Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCancellation of a purchased property SPA and refund for handover delay


2
Q: I purchased an off-plan apartment from a developer with payments plan 20/80. I have paid 20% so far plus 4% DLD. The developer has not given me my land registration yet.
According to my SPA, the property handover is supposed to be in Q1 2020. I received a notice that the new completion date is now Q1 2021 but is doubtful. Project completion date is 46% as per the Dubai Land Department website.
My question is, what action can I take to cancel my SPA and get a refund?
Thanks



Jul 16, 2020
792
Possibility to terminate property purchase for failing to issue the SPA



1
Q: Hello,
I have purchased an off-plan apartment in Dubai last year. I paid the deposit, OQOOD registration fees and have been paying all instalments on schedule toward’s the developer's Escrow Account.
However, the developer is delaying issuing the SPA and OQOOD until now with no valid reason, even though they had me sign the SPA from my side on the promise that they’ll sign it after me and attest it from DLD.
It’s been more than a year now, I’ve been asking for both the SPA & OQOOD or refund of my money, yet the developer simply replies with “it’s under process”.
I would prefer now to just terminate the agreement and get a full refund of my payments. is that possible?




Oct 11, 2020
606
Terminating an off-plan property agreement due to the delaying of SPA or Oqood issuance
2
Q: Hello,
I have purchased an off-plan apartment in Dubai last year. I paid the deposit, Oqood registration fees, and have been paying all installments on schedule toward’s the developer's Escrow Account.
However, the developer is delaying issuing SPA or Oqood till now with no valid reason. Even though, they had me sign the SPA from my side on the promise that they’ll sign it after me and attest it from DLD.
It’s been more than a year now, I’ve been asking for either SPA & Oqood or a refund of my money, yet the developer simply replies with “it’s under process”.
I would prefer now to just terminate the agreement and get a full refund of my payments. Is this possible?
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks!

Oct 12, 2020
1341
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allLaw No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 1
This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.
Aug 14, 2008
4864
Executive Council Resolution No. (6) of 2010 Approving the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 3
This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.
Feb 14, 2010
5158

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What should I do if the company cuts my salary by 60% without my consent? 0
Hello,
I'm a Malaysian and have worked with a company registered in Dubai. I'm based in Malaysia and have been working with them since 2008.
Recently, the company has been facing financial trouble and offered me a 60% pay cut, which I did not agree to. I offered them two options: to temporarily cut my salary by 20%, or to pay me retrenchment compensation based on my contract (which is based on Malaysian law).
Please advise me on my next course of action if the company cuts my salary by 60% without my consent.
Apr 24, 2025
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What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
55
هل يمكن الزواج من إماراتي عسكري متقاعد عالمعاش بدون تقديم موافقه من جهه العمل؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يمكن الزواج من إماراتي عسكري متقاعد عالمعاش بدون تقديم موافقه من جهه العمل؟
وإذا تم الزواج فعلاً، هل يتاثر الزوج أو يتعاقب؟
وفي حال لم يقل الزوج مكان عمله، هل المأذون له طريقه ليعرف جهه العمل؟
هل يمكن الزواج عن بعد إذا كان الولي (الأخ) خارج الإمارات ولا يحمل هويه إماراتيه؟
وهل يجب فقط الشهود من نفس جنسيه الزوجة؟ هل هذا شرط ؟
واذا لم يتوفر، لا أستطيع تقديم طلب نهائي من شهود جنسيات أخرى مع العلم أن الزواج خارج المحكمة مع مأذون في عجمان.
مع العلم أن الزوج إماراتي متقاعد والزوجه أردنية (مطلقه مع شهادة طلاق صادرة من وزارة العدل بينونة كبرى) وشهادة وفاة ولي الأمر (والدي) من الإمارات، وفحص طبي من الإمارات.
Apr 24, 2025
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هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟ 0
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟
Apr 25, 2025
32
كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك.
في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة.
أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات.
أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع.
شكراً جزيلاً.
May 1, 2025
17

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Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
50
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
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After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
May 2, 2025
31
Can I return to Dubai after 12 years away on a new employment visa? 0
Hello,
I came from Dubai to India on emergency leave, but unfortunately, I did not return. It has now been 12 years. Can I go to Dubai on a new visa?
I have already received a new employment visa from another employer.
Can I return to Dubai, or will there be any problems with UAE immigration?
Please advise!
Apr 30, 2025
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Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
Apr 29, 2025
43

