Q: Greetings, I sent a shipment of around 40k of value to France from Dubai on the 25th of August. During the communication with the shipping company, I was informed that it will take 6-7 days. It is the 7th of September today and until now they are unable to give me an update on where my shipment is. Moreover, this delay has cost me extra money on having to postpone the ticket of the receiver in France and his extra stay expenses. Is there any official complaint, or any actions that I can take against such an unprofessional company? Appreciate your reply!

Q: Hi, I have a contract with a moving company to ship my possessions from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne. The moving service is paid in full. There are storage charges of approx AED1200 pending and this is no issue for me to pay. I raised a query about reassembly of furniture at the destination, the contract contradicted verbal advice so before signing the contract I crossed out the parts saying that I do not receive reassembly of my furniture at the destination and highlighted this to the moving company - they did not dispute this. The company have now refused reassembly service so I suggested we remediate the issue by reducing the amount owed for storage fees, as I will need to hire a contractor at the destination to assemble the furniture. Now the moving company is holding my shipment until I pay the storage fees, AND are refusing to approve reassembly service. What are my options? Thank you

Q: A couple of years ago, I rented a space in a warehouse (not the whole warehouse) to place my business items. However, the warehouse was hit by floods in Jan 2020 and my items were fully damaged. Since then, they keep saying that they are not responsible but, 'by luck', they did have an insurance policy that is willing to cover 1/3 of the cost of the goods. I don't have a signed contract with them, but I do have the original quote and the monthly invoices that they sent. The original quote also mentions insurance in case of total damage, which was actually one of the reasons I decided to go ahead with them. I have talked with a couple of lawyers on the phone but they all said exactly opposite things, which I believe that this is because they probably have never dealt with a similar case, so I hope I can find someone who actually knows what the law says and can support accordingly. I don't mind starting a court case, but I need to know if the commercial law is on my side and that they are fully liable.

Q: Dear lawyers, I run a small business in Dubai and use a courier company for delivering goods to customers (with cash on delivery payment). The courier accumulates COD payments and transfers them to us weekly, deducting their delivery charges. We have a renewing one-year contract with fixed shipping rates per kg. Recently, the courier company started making additional deductions for past shipments, which were already shipped and paid for, including: - In November 2023, they deducted approximately 1500 dhs for shipments completed in August and September 2023. - In May 2024, they deducted 3596 dhs for shipments completed from January 2023 to December 2023 (that contract has already expired). Previously, they explained that they "recalculated the parcel weights," but I cannot verify this because the items were shipped a long time ago (last year!). Questions: 1. Where can I complain or raise a legal dispute? 2. What are the chances of winning a refund for the deductions? 3. Which law clause can I refer to?

Q: Hello, My friend has just come back from traveling to find his storage space burnt down in Dubai. He is a photographer and musician with high-value items. Everything has been burnt down. What does he do now?

An interview-format article covering the topic of force majeure in the UAE, in light of COVID-19. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

It has been reported that the UAE has witnessed its heaviest rainfall in 75 years from late Monday the 15th of April till Tuesday night the 16th of April. The weather department recorded the highest rainfall in Al Ain, reaching 254 mm in less than 24 hrs and this was an exceptional event. We introduce in this article the details for claiming losses and damages from insurance.

Waves of Transformation: Unlocking Opportunities with the UAE's Maritime Legal Overhaul Attention all maritime stakeholders! The horizon is brimming with anticipation as the UAE Federal Decree Law Number 43 of 2023 on the Maritime Law (the New Maritime Code) prepares to embark on a transformative journey come March 29, 2024! As the maritime landscape undergoes a sea change

This article focuses on the new safe manning guidelines for marine vessels. Dubai has long been recognized as a global hub for trade and commerce, with its maritime sector playing a crucial role in facilitating the city’s economic growth. To maintain high standards of maritime safety and ensure efficient navigation, the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) regularly updates its regulations.

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 provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.

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.