Q: I am a private investor (individual) and I have a lending contract with a Sharjah FZE company represented by its director and shareholder, who also has other Dubai based company. Returning the payments wasn't met despite reminders and extensions. The contract has a late-payment penalty clause and dues are well above the original amount. The issuing bank (balance verification check) informed me that the security cheques were also invalid, as that the account had already been closed prior to issuing the cheques. The contract has a DIFC arbitration clause and UAE jurisdiction. The cheques are not formally cashed yet. What are my options to pursue civil litigation or other debt-recovery means? Arbitration? DIFC SCT? DIFC CFI? Dubai Courts? Current dues are in the range of US$100,000/- including ongoing penalties. I have a signed and stamped original contract, witness IDs, trade license and original security cheques. I am seeking to engage legal expertise for a reasonable fee, preferably linked to a percentage of a successful claim.

Q: Salam Naser, I was in dispute with a client over non-payments and now it's the time we agreed to sign a settlement agreement. Her lawyer has sent the agreement letter which has the following two terms in it and which are not clear to me. It will be nice of you if you can guide me accordingly. "1. Indemnity The Parties agree that it shall indemnify and keep the other party indemnified from and against all liabilities, costs, expenses, damages and losses (including any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of reputation and all interest, penalties and legal and other professional costs and expenses) suffered or incurred by the party arising out of the other party carrying out its obligations under this Settlement Agreement or breach or negligent performance or non-performance thereof." Confusion, who will be the authority to define these losses...etc? It's a very technical term. "2. Governing Law This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions. The Parties consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts." Confusion, They're mentioning DIFC law specifically, I don't know the reason. Should it be the UAE courts laws in general? Your help and suggestion will be highly appreciated.

Q: I have filed a civil case against a person in Dubai court for bounced cheques and have presented all the cheques as evidence. I have an agreement too which says that the agreements between the two parties are binded by DIFC law. My Question is, do I need to file a case in DIFC court or I can continue it in Dubai court? What are the fees and procedure for DIFC court? I am also looking for a lawyer to help us in this process and would like to meet in person.

Q: Dear lawyer(s), I have a case against me in the DIFC small claims tribunal. Am I allowed to be represented by a lawyer before the small claims tribunal judge? I know I can have assistance in preparing any defense, but can I be represented by a lawyer? If not, is it possible to submit permission before the court and ask for a lawyer's representation? Thank you in advance!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have a DIFC Small Claims Tribunal judgment that I need to enforce in the Dubai Courts against an onshore company. I have the STC order and enforcement letter in Arabic.

Q: Dear Lawyers, Does the term "Dubai Courts" or "Courts of Dubai" also include DIFC Courts? Are there any previous judgments from the Dubai Courts that mention this? I'm aware of the DIFC judgment, but I need a Dubai Court judgment.

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.

Introduction: In the case of [A] v [B] [2024] DIFC SCT, the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts’ Small Claims Tribunal addressed a dispute concerning the non-payment of invoices. Natalie, the claimant, alleged that Nola, the defendant, had failed to fulfill payment obligations outlined in an Engagement Agreement dated November 23, 2023.

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.