Hello, I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai. I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about. I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services. Thank you for your time!

Dear colleagues, According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer. Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"? Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime? Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible? Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?

I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day. They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now. Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits? I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April). Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?

I have a bank loan in Dubai of AED 20000 and two credit cards from different banks (5000+5000), and the total is AED 30000. The liability is in Dubai. I left Dubai 10 years ago. Now I have a job offer from Kuwait. Can I go there?

زوج وزوجة، الزوجة مالكة لشركة بنسبة 50‎%‎ ولديها شريك أجنبي يملك بنسبة 50‎%‎. الشريك مخول بالتوقيع في كافة المعاملات البنكية للشركة والزوجة كذلك لها ذات الصلاحية. بعدها، غاب الشريك الأجنبي عن الشركة وسافر. ومازالت الشركة نشطة والعمال لايستلمون رواتبهم والشريك قام بتحويل جميع أموال الشركة إلى حسابه الخاص دون علم الشريك الآخر. ثم تحصلت الزوجة الشريكة على شيك، فقام الشريك الأجنبي بفتح بلاغ خيانة أمانة واستلم زوجها الشيك. فما هو الحل القانوني من ناحية جزائية وتجارية؟

Hi In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay? 1. On the RDC app or directly to the landlord? 2. I will pay today 1/3 of the outstanding, can I apply for a payment plan and how shall I do this? Please advise. Also, what will it cost me to get assistance in this process? Thank you

Hello, How can I know if I have any complaints or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a police station?

Hello, What is the process for filing a labor case? Is there a fee to file? If, after filing, the claim amount changes because I haven't been paid additional dues, how is that amended?

Hello lawyers, Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? How many hours are they entitled to?

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?

Hello, My partner voluntarily withdrew from our company which we established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We established this company on July 1, 2024. Until now, there is no income or revenue. What is the legality?

Hello, I'm in Canada, and I filed for divorce. My husband, who owns a real estate company in Abu Dhabi, kidnapped our children and took them to the UAE to avoid the divorce and force me back to him. My children are twin boys, 8 years old, and a 10-year-old girl. What can I do? I want to follow them and take my children back, but he says his local Emirati connections will file criminal cases against me and have me jailed if I go there. What can I do remotely? Does the UAE return kidnapped children to their mother? In the UAE, a guardian cannot legally kidnap their own child; what does this mean for my case? If I report him, what happens to my children? Will they be held until I arrive to take them?

I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? It was filmed with my phone camera

Hello, My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself. However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system. Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?

On Jan 2, 2025, one of my close friends did a privacy breach and recorded me and my van in some specific place. On Feb 5, when I called and asked him why he did this to me, he went and gave a complaint that I scolded him and threatened him. The same case was later closed by the PP when we negotiated outside the station and apologized. At this juncture, can I file a privacy breach case against him, which happened on Jan 2, 2025, and on Feb 5 I scolded him only for the privacy breach that happened on Jan 2?

Hello, Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?

I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying. The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire. Does he have any option to avoid payment? Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses. Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE. Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment. Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money? Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?

Hello, In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?

Hello, I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed. After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms. To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size. Key issues: - Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area. - The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover. - The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment. I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.

Hello, A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?

Hello, How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?

هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر وتُغلق الدعوى نهائيًا بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟

Hello, I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai. I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about. I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services. Thank you for your time!

Dear colleagues, According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer. Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"? Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime? Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible? Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?

I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day. They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now. Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits? I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April). Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?

Hello everyone, I’m seeking professional legal opinions regarding an ongoing dispute we are facing with a free zone authority in the UAE. We are an official channel partner for the Free Zone and have generated several clients and successful business registrations through our efforts. Despite fulfilling our responsibilities as per the agreement, the Free Zone has not released our due commission. It's been several months now, and we've experienced repeated delays, vague justifications, and non-committal responses from their end. It appears they are intentionally using delaying tactics. We are exploring our legal options now and would appreciate guidance on the following: What legal steps can be taken in such a case in the UAE? Is this considered a breach of contract or unfair commercial practice? Would it be advisable to send a legal notice first, or directly approach the relevant dispute resolution authority?

Hello, I am writing to seek your advice regarding an issue with my previous employer. I resigned from the company due to the non-payment of my salary and gratuity for the past 8 months. I have since joined a new company, and my employment with my previous employer has been officially canceled. I would like to know if I can still file a case or recover my unpaid salary and gratuity from them, despite my employment with them having ended. I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any legal actions I can pursue to recover the owed amounts. Thank you for your time and assistance!

I bought an investment property last year on the condition that the landlord serve the 12-month notice specifically for the purpose of selling the unit and gave the tenant the notice. The landlord sent a court notice of 12 months for selling the property which was sold to me. Plus at the time of renewing the lease with the new landlord (myself) during these 12 months. It was mentioned in the contract that the landlord will not renew. It was also mentioned that the validity of the contract is until the date of court notice. The landlord sold the property as per the notice. The tenant got their 12 months. Now the tenant is refusing.

Hello, We would like to ask for legal advice. Our company is currently renting a warehouse, and our contract ends in June. We have just received an email from the landlord stating that they do not wish to renew our contract once it expires. Please note that we were informed through a regular email, not via an Emirates Post registered email or Dubai Courts. They mentioned that they will use the warehouse for their own purposes. May I know if this is allowed, considering we were given only three months' notice? As I understand, a one-year notice is required for eviction. Does our case fall under eviction? I look forward to your response, as we would like to explore our options.

Hello, I would like to serve a vacating notice to my tenant, as I am selling the property. Is there any way to serve a notice shorter than 12 months? What is the process, and what is the normal cost involved?