Hi, I am a non-Muslim indian expatriate, residing in Dubai since 2015. The first 5 years, I was on a working visa, and after the delivery of my first baby, I left my job and became dependent on my husband. In 2018, we bought a house together where I invested AED 2 hundred thousand from my income (I have proof in the form of a cheque). I also paid AED 3300 monthly installment for 1 year, for a personal loan taken out for the house. But in spite of my resistance, my husband tactfully put the house in his name, so the title deed was in his name. In 2024, when my kids and I were in India for vacation, he cancelled our visas and residency. He also filed for a divorce in India. The divorce is not yet finalised, and we are still married. Since August 2024, he hasn't let me access my house in Dubai, so I filed a case, which eventually went in my favor in January 2025. Since I used to travel on a visit visa, I left for India and returned in March, to find out that my husband had already sold the house. The new owner is residing there. What can I do now? Help!

Hi I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest. My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right? Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat. Please answer me. I want to know my rights. Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know. They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.

I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits. The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients. In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service. Is this legal? What are my rights?

Hello, I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year. My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID. Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases? The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority. I look forward to your response. Thanks.

Hello, I came from Dubai to India on emergency leave, but unfortunately, I did not return. It has now been 12 years. Can I go to Dubai on a new visa? I have already received a new employment visa from another employer. Can I return to Dubai, or will there be any problems with UAE immigration? Please advise!

I filed a money claim above AED 10,000 (but will probably be above AED 50,000 if capital + dividends are combined) against someone in Abu Dhabi. The mediation time has elapsed, 2 court sessions have been done, and the defendant still hasn’t shown up or appeared in either of those. In the last/latest court session, the judge said that the defendant is still inside the UAE. About the travel ban, is it automatically applied to him because of the case, or do I have to ask/request it to be applied to him through the Abu Dhabi court?

I’ve lived in my building for over 4 years, with the most recent rent being AED 50,000. Each year, the management collects cheques and extra AED 2,400–2,500 cash (no receipt) for management and Ejari fees. My contract was due for renewal on 15 Feb 2025, but management delayed, demanding a 10% rent increase even though no formal 90-day notice and the RERA index did not allow it. After a month of excuses, the manager called on 12 March, insisted increase to 55K, and threatened eviction if I refused. When I referenced RDC, he hung up. The next day, he again made unprofessional remarks, so I decided to go with RDC. I submitted my offer and deposit on 13th March, but the management didn’t respond. The case went to the judge on 14 April he ruled in my favor. On 30 April, I applied for the execution of the ruling, and RDC says I can renew Ejari only on 8th May at DLD with cheques given to them. However, on 1st May 2025, I received a notarized eviction notice for non-payment of rent and communication. My question is, what will happen at DLD now?

السلام عليكم، أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك. في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة. أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات. أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع. شكراً جزيلاً.

I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits. The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients. In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service. Is this legal? What are my rights?

Hello, I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year. My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID. Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases? The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority. I look forward to your response. Thanks.

السلام عليكم، أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك. في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة. أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات. أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع. شكراً جزيلاً.

Hi I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest. My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right? Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat. Please answer me. I want to know my rights. Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know. They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.

I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits. The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients. In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service. Is this legal? What are my rights?

Hello, I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year. My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID. Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases? The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority. I look forward to your response. Thanks.

Dear Legal Advice Middle East, I hope you are well. I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED. However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid. I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels. This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship. As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline. Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.

Hello, We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date. We would appreciate guidance on the following: 1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount? 2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)? 3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases? 4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated? Thank you in advance for your advice!

Hello, I filed an execution order against my ex-husband to ensure he pays child support. The judge issued an order to impound his vehicles and accounts; however, this has not yet been carried out. Could you advise on how long this process typically takes and whether there are any additional actions I can take to enforce the payment? I would appreciate your guidance on the best course of action to ensure my ex-husband complies with the order. Thank you for your time and assistance!

