My brother-in-law (brother of my wife) has passed away in the UAE. He was the only sibling of my wife, and his mother passed away long ago. He had no children and left behind a widow and father. He had a property mortgaged and one off-plan property. He has a car lease and end-of-service pending with his company. How and where should we start, and what is the best suitable approach? Should we start a succession certificate in the home country and then present it to the UAE court, or start in the UAE?

Hello. What is the procedure to file a complaint against a law firm in Dubai?

Hello, I am a tenant in Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah. I am currently trying to move out of the property where I have lived for the past two years. However, my landlord has become unreachable, and I have been unable to discuss the return of my security deposit or arrange the move-out process. I provided the required non-renewal notice two months ago and have made several attempts to contact the landlord via both email and WhatsApp, but have received no response. My Ejari expired two days ago, and the community management has advised that they cannot issue a move-out permit without the landlord's involvement. As a result, I am unable to complete the move-out process or hand over the keys. Could you please advise what steps I should take in this situation? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I had a case filed against me for a bounced cheque. I have a travel ban issued and a bank account hold. Payment was made, and I need someone to file to clear the travel ban and bank hold in Smart Petition as I am unable.

I was previously in a relationship with a man who kept contacting me from random accounts after I blocked him multiple times. We sometimes reconnected until I stopped talking to him completely. He then threatened to ruin my life, spread fake rumours about me at my workplace and college, and make me regret leaving him. Since he has many friends in my small college, I felt very scared. I blocked him and told my family. My mother warned him that if he contacted me again, she would file a police report. He claimed he recorded only the part where he said he “wouldn’t do anything,” not the threats, and I had no evidence because I was crying and scared. Despite my mother’s warning, he later contacted me again from accounts saying “accept urgently” and “please accept I have something to tell you”. Now I feel scared and unsure what to do.

Hello, I am a tenant in Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah. I am currently trying to move out of the property where I have lived for the past two years. However, my landlord has become unreachable, and I have been unable to discuss the return of my security deposit or arrange the move-out process. I provided the required non-renewal notice two months ago and have made several attempts to contact the landlord via both email and WhatsApp, but have received no response. My Ejari expired two days ago, and the community management has advised that they cannot issue a move-out permit without the landlord's involvement. As a result, I am unable to complete the move-out process or hand over the keys. Could you please advise what steps I should take in this situation? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I was previously in a relationship with a man who kept contacting me from random accounts after I blocked him multiple times. We sometimes reconnected until I stopped talking to him completely. He then threatened to ruin my life, spread fake rumours about me at my workplace and college, and make me regret leaving him. Since he has many friends in my small college, I felt very scared. I blocked him and told my family. My mother warned him that if he contacted me again, she would file a police report. He claimed he recorded only the part where he said he “wouldn’t do anything,” not the threats, and I had no evidence because I was crying and scared. Despite my mother’s warning, he later contacted me again from accounts saying “accept urgently” and “please accept I have something to tell you”. Now I feel scared and unsure what to do.

Hi All, As per the new law regarding drugs, will deportation be mandatory even for those who have tested positive before the new law is implemented? My husband was called by CID and came positive for a drug test in October and was released after 2 days without meeting the Prosecutor. Now our first hearing with the Public Prosecution is coming on Monday. Can the Prosecutor order a jail term? I do not need mobile numbers for contact, I need genuine answers. He is a first-time offender.

I would like to confirm whether an employee is legally permitted to be absent from work during the notice period if the absence is due to a legitimate medical condition and supported by an approved medical certificate.

Salaam alaikum, I made a complaint at the police station in Barsha about my stolen money 2 months ago. I left the country for a short while soon after that, but since I don't know the process, I got missed calls from Dubai prosecution and a message from them to visit them on June 15th. I didn't go since I was outside the UAE, and when I called them back, no one answered the call. Anyhow, 3 days ago, the Dubai Public Prosecution portal shows the person was sentenced for theft, and I also got a message that a judgment has been passed. I just want to know if I'll be penalised for not attending prosecution, or stopped at immigration when I'm returning. Jazakallah Khair!

We are 3 partners for a Free Zone registered firm in the UAE, and one of the partners is involved with another Company (our competitor) as a partner or in some other capacity, which is unknown. He has been working for that company and demanding monthly remuneration from our company, and he is also demanding an amount for his exit. Can we both partners exercise our majority and remove him from the Partnership?

