Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
8 available 8 • View allReal estate matter in the UAE
1
Q: We are from the UK and our broker found a buyer for a property. The MOU was agreed and had an expected transfer date and expiry date. The MOU stated that the buyer will prepare for NOC and the take transfer of the property during the period we are in Dubai.We arrived in Dubai during the agreed dates. The buyer did not prepare the NOC in advance but only after we arrived leaving insufficient time for the NOC to be completed. The buyer did give us a small cash advance on the sale which we still hold. On the day of the transfer, the buyer claimed they had an emergency and were not available to complete the process. We had to return to the UK.However, the buyer and broker are now expecting us to return to Dubai to complete the process. However, due to health restrictions we can not do this easily.Are we as sellers obliged to return and complete the transfer? Has the MOU effectively expired? Are we entitled to the buyer's deposit? Can the MOU be terminated?Thank You.

Nov 22, 2016
3280
Changing the contract due to buyer's failure to pay the installment on time
3
Q: A property was bought in Dubai on an installment plan. Due to some problems, the purchaser has failed to pay the last 2 installments but intends to clear the payments.
He has paid around 40% to 50% of the total amount, but now, the seller has sent him a notice that he is going to change the deed. Should the buyer step back considering that the seller is unreliable or should he move forward?
What should be the step to address the notice they have sent?

Apr 30, 2020
632
Filing complaint before RERA for property deceit by the broker

6
Q: 5 years back, I paid a real estate broker an amount of AED 797,420 in cash towards booking amount for 3 units in an under construction building in Dubai Marina.
He has cheated me by giving me bogus stamped registration forms from the developer and has never paid the money to them. The developer has no record of me in their system.
I have tried to speak numerous times with the broker but he insists that the documents are all true and the money has been paid to the escrow account, but the developer has verbally confirmed otherwise.
Since the forms are all bogus, the developer is refusing to communicate with me officially. I need legal assistance to get information from the developer as they are the only ones who can prove that these forms are bogus.
Do let me know future course of action and fees applicable as well.
Best Regards,


Jul 5, 2018
8582
Legal action against a contracting company for forging a government permit
0
Q: A contracting company in the UAE sent us an email with a DDA Permit to build a room in our house. Then subsequently they got approval from DDA (Dubai Development Authority).
We have the original email from the Authority that the documents were issued with a permit, dated 04.07.21. But the contract changed the DDA document date to 04.08.21.
We seek legal advice if this can be termed as a crime in the UAE for manipulating a document and if any lawyer can confirm to us if this is a genuine case that can be filed in Dubai Courts and which law applies to forging a document by email.
The reason why the contractor forged the document is that they took the payment from us and wanted to delay the project and kept on telling us that DDA has not given any approval.
Only after contacting DDA directly, we got the original document which shows a different date.

Jan 18, 2022
253
Can the seller force the broker to pay security deposit if the buyer breaches the MOU?
2
Q: Hi.
I would like to ask a question regarding the real estate property sale agreement.
We are brokers and we had a client who wanted to buy a property in the UAE. The seller was selling it for 2.1M and the buyer agreed to that price and they both signed the MOU.
In the MOU there's an article mentioned that the buyer and seller must each submit a security deposit cheque amounting to AED 100,000 that we the broker will keep and be returned to both after a successful transaction.
And there is another article stating that if ever any of the parties cancel or withdraw from the agreement period which is 15 working days, then the security deposit will serve as a penalty and then be disbursed to the broker and the damaged party.
In this case, the BUYER didn't give us a security deposit cheque and then he canceled after a few days.
Now the SELLER is pursuing a legal case against the broker and the BUYER and the buyer is not responding to calls or emails.
What are the legal cases for this?

Apr 12, 2023
768
Do financial advisors need licenses to sell investments?



1
Q: Hello,
A financial advisor sold me several bogus investments that have gone bust.
In the UAE, does a financial advisor need a specific license to propose or sell an investment, or not?




Nov 9, 2023
117
I forged a work pass for workers to enter a power plant and get caught. How to avoid deportation?


