Q: Dear Lawyers, Could you please advise if commitments or agreements via electronic communications (emails) can be considered as a binding agreement as per the UAE law? Thanks, Mohamed.

Q: Hi, Could you please advise! Can commitments or agreements via electronic communications (emails) be considered as a binding agreement as per the UAE law? If yes, kindly provide the law clauses.

Q: Someone has taken money from me and not returning it. I have WhatsApp chat as a proof. Is WhatsApp chat an admissible proof? And where should I file the case? The Police station or court? Kindly advise

Q: Dear Legal Advice Lawyers, Currently, I rent an apartment in downtown Dubai. In a month I am going to renew my contract for the next year with the same landlord. I was just informed that the landlord would like to change some conditions/clauses in the new contract. Can the landlord change/introduce new conditions in the new contract if he did not give me a 3-month notice period or the same terms of my current contract should remain effective for the new contract? Thank you very much. V.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I want to rent an apartment in JVC, and the real estate managing the building sent me the contract. After reading it, I noticed there is a clause stating that pets are not allowed. There is no clause about maintenance fees and whether they are covered (although the agent mentioned cats are allowed and maintenance is free). Also, there is no clause stating that the rent increase follows RERA guidelines. When I went to negotiate, the manager said we cannot change the contract but offered to send an official email stating that cats are allowed, maintenance is free, and the rent increase complies with RERA. I haven’t signed the contract and want to know if the email is legitimate and if I can use it as proof if needed for dispute resolution. Thanks in advance!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have been a tenant in a residential unit since 2023. The real estate representative of the landlord sent a WhatsApp message stating that my rent is finalized at 24,200 AED, up from the previous contract amount of 22,000 AED, without any prior notice or email from the landlord. Kindly guide me!

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.

We're seeing a significant change in the way we do business. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is speeding up the transition to a more automated and digital future. This change is especially noticeable in transactions and contracts. Businesses of all sizes should consider e-contracts and digital transactions, as they can improve efficiency, streamline processes, and eventually open up new growth opportunities.

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.

The law promulgates UAE Civil Procedures Code (Civil Procedure Law) which governs civil procedures in the United Arab Emirates, including the prosecution before the courts, litigation and execution.

The provisions of this law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.