Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allA client is not paying while 95% of work is complete. What to do?

1
Q: Dear sir/madam,
I am an interior decor contractor. My client kicked us out of a site that was about 95% complete, on a flimsy pretext. Then he brought in another contractor to complete the works citing issues with my work (without a joint inspection).
I am completely broke due to the nonpayment from his side.
How can I recover my balance payment (up to when we stopped)? We have a DIAC arbitration clause in our contract.


Aug 17, 2022
189
Recourse for unpaid dues in commercial transactions

6
Q: I am a contractor and my client has pending payments with him. I have received 5 out of 13 payments I sent him.
All the 13 payments are late. All the payments have been signed and approved and he gave me a payment certificate to confirm due date of payment but until this date, it is not paid.
Each certificate is delayed out of the 8 balance. They range in delay from 2 weeks to 6 months. What are my rights and the damages I can claim as per the UAE law?
Please note that I had to close down my business because I can't afford to run it due to the late payments.


Jun 10, 2018
5154
Legal action I can take against a client refusing to pay the invoice of provided services?



2
Q: I am owed payment for an invoice for services rendered but the client refuses to pay despite promising to do so.
I have tried unsuccessfully for 9 months to get the payment. It is AED 35,000. I have an LPO and proof in writing from the client that he would pay.
What are my next legal steps?




Jul 25, 2022
331
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allHow to Get Paid if You Are a Small Business? 6
An interview-format article covering the topic of getting paid for small businesses in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 15, 2021
482
Payment Orders in the UAE 4
An interview-format article covering the topic of payment orders in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Mar 24, 2021
1347
How to Increase Chances of Getting Your Invoices Paid in the UAE 0
An interview-format article covering the topic of how to increase chances of getting your invoices paid in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 24, 2021
697
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal 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
148375
Federal Law No. (11) of 1992 Concerning Issuance of the Civil Procedures Code 42
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.
Feb 24, 1992
75310

Other answers by
249 249 answers •
View allAssistance with clearing a police case and lifting a travel ban in the UAE 0
Good day!
I have rental disputes and got a settlement plan 8 months ago.
But I did not pay the settlement because at the moment of applying for the settlement plan, I had a job offer and lost it because of the travel ban and the visa could not be processed.
I have another personal police case where I already paid an amount of 18,000 and the claim was 40,000 dirhams. Now that I did not continue paying, the plaintiff put the case again.
I have another offer letter now and I want to get a clearance certificate within 48 hrs, or else I might lose this job as well.
Kindly advise
Sep 7, 2022
316
I bought a new vehicle from the dealership with a hidden defect. What can I do? 0
I bought a new vehicle from the dealership [-----] and after 5 min of using the car, an alert popped up. Less than 24h later I informed the dealers of the issue.
After struggling with them about it, I finally brought the car to service at their company and they have confirmed the part needs to be fully changed.
I’m telling them I cannot accept a faulty car and demand either a refund or another vehicle. So far they’ve been less than cooperative.
Oct 5, 2022
243
How to know the judgment when the portal says "decided"? 0
Dear sir/madam,
There is a case against me in a commercial, full-jurisdiction court. Sorry if I'm getting this wrong. I have not participated in the case and on the advice of my UK lawyers, I have not been represented there in Dubai.
Upon checking the portal, it says a judgment was reached yesterday, but I can't see further details. So my questions are:
1) Do judgments happen behind closed doors or in front of the lawyers? (the plaintiffs have lawyers)
2) How long does it usually take for the verdict to be public and for me to see the outcome of the case?
The only thing it says online is the word "decided".
Oct 19, 2022
665
Getting deported from the UAE while the medical checkups are good. What to do? 0
Hi there,
I got deported from the UAE for failing medical but when I reached my country, I have done several medical checkups but everything is OK; HIV negative, no hepatitis B, etc.
I don't know if there was a mistake or a misfortune for me. I am wondering if they can allow me to come back to Dubai.
Sep 1, 2022
755
Is it mandatory to visit the CID in person to update my records? 0
Respected Advisors,
I have been involved in a few criminal cases since 2017, but all of them were cleared by this year. I have obtained release letters for all the cases from the public prosecution office through an online portal.
Recently, I also received my residence visa. After the visa process was completed, I applied for a PCC online. However, the request was rejected.
I contacted the 901 office, and they advised me to visit the CID. I arranged for a power of attorney to be granted along with all the necessary documents to update the system.
Twice I was told to come in person, but I am hesitant to do so because of my previous negative experience.
Could someone please advise me whether I must go in person or if the person holding the power of attorney can handle the process?
Thank you!
Nov 15, 2023
672