0
Q: I work for a construction company, and I made a mistake by using an outdated work pass when applying for passes for my workers to enter a government power plant.
We have a contract with the plant to work for a month. The plant typically takes 2 hours to approve the application, but due to an emergency, I forged the date to expedite the process and get my workers on site.
Unfortunately, I was caught, and a police case was filed. The judgment included confiscation, imprisonment, and deportation.
I have appealed the decision and met with the judge today, pleading for mercy. The next hearing is scheduled for a week from now.
I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences, as I am the sole provider for my family back home and cannot afford such a severe punishment.
I would greatly appreciate your advice on how I can avoid imprisonment or deportation in this case.



Nov 13, 2023
60
What if the broker didn't collect the deposit cheque, and the seller wants it?



2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I have a question related to a real estate transaction in Dubai. One of my clients signed an MOU but couldn't complete the deal on time, and the MOU has now expired.
The owner wants to claim the deposit, but unfortunately, I did not collect the deposit cheque from the buyer; he only sent me a picture of the cheque at the time of completing the MOU.
So, my question is, what consequences might I face for not collecting the cheque from the buyer if the seller takes legal action to collect his 10% deposit?
What are the potential consequences I will have to deal with?
Thank you in advance!




Jan 16, 2024
490
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allContracts 101: Official Agreements to WhatsApp Messages 2
An interview-format article covering the topic of contracts in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Mar 3, 2021
1133
Online POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE 28
With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.
Jun 8, 2021
19171
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allBylaw No. (85) of 2006 Regulating the Real Estate Brokers Register in the Emirate of Dubai 4
This Bylaw regulates the Real Estate Brokers Register in the Emirate of Dubai. No person may engage in real estate brokerage activities in Dubai unless he is licensed by the competent entities and entered in the register, which is maintained by Dubai Land Department.
May 30, 2006
4918
Decree No. (56) of 2009 Establishing a Special Tribunal for the Settlement of Cheque Disputes Relating to Real Estate Transactions 0
This Decree establishes a special tribunal with exclusive jurisdiction to settle complaints related to dishonoured cheques which are issued by a purchaser and made payable to a real estate developer, or those cheques issued by those with usufruct rights or with long-term leasehold rights.
Nov 1, 2009
879
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148357

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Other answers by
240 240 answers •
View allHow to change the lease contract for an entity that changed from sole establishment to LLC? 0
Good morning.
Kindly help me out with the below query:
If a sole establishment is converted into an LLC, what would happen to the existing Lease Agreement with the Sole Establishment as the tenant?
Thank you.
Aug 23, 2024
116
Bank filed a civil case over a loan: Better to settle with the bank or in court? 0
Good day, Sir,
I have received a message from the Dubai Court stating that a bank has filed a civil case against me. The loan has been pending since February 2019.
I cleared the cheque bounce case earlier with a court fine in 2019. I am looking forward to a minimum settlement plan with the bank. The outstanding amount was around 70,000 AED, and now the message is for 115,000 AED.
What will be the best way for me to proceed: approaching the bank or dealing with it in court?
Best regards,
Jul 7, 2024
523
Is it legal for my employer to withhold my salary until I leave the country or change status? 0
Hello,
I have given my notice, and my last day is July 24, but the employer is refusing to pay my salary; even the salary for June. Is this even legal?
He claims I'll get everything at once, which is after leaving the country or changing status.
Jul 2, 2024
537
Demanding that an employee pay for visa charges a year after resigning 0
Dear Lawyers,
I worked at a bakeshop here in Dubai. I resigned exactly one year ago. Now they want me to pay for visa charges, as stated in the offer letter.
If I cannot pay for the charges, my employer will claim financial loss due to the damages, estimated to be at least 7,000 AED.
What should I do about this? My monthly salary is only 2,800 AED.
Jul 1, 2024
117
Is an employee eligible for maternity leave in the first three months of pregnancy? 0
Dear Lawyers,
Is an employee eligible for maternity leave in the first three months of pregnancy?
If an employee takes sick leave in the first three months of pregnancy, can it be considered normal sick leave or maternity leave?
Jul 1, 2024
172

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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
90
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
112
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
50
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
76

Other answers by
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
411
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
343
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
461
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
364
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
275
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