Q: Hi, We entered a contract as a trading company to supply goods to a client in Europe from the supplier company in Vietnam. Terms of sales were FOB. The supplier in Vietnam did not perform and deliver the goods to the client's forwarder. We have filed a civil case in Vietnam against the supplier to refund the payment made to them or provide the goods. The amount is USD 800,000. The end client in Europe is threatening to file a case against us in the UAE even though they are fully aware that we have transferred all funds to the Vietnam company. Under good faith, we kept them updated but now they are impatient and want to recover the money from us saying their contract is with our company and have nothing to do with the supplier in Vietnam. My queries: 1. Can we place a defence if a civil case is filed against us. 2. What are our rights to defend?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My contract mentions that the employee is entitled to excess XXkg of baggage claim or air/sea/land shipment of equivalent cost. Does this mean that I can convert this to bring my luggage using cargo as long as it does not exceed the same rate as air travel?

Q: I ordered a parrot from Petersburg, America, and I'm from the United Arab Emirates. She sent me a shipment number and a contract but she wants me to pay to start the shipment, so should I?

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.

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.