I am seeking legal advice regarding a jointly owned property in the UAE. I remain co-liable on the mortgage; however, due to a significant and immediate change in my financial circumstances, I am no longer able to continue meeting my share of the payments. The agreed sale of the property has also become delayed and uncertain, increasing my financial exposure and risk. In addition to the financial strain, the situation has had a considerable personal impact. Continuing to be tied to the property, including previously living in the same space as my former spouse, has been psychologically challenging and is affecting my ability to maintain stability and move forward. Given this, I would like to understand: What legal options do I have to exit or limit my liability under the mortgage? Whether a forced sale or similar remedy is possible if the current sale does not proceed? What immediate steps should I take to protect myself financially? Please let me know if you are available for a consult.

What are the legal rights I have on a video circulated in WhatsApp mentioning a story, in which my name is not directly used, but my nickname or resemblance name is used. For example, my name is Juma, and the person used Friday to convey a controversial topic, which defames me. 

I am a shareholder in a UAE company, and I want to review and have copies of the company documents. Other shareholders are not ready to share it. Kindly let me know whether I have any rights under the UAE Companies Law to review and have copies of the company documents as a shareholder? If yes, please let me know the statutory provisions, also let me know the means of getting it from them...

Dear Lawyers, I joined a company in Dubai. According to the contract agreement given to me by the company, if I leave before the fixed contract period, I have to give two months' notice and pay a sum of 6000 dirhams. I agreed to this and continued to work under that agreement. However, the company has now introduced a new contract agreement, and all employees are under pressure to sign it. The new conditions state that no employee can take a similar job in the UAE and must agree to pay USD 3500 (AED 12600) upon leaving during the contract period. What actions can I take regarding the unfairness of this situation?

I am a UK passport holder planning to travel to Dubai soon, and I would like to ensure there are no travel bans, criminal flags, or pending cases associated with my name or passport before I travel. Could you kindly provide me with the following information: 1. The process for conducting a travel ban / criminal record check in Dubai or across the UAE. 2. The documents you require from me (passport copy, authorization letter, etc.). 3. The estimated timeline for receiving confirmation. 4. The cost of this service.

We went to the hospital for an emergency and stayed for 3 days, then, before leaving, they asked us to pay 10% as per our insurance policy. After 2 weeks, they informed us that the insurance policy covers only 2k, and we have to pay 3.2k, the balance I was not informed about before. Then, they sent the invoice to debt collectors to warn us What shall we do now? I read that they have to tell us about the cost in advance. Can this debt collector sue us?

I am writing to formally seek your guidance and assistance regarding my Technical Trade License and associated joint bank account. I hold a Technical Trade License together with my business partner, Mr. K. M., who has been out of the country for the past 2–3 months. During this period, he has been unreachable and has not responded to any calls or communication. Additionally, my partner has taken an amount of AED 30,000 from me, which has not yet been repaid. We also maintain a joint bank account under the company, which I wish to close. However, the bank requires both partners’ signatures for cancellation. As my partner is absent and not cooperating, I am unable to proceed. In view of the above, I kindly request your advice and support on the following: - The process to remove my partner’s name from the Trade License. - Guidance on how to proceed with closing or freezing the joint bank account in the absence of my partner’s signature. I can file a case in India.

We outsourced a project to a subcontractor, but the project was delayed beyond the completion date, which affected us. Is it possible to claim compensation if there were no clauses in the contract to claim for delays?

I am seeking professional assistance to establish a Dubai Mainland real estate development company, with the ownership structure held through either a UAE holding company or a RAK/ICC/JAFZA/DIFC/ADGM foundation (or similar structure) to ensure privacy, wealth protection, asset protection, and succession planning. I kindly request your firm to provide me with a proposal and quotation for: Advisory on optimal company structure (Mainland LLC + Holding Company or Foundation/Trust). Incorporation of the Dubai Mainland real estate development company, including licensing. Formation of a Holding Company or BVI/St Kitts/DIFC/ADGM Foundation to hold shares of the operational company and related assets. Assistance with legal documentation, compliance, and governance structure. Confidentiality and privacy measures in ownership records. Advisory on local laws, taxation, and succession planning relevant to the chosen structure.

Dear Sir/Madam, I recently discovered that one of my paintings has been copied and displayed for 2 years in a public space/establishment in Abu Dhabi. I created the painting in 2018 for the celebration of the Year of Zayed. I noticed it last Sunday when I passed by the establishment. I tried to communicate with the project manager through a call and WhatsApp, but he didn't answer. He replied once saying he would check, but never got back to me. I also tried to email the company but didn't receive any response. I exhibited the painting in the same year, and I still have it with me. I never agreed to anyone using my painting or waived my rights to it. Now, my question is: do you think this is a form of plagiarism? Can you give me advice? As an artist, I feel this is not right.

