Questions & Answers
How can we recover an unpaid amount from a UAE client after years of non-payment?
Hello,
My company worked with a company in the UAE, where we developed software for them. However, they refuse to pay us any amount. We have signed contracts, but it has been around 2–3 years.
Is there anything we can do to recover this amount, which is about 80,000 AED?
If so, what documents do we need from our side?
Dear Client,
Thanks for your question! I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.
You can still pursue debt recovery for the 80,000 AED, as the UAE has a 10-year statute of limitations for debt collection.
Gather all relevant documentation, including signed contracts, invoices, communications, and proof of work completion.
Start by sending a formal demand letter to the debtor company. If unsuccessful, consider filing a case with the competent UAE court.
If the court rules in your favor, you can pursue enforcement measures. Key considerations include hiring a local legal representative, preparing for potential delays, and translating all documents into Arabic for court submission.
While the debt is still legally recoverable, acting promptly is advisable to increase your chances of successful recovery.
You can contact us via WhatsApp for further clarification or additional support. We are dedicated to providing professional, timely, and comprehensive assistance tailored to your situation.
Thank you!
ABDUL WAHIED
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out. I understand that your company has provided software development services to a business in the UAE, and despite having a signed contract, the company has failed to pay the agreed amount of 80,000 AED for the past 2-3 years.
Here is a detailed outline of the steps you can take to recover the unpaid amount:
1. Review of the Signed Contract:
The first step is to carefully review the signed contract. This document will be key in determining the payment terms, deadlines, and whether any clauses are applicable regarding delays, penalties, or dispute resolution mechanisms. If the contract specifies the timelines for payment or consequences of non-payment, we can use these terms to build a strong case.
2. Sending a Demand Letter:
Before proceeding with formal legal action, the next step is to send a formal demand letter to the company. The letter should include:
- A clear reference to the outstanding amount (80,000 AED),
- A summary of the services rendered under the signed contract,
- A request for payment within a specified period (e.g., 7–14 days),
- A warning that legal action will follow if the amount is not settled.
This letter often serves as a final reminder and can encourage the company to settle the matter without further escalation.
3. Legal Action:
If the company does not respond to the demand letter or fails to make payment, we can initiate legal proceedings to recover the unpaid amount. This will involve filing a civil claim in the relevant court (depending on the jurisdiction in which the company is based).
4. Required Documents for Legal Action:
To support your case, we will need to gather the following documents:
- The Signed Contract: To prove the agreement and its terms.
- Invoices or Payment Requests: Documentation that supports the claim for the outstanding amount.
- Correspondence: Any emails, letters, or messages that show communication regarding the non-payment.
- Evidence of Services Rendered: Proof that your company delivered the agreed-upon software and services in line with the contract.
Once we have these documents, we will be in a strong position to file the case in court.
5. Time Limit for Filing:
Under UAE law, claims related to commercial transactions have a three-year limitation period from the due date for payment.
As the non-payment has been ongoing for 2–3 years, it is important that we act swiftly to ensure your claim is still within the acceptable time frame for legal action.
Conclusion:
To summarize, I recommend the following steps:
- We review the signed contract for payment terms.
- We send the demand letter to the company.
- If there is no response, we will prepare for legal action by gathering the necessary documents and filing a civil claim.
Please let me know if you would like to proceed with any of these steps or if you need further assistance. I am here to support you in recovering the amount owed to your company.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Hello,
Before taking legal action, it’s usually recommended to send a formal demand letter or reminder notice to the company.
In this letter, outline the amount owed, the services provided, and the payment terms. Mention that you will take legal action if the matter is not resolved within a certain time frame.
Since you have a signed contract, you can file a civil case for breach of contract in the UAE courts to recover the outstanding amount.
For further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Wishing you a pleasant day ahead!
You may still have legal options to recover the AED 80,000 despite the passage of time, but it is important to act quickly due to potential statute of limitations concerns.
Since you have a signed contract, this strengthens your case. You can pursue recovery through a civil claim in the UAE courts or initiate a payment order request if the debt is undisputed.
Essential documents include:
1. Signed contract/agreement detailing the scope of work and payment terms.
2. Invoices and any communication (emails, messages) showing demands for payment.
3. Proof of software delivery (completion reports, access logs, or client acknowledgments).
4. Bank statements or any transaction records related to payments.
Our law firm can assist you in assessing the best legal approach, whether through formal legal action, negotiation, or mediation.
We can guide you through the documentation process and represent your interests to ensure the strongest possible case.
Best Regards,
Sara Al Saedi Advocates and Legal consultants
Under UAE law, you can file a commercial claim to recover the outstanding amount. However, it is important to check if the statute of limitations applies to your case. You will need the following documents:
- A copy of the signed contract,
- Invoices and any correspondence proving the services were provided,
- Any evidence of previous payment requests.
You can contact us via WhatsApp for legal assistance, as we specialize in such cases and can provide you with the necessary legal support.
Prior to initiating legal proceedings, it is advisable to send a formal demand letter or reminder notice to the company through court.
This communication should clearly outline the outstanding amount, detail the services rendered, and specify the agreed-upon payment terms.
We will undertake the procedures of sending this legal notice.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.