Other answers by
54 54 answers •
View allHow long does it take the court for disbursement labor dues after payment by the employer? 0
Hi there,
I have a labor case that has been ruled in my favor. I filed an execution case & the employer paid the outstanding balance to the court.
I requested disbursement and this has been accepted. I have given the court my IBAN & account info.
How long does disbursement take?
Thanks
May 18, 2023
1395
When to execute a final labor judgment and how does it cost? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I just received a final labor judgment. Is there a time frame within which I must start the execution file?
And how many days do I have after the verdict date to start the execution file?
Finally, please provide a quote for managing the execution process from start to finish.
May 4, 2023
325
Can I pay the fine to close a credit card if the bank asks for huge amount to settle? 0
Dear Team,
I have an issue with my credit card, which was issued in 2013 and I used the same till 2018, all the payments had done on time.
Unfortunately, last time in 2018, I was troubled by a financial crisis. Due to the same, I had some amount pending on my credit card, and in 2018, I went to my home country as I lost my job.
This year, two months back, I came back to UAE. Now the bank team is asking for a huge amount for the settlement.
Could you please advise me on how to close this case with the fine by the court?
May 16, 2023
143
Can I claim my labor rights if my employer did not renew my contract? 0
I am a doctor by profession, and my contract with my company was valid till June 2023.
Last year in September 2022, I canceled my company visa to apply for Golden Visa. After stamping my Golden Visa, my company didn't provide me with a new contract.
My question is can I continue working without a new contract?
Do I have any rights or claim of my unpaid salaries from the court in such a scenario?
May 14, 2023
166
Can we vacate the tenant after purchasing a new flat in Dubai? 0
Hi,
I bought a flat in April in Dubai with my husband. The flat has a tenant with a rental contract from the previous owner.
The tenancy contract expires in June. The tenant has previously committed to leave and now wants to stay.
1. Can we force the tenant to leave as per previous confirmations?
2. If we can't make the tenant leave, can we modify the contract (rent, number of cheques, etc) because we did not sign the original contract?
May 12, 2023
972

Premium
Other answers by
278 278 answers •
View allWhat are the legal consequences of my partner's voluntary withdrawal from our company? 0
Hello,
My partner voluntarily withdrew from our company which we established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
We established this company on July 1, 2024. Until now, there is no income or revenue. What is the legality?
Apr 9, 2025
71
Getting my children back from the UAE after my ex-husband took them to avoid divorce 0
Hello,
I'm in Canada, and I filed for divorce. My husband, who owns a real estate company in Abu Dhabi, kidnapped our children and took them to the UAE to avoid the divorce and force me back to him.
My children are twin boys, 8 years old, and a 10-year-old girl. What can I do?
I want to follow them and take my children back, but he says his local Emirati connections will file criminal cases against me and have me jailed if I go there. What can I do remotely?
Does the UAE return kidnapped children to their mother? In the UAE, a guardian cannot legally kidnap their own child; what does this mean for my case?
If I report him, what happens to my children? Will they be held until I arrive to take them?
Mar 3, 2025
65
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
50
Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me? 0
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
48
Can I file a case against a friend for privacy breach if he claimed I scolded him for his act? 0
On Jan 2, 2025, one of my close friends did a privacy breach and recorded me and my van in some specific place.
On Feb 5, when I called and asked him why he did this to me, he went and gave a complaint that I scolded him and threatened him.
The same case was later closed by the PP when we negotiated outside the station and apologized.
At this juncture, can I file a privacy breach case against him, which happened on Jan 2, 2025, and on Feb 5 I scolded him only for the privacy breach that happened on Jan 2?
Mar 18, 2025
58