Dear Lawyers, How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?

Dear All, I currently have an annual rent contract with a hotel apartment in Al Barsha, Dubai. I have a separate Ejari and pay my unit's DEWA bills. My current yearly rent is the same as the rent advertised for new units in the same building. However, my contract renewal is due in three months, and the building management has informed me that a 10% increase in rent will be applied if I wish to renew. According to the RERA rental index calculator for the Al Barsha area, my current annual rent is already higher than the average rent, so no increase in rent is permissible. The building management has stated that they don't fall under the RERA rental index because they're hotel apartments. I wish to verify whether they fall under RERA rent index guidelines or not. Please advise. I am willing to open a rental dispute case and seek legal help, but I need to check if it will be valid. Thank you!

Dear Lawyers, I am from India, and I am an HIV patient undergoing treatment. Recently, I received a job offer in Dubai. Can I go to Dubai with this condition? Is it possible to work in Dubai with this issue? Can you give me suggestions, please?

Dear Lawyers, Is there any way to take action or legal proceedings in cases of online scams? One of my friends was cheated by a lady on a matrimonial website, and he is still seeking to recover his money.

My brother-in-law (brother of my wife) has passed away in the UAE. He was the only sibling of my wife, and his mother passed away long ago. He had no children and left behind a widow and father. He had a property mortgaged and one off-plan property. He has a car lease and end-of-service pending with his company. How and where should we start, and what is the best suitable approach? Should we start a succession certificate in the home country and then present it to the UAE court, or start in the UAE?

Hello, I am a tenant in Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah. I am currently trying to move out of the property where I have lived for the past two years. However, my landlord has become unreachable, and I have been unable to discuss the return of my security deposit or arrange the move-out process. I provided the required non-renewal notice two months ago and have made several attempts to contact the landlord via both email and WhatsApp, but have received no response. My Ejari expired two days ago, and the community management has advised that they cannot issue a move-out permit without the landlord's involvement. As a result, I am unable to complete the move-out process or hand over the keys. Could you please advise what steps I should take in this situation? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

We are 3 partners for a Free Zone registered firm in the UAE, and one of the partners is involved with another Company (our competitor) as a partner or in some other capacity, which is unknown. He has been working for that company and demanding monthly remuneration from our company, and he is also demanding an amount for his exit. Can we both partners exercise our majority and remove him from the Partnership?

I am seeking legal advice regarding a jointly owned property in the UAE. I remain co-liable on the mortgage; however, due to a significant and immediate change in my financial circumstances, I am no longer able to continue meeting my share of the payments. The agreed sale of the property has also become delayed and uncertain, increasing my financial exposure and risk. In addition to the financial strain, the situation has had a considerable personal impact. Continuing to be tied to the property, including previously living in the same space as my former spouse, has been psychologically challenging and is affecting my ability to maintain stability and move forward. Given this, I would like to understand: What legal options do I have to exit or limit my liability under the mortgage? Whether a forced sale or similar remedy is possible if the current sale does not proceed? What immediate steps should I take to protect myself financially? Please let me know if you are available for a consult.

Can I receive commission from a fuel deal into my personal bank account, and if yes, what compliance documents would be needed in order for it not to be flagged or frozen?

My brother-in-law (brother of my wife) has passed away in the UAE. He was the only sibling of my wife, and his mother passed away long ago. He had no children and left behind a widow and father. He had a property mortgaged and one off-plan property. He has a car lease and end-of-service pending with his company. How and where should we start, and what is the best suitable approach? Should we start a succession certificate in the home country and then present it to the UAE court, or start in the UAE?

We are 3 partners for a Free Zone registered firm in the UAE, and one of the partners is involved with another Company (our competitor) as a partner or in some other capacity, which is unknown. He has been working for that company and demanding monthly remuneration from our company, and he is also demanding an amount for his exit. Can we both partners exercise our majority and remove him from the Partnership?

Can the employer report absconding if an employee goes to their home country on leave but does not come back to UAE?

Dear Lawyers, I rented a studio on a monthly basis, and my rent included all utilities and bills, with a contract that isn’t Ejari. Now, the landlord has cut off the DEWA and is asking me to vacate the unit and take the rest of my rent three months before the contract expires. Is there any legal action I can take against him?