Hello, Good day! My landlord has sent me an eviction notice, which I received on 14 August 2024. The reasons are: - For personal use or close relatives. - For sale. Now, my landlord is pressuring me to move out at the end of my contract on 30 April 2025. I am aware that the eviction notice must be served 12 months before the eviction date. In this case, the vacating date must be 14 August 2025. For context: last year, three months before my tenancy renewal, my landlord sent me an email informing me that I had to move out on 30 April 2024. I objected, as there was no official 12-month eviction notice served through a notary public or registered mail. Based on this, I renewed my contract at RDC for another year on the same terms. Today, the landlord is telling me that because he informed me of his intention through email more than a year ago, he can now evict me at the end of this contract, on 30 April 2025, and not wait until the legal notice period ends on 14 August 2025. What are my rights?

Is the employer supposed to keep the employee's passport during his/her contract?

Hello, Kindly advise how to renew a company's trade license without an Ejari when there is a disagreement with the landlord over the rental contract.

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?

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 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 want to do crypto P2P trading on Binance. But I want to do it safely, so I want to open a company and do it. My monthly turnover will be around 4 million AED. I heard a lot that banks are freezing or closing business bank accounts because of this kind of activity. I want to know whether that is true or not.

I need legal advice regarding the cancellation of my work permit to join a new company. Here’s a brief overview: I have worked for a contracting company in Dubai since 2018, with my visa later transferred to Sharjah. After receiving a job offer in Dubai, I resigned, but my old employer’s attempt to cancel my work permit failed due to an OTP issue. ICP granted permission to cancel my change-of-status visa, but when my new employer applied for my permit, they found the old one still active. I raised a labor complaint with MOHRE on 21 March 2025, but it's still under process. My family’s grace period expired on 27 Mar 2025, so I sent them back to India. I’m now facing a daily fine of AED 50 for overstaying since my change of status was canceled on 13 Mar 2025. Once this is resolved, I plan to bring my family back as my son’s school reopens on 07 April 2025. I would appreciate your advice on resolving the permit cancellation and overstay fines.

Currently working at Company X in Dubai. I recently got a stronger offer from Company Y, a much larger firm in the same industry but in a different free zone. When I asked if Company X could match the offer, they proposed a bonus, not a salary adjustment. I resigned. While I didn’t disclose where I was going, they seem to know, and their legal team has started sending letters. My contract has restrictive clauses, including: “For 12 months post-termination, the employee shall not, without prior written consent, (a) be employed or engaged in any capacity by any business in competition in the UAE with any Restricted Business; (b) have business dealings with any Client or Prospective Client in such competition.” Friends in law say it’s too broad to enforce. I held a manager role, AED 30k/month, not C-level, though considered a key member. Despite the pressure, I believe they’re overreaching legally. Please advise if these non-compete clauses are enforceable.

What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?

Hello, We live in a development in Ras Al Khaimah, and under our apartment block, there is a loud swimming pool heater/chiller unit that runs 24/7, producing a rattling and humming noise that disturbs our peace. We can hardly use our balcony due to this noise. Other apartments face the same issue, but the community management refuses to take action. What legal recourse do we have? Can we serve the community management office with a legal notice?

I am working in a Dubai private company and I have completed six months of the probation period. Now, I have decided to resign due to a physical problem. My MOHRE contract mentions one month's notice, and I am willing to serve the notice period, but the employer asks for visa expenses. My passport was also retained by the employer. How can I cancel my visa by chance? I filed a complaint at the labour court. How many days does it take to get a verdict?

Hello, I have been asked to resign from my company after more than seven years of service. I am not being terminated but requested to resign and given garden leave as per my notice period. What are my rights in this case?

Hello, Is there any restriction on a diplomat buying property in the UAE, where he works as a diplomat at his country's consulate?

Hello, I recently concluded a post-divorce financial case and also won the appeal. Can they appeal again, or can I request execution? What is the process for execution, and how long will it take? Thanks a lot!

Hello, I want to understand the setup of a trading company and the compliance requirements in the UAE for trading in the Indian and US markets.

Hello, Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife. Or should I hand it over to her?

Hello, My husband has a police case now and a travel ban, and is still waiting for trial with the prosecutor. Is it possible for him to transfer to a new employer within the country? Will he be able to process his visa?

Hello, We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date. We would appreciate guidance on the following: 1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount? 2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)? 3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases? 4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated? Thank you in advance for your advice!

