Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allCivil claim against a contractor for delay in house renovation

6
Q: Hello,
My husband and I awarded one of Dubai's contractors to do renovation in our apartment. We paid him 50% in advance according to the contract signed between us.
We paid another 20% after some time in response to his request to have an additional amount to buy the materials.
The renovation was supposed to be completed in one month, yet, 2 months and a half already passed and the contractor has not even bought the material he promised (tiles, sanitary-ware... etc.).
He promises but not delivering, postponing payments in all possible ways. Suppliers of the materials confirmed that payments had not been made by the contractor.
We have a clause of damage liquidating (contractor needs to pay 1000 AED/day), but he doesn't seem to take it seriously.
What is the best way to deal with this problem?
If we take him to court, how much do we need to pay for the file opening?
What damages he will experience - license termination?
How quick can we have the money back?
BR, J.


Dec 30, 2020
1754
Dealing with a pool contractor who used faulty materials causing leak?

1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am looking for some advice.
Twelve months ago, we hired a contractor to install a concrete pool. To date, we haven't been able to use the pool due to a leak. They keep trying to "fix" it, but I have no confidence in them anymore.
Last week, another contractor came to the villa to look at it testing some of the fittings that I thought could be the reason. He removed some of the fittings and gave me a gut-wrenching comment.
The concrete used for the pool is, in his opinion, "not good."
What course of action can I take now?
I obviously need to get the pool fixed, but I'm assuming the contractor won't accept liability.
Can I involve the DM (Department of Municipality)?


Apr 30, 2023
100
Filing a complaint against a contractor for a faulty swimming pool



1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
How can we file a complaint against a contractor?
Our swimming pool was completed in October and has been leaking ever since. They have attempted to repair it twice, but it is still leaking.
We have sent them a letter stating that we are terminating the contract because they are unable to complete the work to an acceptable standard.
What should be our next step?




Apr 5, 2023
141
How can I get a refund from a contractor who failed to complete renovation work in Dubai?

0
Q: How can I get a refund from a contractor who failed to complete renovation work in Dubai?
The contractor agreed to refund but he isn’t transferring the money. He is just dragging me around with fake promises.


Mar 24, 2025
64
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allContracts 101: Official Agreements to WhatsApp Messages 2
An interview-format article covering the topic of contracts in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Mar 3, 2021
1133
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Law No. (24) of 2006 On Consumer Protection 8
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.
Aug 13, 2006
9925
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148357

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3181 3181 answers •
View allDuring the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
133
How can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
84
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
64
Can I request reopening a civil case if the judgment was in my absence due to sending notices to the wrong address? 0
Lawyers misunderstood my question. Please read carefully and then guide me.
Case Type: Civil Case
Claim amount: 400,000
Paid: 65,000
Reason: Commercial agreement of supply
Emirate: Ajman
This case was registered in 2022. The judgment was in my absence, as notices were sent to the wrong address.
I was sent to jail. I made a down payment, bailed, and paid some more amount as installments. The total paid amount is AED 65000.
Now, again, an arrest warrant is issued as I did not pay the remaining 335,000 of the claim.
According to me, I had to pay only this amount because the executioner made a wrong claim, not as per the genuine claim.
So I want to reopen the case file.
I want the court to reinvestigate and start the case from scratch.
1) How can I make that request?
2) What documents are required?
3) Chances of reopening of case?
4) Cancellation of arrest warrant
Please guide me in detail, as I will do everything myself, as I cannot afford a lawyer right now.
Apr 4, 2025
72
If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
144

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1580 1580 answers •
View allCan a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
Can I get my marriage registered in the UAE? Is it mandatory to disclose the first marriage? I am on an employment visa in Dubai.
Apr 7, 2025
133
Missing business partner since 2003. What to do about his share in the LLC? 0
Hello,
I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share.
After two months, he didn’t like the company and left. After two years, we did not know where he was. We just heard that he left to Tunisia before his visa expired.
What to do with his 25% share, please?
Apr 7, 2025
124
I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work. What documents do I need to carry? 0
I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work.
During the travel to Dubai, do I need to show any accommodation proof, return ticket, or anything?
What documents do I need to carry?
Apr 14, 2025
15
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
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?
Apr 11, 2025
78
Can an employer post an employee’s photo on social media without their consent? 0
Hello,
Can an employer post an employee's photo on social media, LinkedIn or Instagram, without the employee's consent?
Secondly, the employer is forcing the employee to update the company details in the employee's profile.
I believe LinkedIn and Instagram are personal profiles and one cannot be forced to update the details. This photo was taken in the office.
Apr 11, 2025
20

Other answers by
367 367 answers •
View allI purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
59
I was evicted from my apartment to be sold but it was gifted and rented at a higher price. What can I do? 0
I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property.
Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale.
Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale.
This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell.
Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord?
Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?
Dec 18, 2024
90
What to do if you get terminated and denied gratuity for a minor mistake? 0
My brother has been working for a company for 11 years. In the last 3 weeks, he had an incident/accident and scratched a plane since he only had 1 person to assist him as the company was not hiring enough people.
Senior staff like him are working more to train inexperienced new hires which adds to their workload working almost 12 hours/day including travel to DWC.
The pilot said it was aesthetic and could be painted over but a police investigation ensued. Last week 3 managers and HR talked him down as the investigation concluded.
He was terminated immediately with only this month's pay and his 11-year gratuity will not be given by the company. It was not gross negligence or malicious intent, he just didn’t have enough people to help him.
He owned up to the mistake and reported the incident within 24 hours. Can he fight for the gratuity?
Jan 13, 2025
86
How can a person under a deportation grant a POA to a trusted person for managing his assets? 0
A person currently under a deportation order wishes to appoint a trusted person with Power of Attorney (POA) to manage their financial and legal matters, including access to their bank account and other obligations.
What is the process for obtaining and registering a POA in this situation?
Can it be done while they are still in custody, and what steps should they follow to ensure?
Please help.
Jan 14, 2025
86
Does it matter whether the cheque was issued to an individual or a company? 0
Hello,
What legal recourse is available in the UAE for a cheque bounce?
Does it matter whether the cheque was issued to an individual or a company?
Does the value of the cheque affect the legal action or process?
Jan 6, 2025
92

