenly and could not return after an exit-entry, and I was unable to pay back my car EMI and credit card payment totaling 30k SAR, which I intend to pay off gradually now.
When I left KSA, they only had my fingerprints at the time. I also understand that while coming for a visit to Dubai, only a retinal scan is done.
On the other hand, when obtaining a work visa, UAE takes and registers fingerprints as well. Could this lead to any issues for me?
I have finally obtained a better-paying job after a long time and can finally save up to pay off my debts. The case registered for which the travel ban is imposed is only for SAR 16000.
As of now, I cannot afford to hire a lawyer to check in UAE.
Thank you for your help!
Mar 29, 2023
1936
Tenant's rights: Can my landlord evict me, raise my rent, and ban my pet? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
My landlord wants to evict me from the property where I reside. They have not provided a court order for eviction within the past 12 months.
Additionally, they are requesting a 40% increase in rent and are insisting on a 6-month fixed-term renewal, despite the RERA index indicating no such increase.
Furthermore, they have included an unreasonable clause that prohibits pets, even though I have lived on the property with a pet for over three years.
What options do I have if I do not agree to these demands?
Mar 16, 2023
471
What can a cheque signatory of company expect if a cheque he issued has bounced? 0
Dear Respected,
I have a travel ban on me and a case raised in Dubai Courts against the company. The reason is the company owner asked me to sign a cheque to a service provider and the cheque bounced.
I'm not a shareholder in the license. I'm not a partner in the license or elsewhere. I'm not a manager in the license or elsewhere.
I only hold a POA from the owner to assist him in opening a bank account while he was abroad and be the authorized signatory in the bank.
What should I do in this case?
Thank you respected.
Jan 4, 2023
471
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