Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
7 available 7 • View allLegal threats in Dubai after a critical Google review. What to do?




2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I lived in a building where the real estate management person was rude and unhelpful. I faced issues like cockroach infestation, AC problems, seepage, and more, which I have evidence of through pictures and videos.
I posted a Google review mentioning his name, stating he is the worst person I've encountered in 10 years. He has filed a complaint with the Dubai police.
I have since removed the Google review and apologized in front of the police. However, he insists on harassing me and threatening legal action.
How should I handle this situation?





Dec 14, 2023
1169
Can a business based in Germany sue a customer based in Dubai for defamation?


1
Q: Can a business based in Germany sue a customer based in Dubai for defamation because of a google review based on facts?
What are the possibilities and does Dubai allow foreigners to sue?



Nov 11, 2021
280
Considering a bad review on social media as defamation


4
Q: I hired a maid from an agency in December. The maid did emotional and physical damage to my family. I wrote a bad review of the agency on Google Maps, Facebook, and Instagram. Now the agency is harassing me every day asking me to delete it.
They blocked me on Instagram. When I refused, they offered me 500 AED. I refused and said no. Now they are threatening me that they will file a case against me for defamation! Is this considered defamation under UAE law?



Apr 2, 2020
1977
What can I do against somebody sending threatening messages to me on WhatsApp?



1
Q: I would like to seek help from a lawyer.
One person is continuously abusing and threatening me and my family over WhatsApp by sending a voice note in my mother tongue from a UAE number but unfortunately, I am out of the UAE.
Can I take action against him in the UAE?
Thank you




Jan 19, 2024
941
Dealing with fake Google reviews by a former employee




1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am running a clinic in Dubai. I hired a doctor a few months ago, but she failed to perform the work for which she was hired, so I fired her.
Now, she is leaving fake reviews on Google, and she is also doing this with her friends. I have contacted her, but she has left the country.
Please advise on what we can do!
Thank you!





+3
Jan 23, 2024
360
A company threatens legal action over a bad review. How should I respond?



1
Q: Dear concern,
We booked a photography company last month for my son's birthday party, and the service from the photographer was really disappointing.
We posted a Google review stating our disappointment. Later, the company contacted us through WhatsApp to remove the review to avoid legal cases.
We removed it, informing them that we would repost it after seeking legal advice. Could you please help me?




Jul 29, 2024
108
Can a company take advantage of the new law and sue us for a review we wrote after two years?


0
Q: We are a business in Dubai, UAE and 2 years ago we had an unpleasant experience with a company in Ajman that had taken advance from us.
After confirming everything and also taking the advance, they increased the prices by more than 60% and told us it was due to the raw material price increase and gave very vague reasons.
So they gave us our deposit back but because of them, our order was also canceled and caused a lot of problems for us. So we gave them a Google review and wrote what happened.
This happened 2 years ago and now, suddenly this company messaged us yesterday that they are filing a case against us for the review which we had given on Google.
At that time he had also replied to the review but anyway, after 2 years, he wanted to file a case because we thought of a new law that says you cannot write a bad review of a company.
But can he file a case for review which was 2 years old and he is just filing now because he wants to take advantage of the new law?
What are our options?
Apologies for the long read.



Sep 2, 2024
112
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allThe Crime of Slander and Defamation and Its Punishment in the UAE 0
In today's digital age, words can travel fast and cause lasting harm. The UAE has taken a firm stance against insult and slander, enacting strict laws to protect individuals and institutions alike. Whether the offense occurs face-to-face or online, understanding your legal rights is crucial. This post explores how UAE law defines and addresses these offenses, and what steps victims can take.
May 7, 2025
78
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Law No. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code 29
This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.
Dec 8, 1987
48005
Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 On Consumer Protection 8
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.
Aug 13, 2006
9986

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My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre. What will be the next step they will take? 0
Hi
My friend was caught by CID inside a massage centre in the waiting area while he was waiting for a massage. Now his Emirates ID is with the Ajman police.
What will be the next step they will take?
May 29, 2025
3
How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
7
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
8
Can I challenge my child's custody again after losing the first trial and appeal? 0
Hello,
Is it possible to try again to challenge my child's custody even if I lost in the first trial and appeal?
May 29, 2025
10
Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
8

Other answers by
Can I terminate my Dubai property contract due to a 12-month delay and only 50% completion? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I bought a property in Dubai, and the developer is 12 months late with the progress still 50% incomplete.
Can I file a case and terminate the contract?
Oct 24, 2024
184
My partner is hiding documents and emptying the bank account. What can I do? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I have a 49% share in a 2-year-old Dubai mainland LLC. We are two foreign owners, both managers.
My partner, who is appointed as the main manager, is hiding all documents and keeps the bank account empty through ATM withdrawals, which prevents me from obtaining evidence or finding a buyer.
A legal notice is likely to be ignored, and removing my partner would be a lengthy process. I have no concrete evidence of a breach of trust. What are my options?
Thank you!
Aug 29, 2024
101
How can I handle bounced cheque liability with my closed LLC company? 1
Dear Experts,
I had an LLC company in Dubai, and one of my suppliers filed a case against my company due to a bounced cheque. The cheque was signed by the former finance manager (who had POA just to sign the cheques).
Now, this supplier has made the employee a party in the case alongside the company and imposed a travel ban on the signatory (finance manager). My company has been closed for the past year.
I need your expert advice on this matter. First, I want to secure the release of my former employee, and then I need to know how to protect myself from this liability, as the company is closed and I do not have the funds to settle the liability.
Please Advise!
Aug 13, 2024
205
Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 1
Dear Sir,
I hope this message finds you well!
I am writing to seek your advice regarding a debt case filed in 2016 in the UAE. The debt amounts to approximately 45,000 AED (20,000 AED cheque amount and 25,000 AED credit card amount).
The associated interest has now possibly exceeded 150,000 AED. I have recently secured a job in Dubai and am eager to return; however, I am currently unable to pay the full debt amount.
I am aware of a court fine of 5,000 AED. I would like to understand if there is any possibility of returning to Dubai by paying only this court fine and lawyer fee.
Could you please advise on any available legal avenues or procedures that may allow me to resolve this matter and return to Dubai under these circumstances?
Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Best Regards,
Jul 29, 2024
165
How can I exit a partnership and reclaim my investment from an LLC company? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hold a 33 percent share in an LLC Company.
I want to exit from the partnership as I don’t want to work with other partners due to their misuse of company funds.
I want to take my investment and profit up to the current date.
Jun 12, 2024
198

