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.

Hello, Can I go on vacation even though I have already resigned from my employer and my visa is not yet canceled?

In how many days can we file a criminal case and what is the role of the public prosecutor?

I'm trying to resign from my company and found out there's incorrect information between my employment contract, my government contract, and the employee handbook. I was under the impression of having a week's notice period but I'm being told it's 3 months and I'm losing a month's worth of salary. On top of that, it's showing a non-compete clause for the same industry. I'm trying to change companies in the same industry, how much of an issue is that?

My friend is currently in the UAE on a visit visa and has received a job offer from a company. However, the employer is asking him to pay for the visa status change from a visit/tourist visa to an employment visa since he is inside the country. According to UAE labor law, who is responsible for covering these charges—the employee or the employer?

Good morning, My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused. On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000. My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract. Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment. My question: Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case? Or just wait and see? Thank you for your assistance.

Hi everyone, I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice. I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22. The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area. I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive. To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond. My question is: what should I do next? Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now. Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?

Dear Lawyers, Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai? If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature? Thank you!

Hello Experts! Kindly assist with the below: In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court? Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?

Dear Lawyers, How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?

Last Friday, I was booking tickets for the Miracle Garden on some Dubai tickets website, and on the OTP page, it showed 225 to be paid on my phone. The otp was added automatically, and I couldn't read the message properly. It turns out 4,225 got deducted from my account. I immediately called the bank, and they said they can't reverse the transaction, fill out the dispute resolution form, etc. Even tho the transaction was in process today, the transfer shows complete. Is there a way to get it back? I registered an online complaint with the Central Bank and cybersecurity. I really need the money with my rent coming up, please guide me.

Someone impersonated an employee in the company I have owned since 2012 and extracted 18 mobile lines in addition to several iPhones. I was surprised that the company cut off our landline and mobile communications on the pretext that he was monitoring a debt of 167,000 dirhams. This person was arrested, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to deportation. However, the telecommunications company is still demanding from my company and pursuing me because of this debt that we are not to blame for. How can this matter be resolved?

Hello, I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents. It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance. Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I would like to ask for legal advice regarding a fraud case in Abu Dhabi involving multiple victims. The suspect issued bounced cheques, received AED with a promise to exchange it into IDR but failed to deliver, misused other people’s credit cards, and operated an unlicensed travel/tour business. Many clients paid for Umrah or vacation packages that never happened. The total loss is significant, and many victims have evidence such as WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, and bounced cheques. We believe this involves a breach of trust and embezzlement. We would like to know if we can file a group case, what legal steps to take, and the cost of legal representation. Thank you!

Good day! One of our partners on the license has not been in communication since November 2024. He is also in Dubai but is not answering phone calls or replying to messages. What is the procedure to remove his name from the license in this situation without his absence? Please advise!

I own a property in Dubai and we issued a 90-day notice to the tenant to advise of the rent increase. The tenant accepted and confirmed they would be renewing the tenancy agreement. Before they signed the new tenancy agreement they moved out without giving any notice. What are my rights in this scenario?

Dear Lawyers, If I want to close a cheque execution case that I opened against someone, will my fees be refunded to me?

Dear Lawyers, I am a 50% partner in a company. I had given a 2M AED loan to the company about 10 years ago. There are expert reports and bank records to prove the loan. The company does not have any bank balances or assets. Should I start a lawsuit against the company and demand 2M AED, or should I start a lawsuit against the other 50% partner and demand 1M AED? One benefit of suing the company is that I can obtain an acknowledgment of debt, and later in an execution case, I can issue a certificate of solvency to have the other partner arrested. However, suing the other 50% partner directly would include their name in the executive writ. Please guide me! (I believe all necessary legal information is provided here. If something is missing, I can provide additional details here.)

Dear Sir/Madam, I want to withdraw a case against someone who harassed me. She has now been arrested and held at the police station for 4 days. How can I withdraw the case so she can be released?

Dear Lawyers, I was caught drinking and driving (no accident). They held me in prison for one day, then I signed some papers and they released me. They also gave me a vehicle impound paper and asked me to come on Monday with my car registration and license. Do you have any information on what will happen next?

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.

Hello, I have given a POA to a lawyer to fight my case, but now I got to know his professional license expired 20 days ago. Is it allowed for him to represent me in court with an expired license?

Hello, I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents. It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance. Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer? Thanks in advance!

Hello, I would like to ask for legal advice regarding a fraud case in Abu Dhabi involving multiple victims. The suspect issued bounced cheques, received AED with a promise to exchange it into IDR but failed to deliver, misused other people’s credit cards, and operated an unlicensed travel/tour business. Many clients paid for Umrah or vacation packages that never happened. The total loss is significant, and many victims have evidence such as WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, and bounced cheques. We believe this involves a breach of trust and embezzlement. We would like to know if we can file a group case, what legal steps to take, and the cost of legal representation. Thank you!

Sir, I was in jail for 2 months in a drugs case, and then my company filed an absconding case against me. Now they are not removing the absconding case and are not ready to give me the settlement money. What do I have to do?