Q: Hello, A garage has caused multiple damages to our car whilst they were fitting parts they recommended we replace. Dents, missing washer cap, broken boot handle and now we cannot open the boot. The door doesn’t open properly; dent in the door grid, etc. It’s been absolutely horrendous. They had our car for 16 days while new parts were “supposed” to be delivered. Nothing has been done and I think they are playing with us. Is there any government department that can help as I’m at a loss? What to do? this is so very distressing! I’ve paid over AED15,000 for parts and they damaged the car whilst replacing the parts they said to change. Thanks and regards,

Q: Dear sir/madam, I bought a second-hand car from an Indian seller. At the time of the sale, he said that it is perfect inside and outside, and in perfect mechanical condition. The car passed an RTA inspection so we trusted him. Three days later, the car broke down while we were driving. We took the car to a mechanic and they discovered that there are 11,000 dirhams worth of mechanical failures. One of these was in the brake system with low brake fluid and pads that need to be replaced. We are upset because the man told us the car was in perfect mechanical condition and also because we could have been injured by driving a car with failing brakes. Is there anything we can do about this situation? Hope we hear from you soon!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I purchased a car from Dubai's largest second-hand dealership with full faith in their claim, on their website, that all cars on sale are thoroughly inspected and free from any material defects. Eleven months later, I decided to sell the car privately and received a matching offer. However, I was unable to sell it despite passing the RTA test because I discovered that the car had undergone chassis repair, with evidence that such repairs took place before the car was sold to me. The dealership must have been fully aware of these defects when they completed the RTA registration on my behalf. I had no doubt that the car was defective as its VIN number did not return any history of accidents. I feel extremely disappointed and let down because the car is now worth 50k less. Could you please advise me on my legal options? Am I in a position to sue them for compensation?

Q: Hi. I paid an advance of AED 5000 to purchase a car. The next day we met at RTA but the car failed the inspection test. The seller also (verbally) committed to me to provide full-service history which he did not bring. I now have too much doubt so I want to cancel the deal, but the seller is refusing to refund my money and saying he can have the identified problem fixed. I do not trust him anymore. Can I get a refund? I have his sms message confirming the advance payment.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I gave an advance to a seller to buy his car, but after giving the advance, several discussions took place. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I called off the deal, and now the seller is not refunding my advance.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I bought a car a year ago, and during its first renewal, the test suggested that there was chassis damage and tampering with the airbags. If I file a fraud case against the used car dealer, what happens after the judgment if it's in my favor? The car is under a bank loan, and we have paid all the monthly payments on time. Will the used car dealer be liable for the complete value, or only the remaining cost of the car?

Q: I bought a car from a dealer and paid all costs in cash. They promised to deliver the car within 2-3 days of receiving the full amount. I paid and forwarded the proof of payment to them on Monday 14 October 2024. I do have a vehicle sales agreement benefiting only the dealer. Today after begging for a follow-up, they informed me that the car will be delivered next week. What is my legal position? Can I cancel the deal and demand a return of my money? Please revert

Q: Hello, I bought a second-hand 2023 car with a warranty valid until 2028 from the manufacturer. I purchased it 39 days ago from a dealership. The car was advertised as being in great condition and accident-free. This week, I took it to the manufacturer for servicing and was informed that the car had been written off as a total loss due to flooding. They provided me with proof and a police report. As a result, the warranty was void, and they refused to service the car or replace any parts. The primary reason we decided to buy this car was the warranty coverage. We contacted the dealer to request a return of the car and a refund, as they had hidden such crucial information, but they refused. Now, we are forced to take legal action. We have already filed a police report, but we need to know where to claim the money back—through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or the Ministry of Economy (MOE)? Additionally, the invoice was provided two weeks after purchase and contained the wrong chassis number, belonging to another car of the same model, with the same issue—a total loss due to flooding from an auction. Does this error void the invoice?

Q: What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?

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.

The UAE Penal Code, like all other laws, addresses the crime of fraud in Article 399 of the UAE Federal Penal Code, which stipulates that whoever seizes, for himself or another, a movable property, or obtains a document or signature thereon, cancellation or destruction thereof or amendment thereto by fraudulent means, or by assuming a false name or capacity, where such an act leads to deception of a victim and leads him to surrender shall be punished by imprisonment or fine.

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.

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

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 Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.