Questions & Answers
A UAE-based app failed to pay my employees' salaries and won't refund my money. What to do?
Dear Lawyers,
I sent my employees' salaries through a UAE-based online app. After 11 days, they have not received their salaries, despite the app's claim that payments would be processed in one day.
The app is refusing to return my money, and the recipients have not received their payments either.
What legal options do I have against this company/app?
Dear Questioner,
You can file a complaint with the UAE Central Bank or the Consumer Protection Department regarding the app's failure to process payments and refund your money.
If the issue is not resolved, you may pursue legal action for breach of contract. Consulting a lawyer is recommended.
For further assistance, kindly contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email.

Dear questioner,
We need to take legal action against the app. First, we should serve a legal notice, providing a timeframe within which the issues must be resolved.
If the issues are not resolved, we should proceed with a civil recovery suit and seek compensation from the app team.
Delaying this action will only exacerbate labor wage issues for your company.
First of all, reach out to the app's customer support and escalate the issue. Document all your communications with them.
The Central Bank of the UAE oversees financial institutions and payment systems in the country. Filing a complaint with the Central Bank can help expedite the resolution process.
If the issue is not settled, we should escalate the matter to the court. We will let you know the procedures in detail.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
Dear Questioner,
Thanks for your inquiry!
Regarding the above, we would like to inform you that, if a UAE-based payment app fails to deliver salaries to your employees and refuses to refund your money, here are the steps you can take:
- Contact the App's Support:
File a formal complaint with their customer service, attaching proof of transactions and communications.
- Report to the UAE Central Bank:
If the app is regulated, file a complaint via the Central Bank’s website.
- Consumer Protection Complaint:
Submit a case through the UAE Consumer Protection Portal or the Dubai Consumer Protection Platform.
- Approach TDRA:
If it's a digital service issue, report it to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
- Legal Action:
File a case with a lawyer or through a Small Claims Tribunal for recovery of the money and damages.
- Inform Employees:
Share proof of payment attempts to stay compliant with UAE labor laws.
Kindly do not hesitate to contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email for further guidance.
Greetings,
Dear questioner,
We need to serve a legal notice to the app company, requesting them to disburse the salary amount or return the funds within a short timeframe.
If they fail to comply, we will need to initiate a legal recovery suit against the app company. Delaying prompt action could increase the risk of losing money and lead to labor wage issues.
Please share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.

Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your situation!
I understand how frustrating and challenging it must be to deal with this issue. Based on the information provided, it appears that the app’s failure to deliver the salaries to your employees or return the funds to you may constitute a breach of contract or financial misconduct under UAE law.
Our firm specializes in such matters and can assist you with:
1. Filing a formal complaint with the relevant authorities (such as the UAE Central Bank or Consumer Protection Department).
2. Initiating legal action against the company/app to recover your funds and hold them accountable for the delay.
3. Providing guidance on any additional measures to ensure your employees receive their salaries promptly.
To proceed, we recommend scheduling a consultation to review all supporting documents, including transaction receipts, app communications, and payment confirmations. This will help us assess your case in detail and determine the best course of action.
We are here to ensure your rights are protected and your funds are recovered efficiently.
Looking forward to your response!
Thank you for reaching out regarding the issue with the UAE-based payment app delaying your employees' salaries. I understand the urgency and frustration this situation causes.
1. Immediate Steps:
- Document Communication: Keep records of all interactions with the app's support team, including emails, chat logs, and any responses received.
- Review Terms of Service: Examine the app's user agreement to identify any breach of contract or service level agreements.
2. Legal Options:
- Formal Complaint: File a complaint with the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which oversees digital services.
- Civil Action: Consider initiating legal proceedings for breach of contract and financial losses incurred due to the delay.
- Criminal Complaint: If there's evidence of fraudulent activity, a criminal complaint can be lodged with local authorities.
3. Next Steps:
To provide tailored legal advice and assist you in pursuing these options, I recommend scheduling a consultation. Please reach out to me via WhatsApp, phone, or email to discuss this matter further.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
If an online payment app in the UAE fails to deliver salaries and refuses to refund your money, you can take several legal steps:
1. First, review the app's terms of service to understand your rights and any dispute resolution processes.
2. Document all communications with the app, including emails and transaction receipts.
3. Attempt to resolve the issue directly with customer support before escalating the matter.
If unresolved, file a complaint with regulatory authorities like the Central Bank of the UAE or the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Consider mediation as a less confrontational option, and if necessary, consult a lawyer to explore legal action, including filing a lawsuit in civil court or small claims court for amounts below AED 50,000.
Additionally, raising public awareness through social media may prompt a quicker response from the company.
Be sure to check for any arbitration clauses in your agreement that might dictate how disputes are resolved.