Good Day to You,
To recover the 80,000 AED from the UAE-based company, you will need to gather and organize the following key documents before taking legal or collection action:
1. Signed Contract/Agreement
- Proof that both parties agreed to the project and payment terms.
- Ensure it includes deliverables, deadlines, and payment schedules.
2. Invoices
- Official invoices sent to the company for the software development work.
- Any overdue payment notices or reminders sent.
3. Proof of Work Completion
- Documentation showing the software was delivered (emails, reports, system logs, acceptance letters).
- Client acknowledgments or approvals of the delivered work.
4. Correspondence (Emails/Chats/Letters)
- Any communication requesting payment.
- Any admission or acknowledgment of debt from their side.
5. Bank Statements (if Partial Payments Were Made)
- If they made any initial or partial payments, proof of transactions helps establish their obligation.
Next Steps:
- Send a Formal Legal Demand Notice (if not already done).
- Consider Mediation or Arbitration (if mentioned in the contract).
- File a Commercial Case in UAE Court (if they still refuse to pay).
Kindly send us an email at [----------] so we can help you.

Based on your situation, here is an overview of the steps we can take to resolve this matter:
1. Review of Contractual Terms:
We will begin by reviewing the signed contract to assess the payment terms, delivery schedules, and any clauses regarding breach of contract, particularly related to payment obligations.
2. Legal Notice to Demand Payment:
The first step will be to issue a formal demand for payment to the debtor. This will outline the unpaid amount, reference the contract, and request payment within a specified timeframe. This legal notice is required before initiating any legal actions.
3. Legal Action (Filing a Case):
If the debtor does not respond or fails to settle the payment after the demand, we can proceed with filing a case with the UAE courts. As the matter is contractual, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Civil Court for debt recovery.
4. Potential for Settlement or Mediation:
While we can pursue legal action, we can also explore the possibility of settlement or mediation with the debtor. This may help resolve the issue more quickly and without further litigation.
5. Required Documents:
To move forward with the legal process, we will need the following documents:
- Signed Contract: A copy of the agreement between your company and the debtor.
- Invoices and Payment Records: Any invoices showing the amount owed and prior payment attempts.
- Correspondence: Any communication (emails, letters) with the debtor regarding the payment issue.
- Project Deliverables: Proof of the software development work completed (e.g., project milestones, final software, etc.).
6. Next Steps:
We recommend scheduling an initial consultation to assess the specifics of your case and determine the best strategy moving forward. We will guide you through the necessary legal actions to recover the amount owed and ensure your interests are protected.
Please let us know your availability for a meeting, and we will arrange a suitable time.
Looking forward to assisting you!
Best regards,
Omar Mosaad
Senior Legal Consultant
Thank you for reaching out regarding the outstanding payment issue with your client. Given that you have a signed contract and the payment is overdue, you do have legal avenues to recover the AED 80,000.
The first step would be to send a formal demand letter to your client, requesting the payment in accordance with the terms outlined in the contract.
If the payment is not made within the specified time after this demand, we can then proceed with filing a civil claim in the UAE courts to recover the amount.
In order to move forward, here are the key documents we will need from your side:
- A copy of the signed contract between your company and the other party,
- Proof of the services rendered (such as delivery receipts, email correspondence, etc.),
- Any invoices or payment reminders sent to the client,
- Proof of the overdue amount and your attempts to resolve the matter, and
- Any other relevant communication regarding the payment.
I recommend scheduling a consultation to review these documents and discuss the best strategy to pursue the recovery of the amount owed to you.
I am confident that, with my expertise, I can assist you in navigating the legal process and ensure that your claim is properly addressed.
Please feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp, phone, or email at [----------]. I look forward to helping you resolve this matter.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Greetings,
You can file a claim for the value of the work you have completed according to the contracts. The required documents are:
- A copy of the signed contracts.
- Proof that you have completed the work specified in the agreements, along with its value, provided that the documents are issued by this company.
- The company's license that signed the contracts with you.
You can visit our office, and we would appreciate any professional words or insights you can share. Our consultants are also ready to provide you with expert advice.
We are happy to assist you and to continue offering our support.

Greetings of the day,
You can still take legal action to recover the outstanding payment of 80,000 AED, even though it has been 2-3 years.
First, review your contract thoroughly to confirm the payment terms and obligations of both parties. If the contract was breached, you can file a claim for breach of contract at the UAE courts.
To initiate the process, you will need to gather and provide the following documents:
1. Signed contract(s) between your company and the other party.
2. Invoices for the work completed or services rendered.
3. Proof of delivery or completion of the software or services.
4. Correspondence (emails, letters, etc.) between your company and the client that discuss the payment and any delays.
5. Payment reminders or any previous communications showing attempts to resolve the issue.
You may also want to send a formal demand letter before proceeding with legal action, which could encourage the other party to settle the debt.
Best Regards,
Sara Al Saedi Advocates and Legal consultants