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What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
55
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات (أب إماراتي يحمل جواز من الشارقة ، أم وافدة) في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟
هل يمنع من استخراج شهاده ميلاد؟ وما هي الإجراءات والعقوبات المتوقعة؟
مع العلم بأن الأب معترف بالطفل قبل الزواج وبعده.
شكراً
Apr 25, 2025
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After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
May 2, 2025
31
Despite a waiver, the case is still with the public prosecution. Can I travel? 0
Hello,
I had a case regarding fraud by technical means, and we did a tanazul.
It was attested and submitted to the court, but the case still hasn’t been dropped and is now with the public prosecution.
What do I do now, as I need to travel urgently?
Apr 28, 2025
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How can I register a complaint against my employer for holding my passport after visa cancellation? 0
My new employer is not changing my visa status and refuses to provide cancellation papers, especially when I don’t recall signing any cancellation documents and haven’t received my gratuity yet.
How can I register a complaint against my employer for holding my passport after visa cancellation?
I had completed my one-month notice period and followed all procedures properly when I resigned. I'm currently working in a free zone company.
Apr 18, 2025
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Do I have to pay the value of training to the company in case of terminating the contract? 0
Salam,
My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees.
This is the clause mentioned in my contract:
"The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party's legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)"
My question is:
1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)?
2. I didn't even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay?
My case is in MOHRE.
Thanks
Nov 13, 2024
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Can I apply for Amnesty 2024 with a bounced cheque and credit card debt? 5
Hi,
Amnesty 2024 has just started, and I really want to apply for it, but I have a company bounced cheque and personal credit card debt.
Is there any solution to avail of the amnesty and legalize my status? If yes, what is the step-by-step procedure?
Thank you to those who can enlighten me on this question, and God bless us all!
Sep 2, 2024
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How can I resolve a travel ban with an expired passport and a bounced check case? 1
Hello,
I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country.
Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work.
What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back?
Thank you!
Jun 28, 2024
186
I have an unpaid credit card in the UAE and I will be traveling to Qatar. Will I be arrested? 1
I have an unpaid credit card of approximately AED 45000 in the UAE.
I will be traveling to Qatar due to work.
Will I be arrested in Qatar?
Jun 21, 2024
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I had a drug case against me and it has been closed. Can I get a new employment visa? 1
I have had a drug case against me recently and it has been closed. I have paid my fine and I am cleared from the travel ban.
I am still working with the same employer but I am thinking about changing jobs.
Will I be able to get a new employment visa and be hired in a new firm despite the record?
Mar 28, 2024
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What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
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How long does child support enforcement take, and how can I speed it up? 0
Hello,
I filed an execution order against my ex-husband to ensure he pays child support. The judge issued an order to impound his vehicles and accounts; however, this has not yet been carried out.
Could you advise on how long this process typically takes and whether there are any additional actions I can take to enforce the payment?
I would appreciate your guidance on the best course of action to ensure my ex-husband complies with the order.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Apr 21, 2025
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Can a landlord evict a tenant based on an email, even if the official notice was served afterward? 0
Hello,
Good day!
My landlord has sent me an eviction notice, which I received on 14 August 2024. The reasons are:
- For personal use or close relatives.
- For sale.
Now, my landlord is pressuring me to move out at the end of my contract on 30 April 2025. I am aware that the eviction notice must be served 12 months before the eviction date. In this case, the vacating date must be 14 August 2025.
For context: last year, three months before my tenancy renewal, my landlord sent me an email informing me that I had to move out on 30 April 2024. I objected, as there was no official 12-month eviction notice served through a notary public or registered mail.
Based on this, I renewed my contract at RDC for another year on the same terms.
Today, the landlord is telling me that because he informed me of his intention through email more than a year ago, he can now evict me at the end of this contract, on 30 April 2025, and not wait until the legal notice period ends on 14 August 2025.
What are my rights?
Apr 21, 2025
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Is the employer supposed to keep the employee passport during his/her contract? 0
Is the employer supposed to keep the employee's passport during his/her contract?
Apr 23, 2025
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How to renew a company's trade license without an Ejari due to a rental dispute? 0
Hello,
Kindly advise how to renew a company's trade license without an Ejari when there is a disagreement with the landlord over the rental contract.
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Is party C bound by the JV agreement between parties A and B after subcontracting its work to them? 2
Dear Lawyers,
There is a JV agreement between Party A and Party B. An Addendum was made in which Party C was added and subcontracted all its work to both Party A and Party B, forming a wholly separate contract.
There is an arbitration clause in the JV agreement. Is Party C bound by that clause? DIAC.
Sep 23, 2024
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If an employee resigns, are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
What happens if an employee resigns after 1 year and 4 months of service?
Are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave?
Jul 11, 2024
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Is it legal to resign after a recent visa renewal if I haven't been paid for months? 5
Dear Sir/Madam,
I've been working at our company for more than 8 years. Is it legal to resign if my visa was just renewed last March 2024?
My reason for resigning is that the owner hasn't given me a salary since March.
Jul 11, 2024
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Shipping company holding goods due to floods, storage charges increasing. What now? 3
Dear Sir/Madam,
Seeking legal help for a dispute with a shipping company.
They are holding onto our goods because, during the Dubai floods, they were closed and refused delivery. We urgently need legal help to resolve this, as the storage charges are increasing each day.
Can you please advise on how to proceed?
May 14, 2024
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My employer holds my passport and asks for visa expenses to cancel it. Should I pay? 7
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an expatriate in Dubai. I joined a company in Dubai, and my contract started in November 2023. It is a limited contract. Due to some issues with the management, they informed me that I would have to leave the company in March 2024, which I did.
Upon asking them to cancel my visa so I can return home, they said I have to pay around 5000 AED towards the visa expenses. I have asked them for the exact amount, but they haven’t provided it yet.
My passport is with them. I would like to check whether I have to pay the visa expense to them.
Since I am not aware of the formalities, I haven’t approached the Labour Department to get my passport back to leave. I fear they may cause more trouble if I initiate a complaint.
I would like to seek your valuable advice on how to proceed to claim my passport and exit UAE.
Please help!
May 8, 2024
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