Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan a UAE bank take legal action on a personal loan default that is over 15 years old?



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
Can a UAE bank take legal action on a personal loan default that is over 15 years old? They haven’t taken any legal action so far, so I thought there was no default.
But after more than 15 years, a collection agency is now contacting me for payment.




Nov 12, 2024
506
Defamation by an collection agency for debt recovery


2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a UAE ex-pat. I have a debt from a bank and their collection agency is trying to chase me. I am unable to pay back because of my financial issues.
Now they are trying to defame me in my existing company and looping my employer in the emails to humiliate and defame me.
Are they legally allowed to do so?



Oct 12, 2022
562
A debt collection agency is harassing me and my employer on behalf of the bank. Is this legal?

1
Q: Hi,
I would like to ask if a finance company can file a civil case with the amount of less than AED 5000.
Does a third party have the right to collect the money under another finance company even though the company has been closed and harass anyone even if the employer has no responsibility to them?
Please advise because a lot of people are suffering mentally and psychologically due to their misbehavior and wrongdoings.
Thank you


Sep 2, 2022
590
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allFailing to Honour Bounced Cheques in Loans and Other Transactions 8
An interview-format article covering the topic of loans and bounced cheques in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Jan 15, 2020
7139
Bounced Cheques in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2024 292
In the UAE, cheque bounce is a very frequent problem faced by people during their span in the country. It is covered under the purview of Commercial Transactions Law, and legal implications/penalties can be financially severe and daunting for more “serious” offenses. Bounced cheque issues may arise in a variety of commercial transactions, including but not limited to, companies’ exchanges, bank loans, property rents or purchases, and individual transactions.
Oct 15, 2024
223471
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law 0
The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, known as the "New UAE Penal Code", governs criminal actions in the United Arab Emirates. The New Penal Code repeals the previous UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code).
Sep 20, 2021
541
Federal Decree Law No. (14) of 2020 Amending Certain Provisions of the Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 Concerning the Commercial Transactions Law 4
The provisions of this Decree by Law amend the Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 by replacing Clause (4) of Article (379) as well as Articles (600), (617), (641), (642), (643), (644), and adding new articles numbered (635) Bis, (641) Bis (1), (641) Bis (2), (641) Bis (3), (641) Bis (4), (643) Bis (1), (643) Bis (2), (644) Bis (1) and (644) Bis (2). The Decree-Law also repeals Articles (401), (402) and (403) of the Federal Law No. (3) of 1987.
Sep 27, 2020
3577

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
14
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
11
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
17
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
14
Am I entitled to take 15 days' leave immediately after my probation period ends? 0
Hello,
I want to apply for 15 days' leave to visit my family immediately after my probation period ends. Is this legal as per UAE labor law?
Thanks in advance for educating me!
May 19, 2025
17
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
15
My sister passed away, leaving her son. How can I transfer his visa to my name? 0
Hello,
My sister passed away and left her son. Her husband has given me power of attorney and a legal heir certificate.
How can I transfer the son's visa to my name in the UAE?
May 19, 2025
25

Premium
Other answers by
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
11
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
17
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
15
What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
28

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
14
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
11
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
17
Am I entitled to take 15 days' leave immediately after my probation period ends? 0
Hello,
I want to apply for 15 days' leave to visit my family immediately after my probation period ends. Is this legal as per UAE labor law?
Thanks in advance for educating me!
May 19, 2025
17
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20

Premium
Other answers by
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
118
Can I file a case for cyberbullying or defamation after my ex-wife's abusive messages? 1
Hello,
My ex-wife has abused me in chat and called me the following: illiterate, beggar, and said that I don’t have [------].
She called me a bad parent and a bad son.
Can I file a cyberbullying, defamation, or abuse case against her? What are my options?
Jan 3, 2025
148
I invested money in a business but my partner is removing me out from partnership. Can I pursue legal action? 0
Hi
I'm an Irish citizen and a resident of the United Kingdom. I got investment fraud in Dubai. I invested money into a business with a Pakistani national guy in March 2024 via bank transfer into his business account.
Now he's giving back the money which I invested in business after 9 months. He's preparing a letter from a local lawyer to kick me out of the business. I do not have any other option than to take out at least my money.
But it's unfair to me that he used my money in business and took all the advantage.
Some people say to me that if you claim money or take legal action against him, it will take too much time and I need to travel to Dubai to appear in court because it is a civil matter. But I'm not a resident.
How can I follow the civil case there?
That's why my partner knows that I can not do anything and this case keeps running long time and in the end nothing happens. But I'm thinking that I will submit a complaint through my embassy and I also have a solicitor in the United Kingdom.
Dec 24, 2024
76
Seeking justice and compensation for wife's loss due to medical negligence during childbirth 1
Dear Lawyers,
My relative lost his wife during childbirth due to clear medical negligence, as stated in the report from the DHA medical committee.
He had to relocate to India due to the situation and is currently working there.
Please guide us on the steps to take for justice and compensation.
Dec 19, 2024
100
A company in the UAE failed to provide the service we paid for. How can we refund our money? 0
We are a UK-based company that paid for a UAE agency to complete a photoshoot for us. Some time passed as we were struggling to schedule a shoot in our schedule.
They also delayed the matter due to a lack of availability for them. They promised us a shoot by November but then stopped responding to us.
We threatened legal action and now they are only offering a refund of approximately 18%.
Please could you advise me on how to move forward as they have cheated us?
Dec 6, 2024
294

Premium
Other answers by
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
14
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
11
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
17
Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
20
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
15

Premium
Other answers by
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
11
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
17
Am I entitled to take 15 days' leave immediately after my probation period ends? 0
Hello,
I want to apply for 15 days' leave to visit my family immediately after my probation period ends. Is this legal as per UAE labor law?
Thanks in advance for educating me!
May 19, 2025
17
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
20
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer