Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have a cheque bounce civil case in Dubai due to an unpaid loan from a bank. This same bank had filed a case two years ago, but the case was removed due to a new rule. Now, they have filed a new case with a travel ban as well. I am required to pay the entire amount of 100,000 AED in one shot or installments to the bank to settle the case as per the court. Can I file an objection or contest this judgment? If so, what will be the most likely outcome?

Q: Hello, I left the UAE more than a year ago after losing my job and leaving behind a pending amount of AED 400K from a personal loan at a bank (a police case and a ban is already in place), of course. Now, the ACC is showing a higher amount due to fees. However, I was told that banks might consider settling the matter for lower amounts of the pending. Therefore, I am wondering if someone has experience in negotiating these bank debts in the UAE, and if that information/possibility is true. Thank you in advance for your time and support!

Q: I requested the bank to restructure the outstanding loan for an extended period, with the remaining amount being AED 150,000. The bank informed me that the new term would be 48 months, but I later received an agreement for 72 months. Upon noticing the discrepancy, I declined the offer, and as a result of the dispute, the bank filed a criminal case against me. I paid the fine and resolved the issue with the court. Now, after 7 years, they have initiated a cheque execution case for AED 300,000 with a travel ban. I have an email from the bank stating that the liability is only after the case has been filed AED 150,000. The signature on the cheque is mine, the rest of the details were filled in by the bank, including the total amount of the monthly dues for 72 months. How can I proceed in this case? I intend to request an installment option for the original amount of AED 150,000, without any applicable interest discounts as mentioned on the cheque and the case value.

Q: Hi, I have issued a blank cheque for my EMI, and now the company is using my blank cheque and putting any amount to deposit it. My total unpaid balance is AED 19000, but they mentioned AED 42,030 on the cheque and another AED 10000. They told me they will deposit it to file a case. What is my remedy on this matter? Thank you.

The management of individual financial affairs is crucial and all the actions must be weighed down while committing to any financial liability. Whether it's job loss that may have lead to financial failure or the opposite, one must be aware of the personal liability which will not diminish by paying fines for cheque bounce cases. There are two major types of liabilities, criminal liability and civil liability. Each has its own significance, hence, must be dealt with accordingly.

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.

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 law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.