Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allCancellation of an off-plan property contract due to delivery delay

2
Q: Seeking cancellation for the delaying property delivery, as developers are not being reasonable.
I purchased an off-plan property in Dubai which was due for handover in June 2018 but still incomplete as of May 2020 (approx. 58%).
80% has been paid from a purchase price of 1.97 million, plus 4% DLD fees.
After pleading with developers for assistance, I recently got offered 2 x 999,999 AED, properties from the Developer (not ready till first quarter 2021 apparently), plus DLD fees as they would be classed as new sales.
I wish to cancel the purchase. Do I get additional rights for a 2-year delay and being under 60% completion?
Can I use force majeure (I'm on 75% wage reduction till September due to COVID-19)?
Has a law come into play to have additional compensation whilst renting during the delay? (I was advised on June 2019 by the SLC that there were discussions at DLD but nothing official). Can you claim the 4% DLD fees back?
Thanks in advance


May 11, 2020
1503
Terminating a property SPA with compensation for delay in delivery
0
Q: I bought a property in Abu Dhabi and the completion date as written in the agreement is in 2014 and the project has not been finished to date.
I have contacted the developers several times and met with them and they keep failing their promises.
What do you advise, should I file a case to terminate the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA), can I claim for compensation for the delay?

Apr 17, 2018
1051
Claiming refund from developer for delay in delivery



0
Q: Our company paid approximately 85,000 AED as advance (for commercial rent) to a developer whose project never got completed. The handover for the site was 1.5 years ago!
We have been requesting a refund since many months now but the landlord/developer is not cooperating. The payment was made via cheques and the lease had been signed as well.
Further, I have seven sent them a legal notice two months ago via Dubai Courts but there has been no reply from the developer.
May I know what could be done next?




May 7, 2020
462
Delayed property delivery: Can I sue the developer and get my money back?
2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I have fully paid for and registered a property from a developer. There are no dues on my part. My wife and I own the property, which was registered in 2019.
The property was supposed to be delivered in 2020, but the builder has not provided any official information and has only mentioned delays due to COVID-19 verbally.
The property has not been handed over to us yet, and their office has not responded to our inquiries clearly. They always say that the property will be handed over in one or two months.
My contract includes a late payment penalty and a rental guarantee for two years after the handover. How can I file a legal remedy?

Aug 4, 2023
107
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allExecutive Council Resolution No. (6) of 2010 Approving the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 3
This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.
Feb 14, 2010
5120
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
4819

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26 26 answers •
View allThe rights of an employee who works for another employer upon terminating him 0
Hello sir,
We have an employee who was under probation period on a limited contract and with our company visa. The performance is poor and it is found that he is working for another company (his old work) while working with us.
So the management decided to terminate the contract. Apart from the salary, do we have to pay his ticket fare?
May 25, 2021
310
How long will it take to get settlement from a company? 0
As-salam Alaikum,
My labor execution case number is {.....}. Al Adheed center asked me to get back after 21 days. More than 21 days are completed, but they are still asking me to wait till June 01.
It is still in process. I need to know how long will it take to get my settlement from the company?
Kindly advise me!
Thanks & Regards,
May 9, 2021
1029
What is the required notice period for the landlord to evict the tenant? 0
I recently purchased a property in Springs which is rented till September. I need legal advice on the procedure to send an eviction notice to my tenant as I need to occupy the property for personal use.
As far as I read in the RERA legislation Page 108-110, Article (25) - Section - 2, if the landlord wants to occupy the property for personal use, 90 days notice is sufficient.
But the tenant insists to have a 12-month notice. What are my options and is it possible to send a legal notice to the tenant to vacate the premises at the end of the rent contract?
Kindly advise
Jun 15, 2022
3712
Would a promotion offered with less salary be considered constructive dismissal? 0
Hello,
I am originally from the UK and relocated to Dubai in 2004 when my company established a new office.
I originally joined the same company in 2001, based in the London office. Since then, I have grown with the organization and am in a middle management role.
Recently, the company announced they would downsize the Dubai office, and affected staff would be offered to relocate back to an office in their home country (India) or to the new office being established in Spain.
I have been advised that my present role will be made redundant in Dubai but have been offered a new role in Spain. The new role is seen as a promotion but there are little to no benefits and it's a major drop in salary (basic salary would drop by 40%).
There are no additional allowances. Currently, I receive basic salary + allowances.
I have been in the UAE since 2004 and my options appear to be limited to accept redundancy or a new role with a significant drop in salary. Would this be considered constructive dismissal?
Apr 5, 2021
583
Right of the seller to claim the deposit from the buyer for breaching the MOU 0
Hello,
I have signed an MOU where the buyer failed to complete the transaction as per the date of transfer plus the extension. Thus, the MOU expired. I have requested from the agency the 10% deposit cheque signed by the buyer.
They refused to give it to me and requested an extension without any penalties or price increase despite the market appreciation by 10%. What can I do to get the cheque legally from them?
I am already in a big issue because I already bought a bigger unit having in mind that my unit is sold. They are asking for an MOU extension but the prices went up and I request the fair price as per the market and they are refusing to pay the increase.
Appreciate it if somebody can provide me with feedback on these two points:
1- Can the agency hold the cheque and not give it to me? Aren't they violating the law here?
2- What can be done in this case and what would the next steps be?
Thanks in advance,
Regards,
Apr 4, 2021
2585