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Can I cancel my house sale contract without extra fees after personal plans changed? 2
Dear Lawyers,
I signed a Form F with a buyer for the sale of my house as we were planning to leave the country. The contract was signed about a month ago, but the handover is not until August.
Due to personal circumstances changing, we are no longer leaving Dubai and would like to cancel Form F.
The Form F contract stipulates that we have to pay the buyer 10% of the purchase value. The real estate agent is now claiming that we also have to pay the buyer's real estate commission and the conveyancing fee.
Our understanding is that the 10% penalty is the only penalty. Which is correct, and what are the next steps to dispute this?
Also, is there any way to dispute the 10% itself under the law due to personal circumstances changing?
Jul 12, 2024
642
How to know if an offer letter I received from a company in the UAE is legit? 2
I got an offer letter from Al-Haldin Gulf Construction & Petroleum LLC. Can you please advise about the company?
Mar 18, 2024
278
Tenant always late with payments, hasn't renewed contract. What to do? 2
Hello,
I have a tenant who is always late with their payment. Their renewal was supposed to be last December 2023.
Currently, they have not signed any new contract, provided any new cheques, and have stayed for three months from December until now without paying rent.
Additionally, I just discovered that they have sublet the apartment with partitions, which is clearly stated as not allowed in the old contract.
Please let me know what should I do legally!
Mar 14, 2024
511
How soon will I receive the cancellation paper from my previous employer? 1
Dear Concern,
How long will it take to receive the cancellation paper from my previous employer?
My last working day at my current company will be on April 7, 2024.
Mar 16, 2024
328
Tenant received renewal notice, rejected proposed rent on renewal day. What next? 2
Hi,
We sent a renewal notice to our Dubai-based tenant 84 days before his contract renewal, with a 10% increase in rent.
The tenant neither agreed nor disagreed with the proposed rent and replied on the day of renewal that he wouldn't be paying the proposed rent.
Due to the argument, the landlord decided to reduce the rent, but the tenant has not yet renewed his contract. It has been 12 days since his contract expired.
Kindly suggest what could be done in this matter.
Mar 12, 2024
322

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How many days does it take to be deported from the UAE? 0
Hello,
Sir, how many days will it take for an Indian to be deported from the UAE?
May 21, 2025
49
What is the responsibility of the employee in case of leaving before the end of the notice period? 0
What is the responsibility of the employee?
The employment contract is set to conclude on 31st May 2025. The employee initiated discussions regarding a salary increment approximately 30 days prior, during which the management engaged in meetings with the employee but ultimately decided to maintain the current salary.
The employee subsequently chose not to renew or continue the employment, this decision having been finalized in a meeting held on 20th May 2025.
How does the notice period apply in this context?
Specifically:
1) Would the grace period (30 days after the contract/visa ends) be considered as fulfilling the notice period requirement?
2) Is the employee entitled to request a different salary during this grace or notice period?
May 21, 2025
34
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
8
Can I challenge my child's custody again after losing the first trial and appeal? 0
Hello,
Is it possible to try again to challenge my child's custody even if I lost in the first trial and appeal?
May 29, 2025
10
Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
8

Premium
Other answers by
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
8
Can I challenge my child's custody again after losing the first trial and appeal? 0
Hello,
Is it possible to try again to challenge my child's custody even if I lost in the first trial and appeal?
May 29, 2025
10
Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
8
Tenant demanding more than RDC verdict. Must I pay before the execution file is issued? 0
Good day,
I am a landlord, and my tenant filed a case with the RDC. The verdict was in his favor, and I am to pay the financial claim, which is the fees and expenses of the case.
The tenant asked for a specific amount, which is higher than the official receipt that the RDC provided. So, I have paid that exact amount directly to the tenant.
Naturally, the tenant asked for more. May I ask for guidance regarding the procedure?
It has not been 15 days since the verdict, so I have been told by the RDC that the case is not final, and I must wait for the execution file to determine the exact amount.
While I am happy to wait for that, my tenant has been threatening to open an execution file if I do not pay before the 15th day. She mentioned a travel ban as well. I feel lost and uncomfortable with the situation.
Please help me understand the procedure.
May 29, 2025
9
How to waive or reduce the penalty for my expired company license and cancel it? 0
Dear Lawyer
I hope this message finds you well.
I set up a business license in a free zone in 2023. Unfortunately, the license expired in September 2024, and due to being occupied with other matters, I was not aware of the penalties associated with the expiration.
I recently attempted to cancel the license but was informed that a significant penalty has accrued. When I inquired about cancelling my visa first, I was told that it’s not possible to proceed without addressing the license issue.
Could you please advise if there is any legal way to waive or reduce this penalty?
I would greatly appreciate your guidance on how to resolve this situation with minimal cost.
May 29, 2025
6
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