I am in the process of applying for a golden visa, and the nomination letter from Creators HQ will take up to 4 weeks. In the meantime, my previous employer has started my labour card cancellation. Amer has told me that my visa and labour card need to be active before my golden visa is issued. How can I stop my former employer from cancelling my labour card and visa?

I’ve lived in my building for over 4 years, with the most recent rent being AED 50,000. Each year, the management collects cheques and extra AED 2,400–2,500 cash (no receipt) for management and Ejari fees. My contract was due for renewal on 15 Feb 2025, but management delayed, demanding a 10% rent increase even though no formal 90-day notice and the RERA index did not allow it. After a month of excuses, the manager called on 12 March, insisted increase to 55K, and threatened eviction if I refused. When I referenced RDC, he hung up. The next day, he again made unprofessional remarks, so I decided to go with RDC. I submitted my offer and deposit on 13th March, but the management didn’t respond. The case went to the judge on 14 April he ruled in my favor. On 30 April, I applied for the execution of the ruling, and RDC says I can renew Ejari only on 8th May at DLD with cheques given to them. However, on 1st May 2025, I received a notarized eviction notice for non-payment of rent and communication. My question is, what will happen at DLD now?

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

Does a cheque bounce affect my AECB score? Is there a policy for this?

I got RDSC judgment in my favor awarding termination of my lease from May 2024 to May 2025. The landlord made an appeal and lied about my request for termination on 4 December. My lawyer didn't give any response so the landlord won the appeal. Recently, the Landlord asked for the keys back and said I have overstayed since 4 Dec for not returning the key. He said he could cash my last rent cheque and wouldn't return the deposit. I gave him my friend's address and said to pick up the key from there but to return my deposit and last rent cheque but he does not agree. He wants to keep the deposit.

Salam Alaykum What are the wife's rights after Tafreeq (separation)? Does it lead to divorce? Thank you for the answer in advance.

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

Good day, I need help, please. I was involved in an accident. I was run over by a car and I was not the guilty party. Now, I have received the judgment order from the court. How do I submit it to claim my compensation from the guilty party? Thank you!

Hello, The company has a policy allowing employees to work from home once per week. Now, employees are asking if overtime is applicable for those who work from home as well. Could you please clarify? Thank you!

I’ve lived in my building for over 4 years, with the most recent rent being AED 50,000. Each year, the management collects cheques and extra AED 2,400–2,500 cash (no receipt) for management and Ejari fees. My contract was due for renewal on 15 Feb 2025, but management delayed, demanding a 10% rent increase even though no formal 90-day notice and the RERA index did not allow it. After a month of excuses, the manager called on 12 March, insisted increase to 55K, and threatened eviction if I refused. When I referenced RDC, he hung up. The next day, he again made unprofessional remarks, so I decided to go with RDC. I submitted my offer and deposit on 13th March, but the management didn’t respond. The case went to the judge on 14 April he ruled in my favor. On 30 April, I applied for the execution of the ruling, and RDC says I can renew Ejari only on 8th May at DLD with cheques given to them. However, on 1st May 2025, I received a notarized eviction notice for non-payment of rent and communication. My question is, what will happen at DLD now?

I am working in the private sector, and currently I am in the probation period. I got a government job, so I submitted a one-month resignation notice. My current company rejected my one-month notice and ordered me to serve a three-month notice (as per the contract). I enquired with One Time Centre, and as per their advice, after one month, I can stop work and register a complaint against my company. For this matter, how will the UAE law help me to solve it?

Hi I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest. My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right? Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat. Please answer me. I want to know my rights. Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know. They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.

Hello, I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year. My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID. Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases? The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority. I look forward to your response. Thanks.

Dear Legal Advice Middle East, I hope you are well. I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED. However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid. I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels. This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship. As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline. Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.

Hello, An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025. Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?

Hello, I came from Dubai to India on emergency leave, but unfortunately, I did not return. It has now been 12 years. Can I go to Dubai on a new visa? I have already received a new employment visa from another employer. Can I return to Dubai, or will there be any problems with UAE immigration? Please advise!

Hello, I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case. What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?