Dear Lawyers, Dubai Tenancy Question Addendum: 1. In case of not renewing the contract, the tenant shall inform the landlord 3 months prior. If the tenant fails to do so, they shall bear a penalty of 2 months' rent for not notifying the landlord. 2. Failure to execute the renewal (at the sole discretion of the landlord) shall result in the automatic termination of this agreement. 3. The landlord unequivocally objects to the tenant's continued occupation of the premises after the expiry of this agreement. An overstay fee shall apply from the day following the expiry of the term. The tenant’s continued occupation shall not result in the automatic renewal of this agreement. Questions: A. Does this addendum supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)? B. Does the contract automatically renew, or is it considered terminated as per the conditions of the addendum? C. How much should be paid to the landlord if the tenant vacates a week after the expiry of the contract?

My brother-in-law (brother of my wife) has passed away in the UAE. He was the only sibling of my wife, and his mother passed away long ago. He had no children and left behind a widow and father. He had a property mortgaged and one off-plan property. He has a car lease and end-of-service pending with his company. How and where should we start, and what is the best suitable approach? Should we start a succession certificate in the home country and then present it to the UAE court, or start in the UAE?

Hello. What is the procedure to file a complaint against a law firm in Dubai?

Hello, I am a tenant in Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah. I am currently trying to move out of the property where I have lived for the past two years. However, my landlord has become unreachable, and I have been unable to discuss the return of my security deposit or arrange the move-out process. I provided the required non-renewal notice two months ago and have made several attempts to contact the landlord via both email and WhatsApp, but have received no response. My Ejari expired two days ago, and the community management has advised that they cannot issue a move-out permit without the landlord's involvement. As a result, I am unable to complete the move-out process or hand over the keys. Could you please advise what steps I should take in this situation? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I had a case filed against me for a bounced cheque. I have a travel ban issued and a bank account hold. Payment was made, and I need someone to file to clear the travel ban and bank hold in Smart Petition as I am unable.

I was previously in a relationship with a man who kept contacting me from random accounts after I blocked him multiple times. We sometimes reconnected until I stopped talking to him completely. He then threatened to ruin my life, spread fake rumours about me at my workplace and college, and make me regret leaving him. Since he has many friends in my small college, I felt very scared. I blocked him and told my family. My mother warned him that if he contacted me again, she would file a police report. He claimed he recorded only the part where he said he “wouldn’t do anything,” not the threats, and I had no evidence because I was crying and scared. Despite my mother’s warning, he later contacted me again from accounts saying “accept urgently” and “please accept I have something to tell you”. Now I feel scared and unsure what to do.

My brother-in-law (brother of my wife) has passed away in the UAE. He was the only sibling of my wife, and his mother passed away long ago. He had no children and left behind a widow and father. He had a property mortgaged and one off-plan property. He has a car lease and end-of-service pending with his company. How and where should we start, and what is the best suitable approach? Should we start a succession certificate in the home country and then present it to the UAE court, or start in the UAE?

We are 3 partners for a Free Zone registered firm in the UAE, and one of the partners is involved with another Company (our competitor) as a partner or in some other capacity, which is unknown. He has been working for that company and demanding monthly remuneration from our company, and he is also demanding an amount for his exit. Can we both partners exercise our majority and remove him from the Partnership?

I submitted a disbursement request to Dubai Court on 8 January 2026 to release my money. Dubai Court approved the request on 16 January 2026, and now it is 15 April, but I still have not received the money. When I visited Dubai Court, they told me it would take time, but I don't know how long. What should I do to get my money?

My Dubai Landlord is asking for a security deposit at the time of moving out. If not paid, I will not get the NOC from them. This wasn't discussed or mentioned in my tenancy contract. Is this legal? What can be done about this?

I am seeking procedural advice for a criminal appeal hearing in Dubai. I am the victim in a "theft by coercion" case. The defendants were acquitted, and I filed the appeal myself. My appeal memo lists some points. My hearing is November 25th. I am not familiar with the procedure. My questions are: Will the judges/defence question me, or will I be allowed to present my arguments from my memo? Most importantly: I found new, strong contradictions in the case file that are not in my written appeal memo. Can I verbally introduce these new arguments at the hearing, or is the hearing strictly limited only to the points in my written application? Any guidance on what to expect and if I can present new points is greatly appreciated. Thank you.