Legal procedures against the tenant for failing to pay rent

Hi,

I have an apartment in Dubai rented out to a tenant since Mar 2020.

I have been a very supportive landlord in the COVID-19 situation, have collected monthly rents in cash instead of depositing the cheque even delayed the rent for a couple of months, and reduced the rent for July 2020.

For the last rent cheque which is due next week Jan 10th 2021, the tenant has asked me not to put the cheque and still requesting for negotiation.

The tenant lost his job in April but was successfully running his own business on an extended residency visa from his company. His visa is cancelled now and says that accounts are frozen, and not to put the cheque.

When I asked for cash payment he said there is no money. Can I still choose to deposit the cheque and proceed legally?

Or Should I give him a one month notice? Do I still need to wait for his green light to put the cheque?

I feel the tenant is taking undue advantage of me being nice since it has happened every month since April.

Please advise.