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183 183 answers •
View allThe landlord refuses to wait for days beyond rental cheque due date. What to do? 0
Dear sir/madam,
My rental cheque is due tomorrow and unfortunately, I’m not able to honor it. I asked my landlord to wait a couple of days but he doesn’t want to wait and said that he is going to cash the cheque tomorrow.
Of course, the cheque will bounce, what would be the procedure then?
Do I have a certain amount of days before eviction to pay the rent?
Sep 25, 2022
472
What happens when the property is sold mid-lease? 0
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
765
Evicting an employee from school accommodation while a labor case is pending 0
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
127
If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa? 0
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
1875
Tenant's rights: Can my landlord evict me, raise my rent, and ban my pet? 0
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
447

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337 337 answers •
View allCan a debt agency access AECB reports without consent for a 15-year-old closed case? 0
Dear Respected Lawyers,
Subject: Request for Legal Advice Regarding Unlawful Practices by a Debt Collection Agency
I would greatly appreciate your advice and guidance regarding a troubling issue my colleague is facing with a collection agency.
The company has been contacting the employer, urging them to ask my colleague to get in touch with them regarding a supposed liability.
This claim is related to a 15-year-old closed dispute with a bank credit card, and the issue seems to stem from outdated and inaccurate information on the AECB report.
Our main concerns are as follows:
Unauthorized Access: The company is accessing her AECB report without her consent. She has never given permission for them to retrieve or view her personal financial information.
How is it possible for a third-party agency to openly access and track AECB reports, especially for a dispute that was resolved 15 years ago?
Apr 8, 2025
74
I was evicted from my apartment to be sold but it was gifted and rented at a higher price. What can I do? 0
I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property.
Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale.
Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale.
This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell.
Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord?
Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?
Dec 18, 2024
87
Can I file a case for cyberbullying or defamation after my ex-wife's abusive messages? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has abused me in chat and called me the following: illiterate, beggar, and said that I don’t have [------].
She called me a bad parent and a bad son.
Can I file a cyberbullying, defamation, or abuse case against her? What are my options?
Jan 3, 2025
106
I invested money in a business but my partner is removing me out from partnership. Can I pursue legal action? 0
Hi
I'm an Irish citizen and a resident of the United Kingdom. I got investment fraud in Dubai. I invested money into a business with a Pakistani national guy in March 2024 via bank transfer into his business account.
Now he's giving back the money which I invested in business after 9 months. He's preparing a letter from a local lawyer to kick me out of the business. I do not have any other option than to take out at least my money.
But it's unfair to me that he used my money in business and took all the advantage.
Some people say to me that if you claim money or take legal action against him, it will take too much time and I need to travel to Dubai to appear in court because it is a civil matter. But I'm not a resident.
How can I follow the civil case there?
That's why my partner knows that I can not do anything and this case keeps running long time and in the end nothing happens. But I'm thinking that I will submit a complaint through my embassy and I also have a solicitor in the United Kingdom.
Dec 24, 2024
48
Seeking justice and compensation for wife's loss due to medical negligence during childbirth 0
Dear Lawyers,
My relative lost his wife during childbirth due to clear medical negligence, as stated in the report from the DHA medical committee.
He had to relocate to India due to the situation and is currently working there.
Please guide us on the steps to take for justice and compensation.
Dec 19, 2024
75

