Q: Hi Alona, I had some loans from banks in 2015 which amounted to 400k from 3 banks. Now with the 2022 rule, I checked and there is no criminal case or travel ban against me which is a relief. I plan to re-enter Dubai but I fear that the banks put again another case against me for these old debts based on the new commercial/civil law. Is the debt finished? I don't want to get stuck in Dubai for old loans. Kindly advise on my possible course of action going forward.

Q: I obtained a loan and also used credit cards from three different banks before leaving Dubai, UAE. The total amount is AED 200,000/-. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to make timely repayments and find myself in a challenging financial situation. However, I am now determined to fulfil my financial obligations and settle the outstanding loan amount. As I am still actively seeking employment, I am unable to pay the full amount in one lump sum. I have approached the bank with a proposal to repay the loan in manageable instalments. While they have offered a discount, they insist on the full payment rather than accepting my proposed repayment plan. I kindly request your guidance on the best course of action in this situation. Is there a legal avenue or negotiation strategy that I can pursue to secure a mutually beneficial arrangement with the bank? I genuinely intend to honour my commitment and repay the loan but require some flexibility considering my current financial circumstances.

Q: Hi, My husband had a car loan in let's say 2008. He lost his job and couldn't pay it which lead to a criminal case. He paid bail and got out of the country. Of course, the civil case followed. The case is still active. What would happen if he would return to UAE? What will be the procedure at the airport? Is there an option for him not to be jailed? The intention is to pay it back and get a job in the UAE. Can the fees be reduced? What about the 15 years that the civil case should expire after that?

Q: I have a civil case for the amount of AED 1,00,000 but I don’t have assets to pay the party. What are the best options? And is there any punishment or deportation for that?

Q: Hi, I paid a civil case in full, had my travel ban removed, and exited the country. I recently received a notification from the Dubai court ordering me to pay the case again. I am not sure why this is happening, as I already paid the case.

Q: I've been detained and released after 4 days in Abu Dhabi police station for a bank loan which I haven't paid for almost 20 years. I don't have any work and I have some health issues as well. They said I have a clearance already. Does it mean that the case that the bank has filed against me is cleared?

Q: 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.

In the UAE, cheque bounce is a very frequent problem faced by people during their span in the country. It is covered under the purview of Commercial Transactions Law, and legal implications/penalties can be financially severe and daunting for more “serious” offenses. Bounced cheque issues may arise in a variety of commercial transactions, including but not limited to, companies’ exchanges, bank loans, property rents or purchases, and individual transactions.

An interview-format article covering the topic of loans and bounced cheques in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

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 Decree by Law amend the Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 by replacing Clause (4) of Article (379) as well as Articles (600), (617), (641), (642), (643), (644), and adding new articles numbered (635) Bis, (641) Bis (1), (641) Bis (2), (641) Bis (3), (641) Bis (4), (643) Bis (1), (643) Bis (2), (644) Bis (1) and (644) Bis (2). The Decree-Law also repeals Articles (401), (402) and (403) of the Federal Law No. (3) of 1987.