Q: I have an employee who filed a labor case that is in execution. I have tried over the last 2 months to reach an amicable settlement with him on the payment of his settlement. My commitment to him has been based on the commitments I have received from my clients to the company. He initially requested a 25% down payment and 6 PDC checks which I agreed to and he has since rejected that and then demanded 100% of his settlement which he then modified to 50% and 3 PDC checks. I informed him that it would not be possible to pay 50% and 3 PDC checks; the best I could do is 40% and 3 PDC checks as I needed the remaining funds to cover the current employee's medical insurance, some of them have critical medical conditions requiring monthly medication. He has again rejected that and is demanding a 50% down payment to release the case and the block on the company trade license and bank account. I also have other PDC checks due and with a blocked account, these checks will bounce. The settlement is 291KAED.

Q: Dear Sir or Madam, In 2016 I co-invested in an apartment in Dubai with a friend. I transferred 67% of the capital required to my friend and the purchase was completed with a mortgage. As we were unmarried, the apartment and title deed were registered in my girlfriend's name. I moved into the property some months later but I was there infrequently due to international travel demands. Last year, our relationship broke down and I would like to know whether there is any way to protect my original investment. I can prove the transfers, and I do not believe my ex-girlfriend would contest my co-ownership, however, she believes she is entitled to a larger % now. I am simply interested in not losing my whole investment. Thanks for your help.

Q: Hello, One of my clients in Dubai has not paid our invoices from the last 6 months. Even after agreeing to a payment schedule, they have missed the second payment and delayed it. I have all the emails and signed PO number too. I would like to seek legal advice to end this misery. Please let me know. Kindest, S.

The relationship between tenants and landlords is regulated in Dubai by Law No. 33 of 2008 Concerning the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The arising rental disputes are referred to Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (“RDSC”) created by Decree No. 26 of 2013 to reconcile between the parties and reach an amicable settlement or seek a final judgment issued and enforced by the RDSC.

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.

This Law applies to merchants, as well as to all acts of commerce carried out in the UAE by any person even though he be not a trader. Commercial matters regarding which specific Federal laws are issued shall be subject to the provisions of such laws, and to the provisions hereof which do not contradict with said laws.