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912 912 answers •
View allHow can I file a counter-complaint for a false public cursing accusation? 0
Hello,
How can I file a counter-complaint against a person who made a false report about me for public cursing, which I never did?
He made the complaint about three months after we last met. I now have a case because of it, but I never said any bad words to him.
I was stopped at the airport because of that.
Apr 7, 2025
57
How long should I wait to receive my pending salary after a court verdict in my favor? 0
Dear,
I have a labor claim for salary pending with the Al Ain court and received the final decision in my favor. After waiting for one month, my employer still did not pay my pending salary.
I filed an execution case again on 21-Mar-25. Can you advise how long I should wait to get my pending salary? (My owner is a local Arabi from Al Ain.)
Note: Presently, my company’s operations are closed due to nonpayment of shop rent for 3 months (no assets at present).
Please advise how I will get my money.
Apr 7, 2025
50
Can a person with a UAE criminal case travel to another GCC country on a work visa? 0
Hello,
If a person has a criminal case in the UAE, can he or she travel to any other GCC country on a work visa?
Apr 7, 2025
171
Can a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
Can I get my marriage registered in the UAE? Is it mandatory to disclose the first marriage? I am on an employment visa in Dubai.
Apr 7, 2025
133
Missing business partner since 2003. What to do about his share in the LLC? 0
Hello,
I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share.
After two months, he didn’t like the company and left. After two years, we did not know where he was. We just heard that he left to Tunisia before his visa expired.
What to do with his 25% share, please?
Apr 7, 2025
124

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151 151 answers •
View allCan I petition for immediate eviction due to tenant violations and refusal to vacate after notice? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I have a question regarding an immediate eviction petition to the Urgent Judge. The tenant did not return the apartment on 26 January 2025, despite a 12-month legal notice that ended on 25 January 2025.
The tenant rejected all gas and fire prevention maintenance for 12 months. Al-Fanar Gas submitted a report with the tenant's signature and refusal after the tenant broke the gas detector.
The apartment was sold, and the new owner gave the tenant 90 days' notice. The tenant refused to show the new owner the apartment and ran away, according to building management.
The tenant ignored the 12-month legal notice, did not return the apartment, broke the gas detector, and refused gas and fire detection system maintenance.
The deal will be voided if the new owner cannot enter the property promptly. Can I petition the Urgent Matters Judge for quick eviction based on the tenant's violations?
Jan 27, 2025
71
How can I exit a partnership linked to an expired license and accumulating fines? 0
Good Day!
I am a partner in a trading license with two other individuals. Both of them were managing the business together as a cash-based operation without a bank account, while I was working elsewhere as an employee.
Now, one of the partners has passed away, and his parents are in conflict with the remaining partner, claiming he owes them money. However, the surviving partner insists that no money is owed and that everything is settled.
The license has now expired and cannot be renewed because the deceased partner’s family is not cooperating, leading to fines due to the inability to renew it.
Additionally, the remaining partner continues to conduct the same business, occasionally purchasing items under the company name.
As I am a low-salaried individual and cannot afford court fees, is there a way to remove myself from this situation, or are there any authorities who can assist me in this matter?
I am willing to help and provide whatever is required as evidence in this case.
Please advise!
Dec 30, 2024
97
Can I finalize our divorce in the UAE while my wife is in her country? 0
Hello,
My wife and I are from two different countries (Egypt and Tunisia), and we both reside in the UAE. She recently traveled back to Tunisia, and while her residency in the UAE is still active, we are unsure if she will return.
We have agreed to divorce and do not have children. How should we proceed with the divorce process?
Does she need to be in the UAE to complete it, or can the process be handled remotely?
Jan 2, 2025
63
Can I close my LLC company and pay off all my debts and liabilities if the the license is expired? 0
Good Morning,
I want to close my company (an LLC located in Sharjah) and leave. I have personal and company liabilities which I plan to settle before I leave.
My company license ended in December 2024. Can I pay off personal debts and company liabilities without renewing the company license (including renewal of tenancy contract) in the next 2 to 3 months?
I want to avoid license renewal fees and tenancy contract associated costs since I am anyways planning to leave. Is that possible?
If so, how much time do I have?
Thanks for your advice.
Jan 6, 2025
80
Will a civil company partner remain liabile in the company if he left and his visa expired after 6 months? 0
One of my partners (a foreign national) is planning to relocate to another country without exiting the partnership or legally removing his name from the Memorandum of Association.
Will he be still tied up with the legal liabilities of the civil company even if his partnership visa expires after 6 months?
Dec 16, 2024
48

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546 546 answers •
View allHow can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
84
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
133
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
64
If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
144
How can I file a counter-complaint for a false public cursing accusation? 0
Hello,
How can I file a counter-complaint against a person who made a false report about me for public cursing, which I never did?
He made the complaint about three months after we last met. I now have a case because of it, but I never said any bad words to him.
I was stopped at the airport because of that.
Apr 7, 2025
57
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