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95 95 answers •
View allHow can I file for divorce in the UAE as an Indian Christian with a son, and ensure custody? 0
Hi, good morning,
I’m an Indian residing in the UAE and want to apply for a divorce. My husband and I have been living separately for more than 3 years, and he has been living in India since our separation.
We are both Indians and Christians (non-Muslims). We have a son who is 8 years old now. Can you please let me know the divorce procedure if we want to proceed in the UAE, both with and without mutual consent?
Additionally, please advise on how to proceed with custody, as my son currently resides with me.
Thank you!
Aug 28, 2024
138
How to transfer the shares of a company from his heirs to the partners? 0
A company is registered in a free zone (Dubai South) and had 4 shareholders.
But now one of them passed away and the successor is a very old lady, who is not cooperative and will not be able to sign any document at all (and she lives in another country).
We have no idea who will be a successor after this old lady and these people will in fact never be interested to do anything with this company.
The company is financed and managed by only one shareholder, who is willing to continue.
What can be done in this scenario to keep this company and continue operations?
How to transfer the shares of the deceased shareholder (buyout, shares transfer)?
Is there any court procedure where if no one claims their rights after some time, the shares will automatically be transferred to the company itself or the third parties?
Thank you.
A.
May 15, 2023
102
My flatmate took a video of my visitor in the toilet half naked without permission 0
My flatmate took a video of my visitor in the toilet half-naked without permission and shared it with another person, and accusing me of taking another nationality which is untrue.
What will be the cases to file a case?
May 12, 2023
225
Retrieving a passport from a car impounded for driving without a license 0
Hi sir,
I drive a car in Ajman without a license. On a visit visa those days, Ajman police caught me and I forgot my passport and other belongings in the car.
They impounded the car, so how can I get my passport back from the car?
My case is finished.
How do I get my passport back so I can apply for a visa and then a job?
Please suggest me.
Thanks!
May 2, 2023
117
What is the time limit to execute a judgment? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
Time limit to execute a judgment.
I won a court case about 5 years ago. I still did not register an execution lawsuit.
What is the maximum permitted time limit between the verdict and registration of the related execution lawsuit?
Apr 27, 2023
770

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213 213 answers •
View allWhen to claim an inheritance in Dubai while being abroad and which law is applied ? 0
Dear sir/madam,
I would like someone to be honest with me. I am in the UK. How long have I got to claim inheritance in Dubai?
I was reading in the Gulf News that the laws of the country of the deceased at the time of death can be applied regarding the will.
Is this true or false? I am really looking for these two questions to be answered first. Can anyone help me with this, please?
Mar 25, 2022
406
I seek to cancel a purchased property and get refund for delay in handover 0
Dear Advocate Sweta Singh,
I am from India and in Sep 2018, I purchased an apartment in a hotel. The hotel has not been completed and the delay is more than a year.
They have not paid any compensation as per the contract, nor do they talk about it. I have paid more than 80% in installments and paying it regularly.
Please help me, guide me on how to cancel the deal and get a full refund, or any other way which helps me recover my investment.
Regards
Mar 9, 2022
339
Is it possible to apply a will issued in South Africa in the UAE? 0
Dear questioner,
My father (Muslim) has passed away in South Africa. He leaves behind 4 children, his wife (our mother) and his own mother.
He had a will for South Africa in which, I (oldest son) am executor. The will does state that it encompasses all property and assets wherever they may be.
He has various properties and assets in the UAE. My questions are:
1. Does his will have power in the UAE or will it be divided by Sharia?
2. What documents are required to wind up his estate?
3. What is the wind-up process within the UAE?
Feb 22, 2022
459
How to access the bank account of my son who passed away recently? 0
My son tragically died in Dubai and his salary has been paid into a UAE HSBC bank account.
My daughter also lives in Dubai and has an HSBC account.
How can I access my Son's bank account, please?
I live in the UK.
Feb 17, 2022
358
How can we access the bank account of a deceased person? 0
My uncle died 2 weeks ago in one of the private hospitals here in Dubai.
We have already completed everything regarding the repatriation of his body with the help of his employer and his remains are already sent back to our home country last week.
He used to give me an access of his ATM card before and I tried to access it just few days ago and I found out that there is some amount of money left on his bank account.
I am aware that he has some pending bank loan requests before he died, so I am afraid that amount might be the reason of such big amount.
Being the only family member of my deceased uncle, what should I do in order to make sure that the amount is from his savings and not from his bank loans?
In case the amount is proved to be his own savings, is there any chance for me to get the authorization to claim that amount from the bank to be used by his family?
He has a wife with 3 kids back home.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Feb 10, 2022
267
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