Other answers by
48 48 answers •
View allCan the brokerage company of the property buyer withhold the commission of the seller's company? 0
I am writing to seek your legal expertise and advice on a pressing issue concerning a property sale transaction that my brokerage company has facilitated.
Here are the details:
Our brokerage company represented the seller in a property sale where the property was sold with an existing rental agreement in place.
As per the terms of the agreement, the rental balance was supposed to be given to the buyer, who is now the new owner of the property.
In this transaction, our company is entitled to a 40% commission, and the buyer's brokerage company is entitled to 60%.
However, the buyer's brokerage company, which has complete control over the buyer's funds, has transferred the entire 100% commission to their own account.
They are currently withholding this commission, stating that they will release it once the rental balance is paid to the buyer.
Unfortunately, we have lost contact with the buyer, as he has blocked the seller's agent, making it impossible for us to fulfill this condition.
Nov 8, 2023
126
I am a UAE national and want study law in the UK. Can I still be a lawyer in the UAE? 0
I want to be a lawyer and study law in the UK.
I am a UAE national but I am worried about studying outside the UAE and not being able to actually become a lawyer in the UAE.
Do I really need to study in the UAE to become a lawyer here?
Oct 17, 2023
312
How can I refund money I paid to an immigration agency if nothing was done? 0
Dear Sir
I applied for Canada AIPP programs from one of the consultancy agencies in Dubai in 2021, and they told me it would take 1 year for the process. Now it’s more than 2 years.
They told me they were applying for me these years but I didn’t get any response from any company, and when I asked them to tell me where they applied, they told me it's confidential.
Now I told them to stop my process and they will refund my money but it will be very much less as per them.
Please let me know how I can get my money as I paid almost AED 9000 or how I can proceed legally.
Sep 21, 2023
229
Do I need to get my EOSB if I change visa to another company for the same owner? 0
Hi
I have been working in a company under a local sponsor with 2 partners for the last 6 years and my visa will expire next month.
However, my company has informed me that they shall transfer my visa to their other company with the same OWNER with a new partner (without a local sponsor).
In this situation, what do I need to do?
Will my previous gratuity be added to my new visa or do I need to take my end-of-service benefits and work as a new employee?
Kindly suggest.
Sep 19, 2023
529
We bought an apartment and the previous owner served an eviction notice. Can the tenant refuse to leave? 0
Hi,
We bought an apartment in July. The apartment is rented until the end of November with the previous landlord who gave them an eviction notice last year to sell the house.
Now they want to renew the contract but we don’t want to renew because we want to move into our apartment to live there.
Can we move into our apartment and the tenant has to go out?
Can the tenant refuse to move out?
Sep 13, 2023
275

Premium
Other answers by
3187 3187 answers •
View allHow can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
85
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
139
Can I request reopening a civil case if the judgment was in my absence due to sending notices to the wrong address? 0
Lawyers misunderstood my question. Please read carefully and then guide me.
Case Type: Civil Case
Claim amount: 400,000
Paid: 65,000
Reason: Commercial agreement of supply
Emirate: Ajman
This case was registered in 2022. The judgment was in my absence, as notices were sent to the wrong address.
I was sent to jail. I made a down payment, bailed, and paid some more amount as installments. The total paid amount is AED 65000.
Now, again, an arrest warrant is issued as I did not pay the remaining 335,000 of the claim.
According to me, I had to pay only this amount because the executioner made a wrong claim, not as per the genuine claim.
So I want to reopen the case file.
I want the court to reinvestigate and start the case from scratch.
1) How can I make that request?
2) What documents are required?
3) Chances of reopening of case?
4) Cancellation of arrest warrant
Please guide me in detail, as I will do everything myself, as I cannot afford a lawyer right now.
Apr 4, 2025
73
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
67
How can I renew my Ejari if the landlord hasn’t signed the new contract? 0
Hi,
I have been here for 3 years now and paid the increased amount (as per the agreement) for the 4th year.
However, the landlord did not send me back the signed contract, although I have both made the payment for the full year via bank transfer and sent my signed contract to him.
I need to renew my Ejari; however, how can I do it without the landlord's signature?
I have all the previous contracts signed by both parties, along with the Ejari for those contracts.
Apr 14, 2025
16
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer