Middle East Legal Resources - Legal Advice Middle East

What is VARA? Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulator Explained

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has quickly become a cornerstone for companies navigating crypto and digital asset markets in the region. This article unpacks who needs a VARA license, the activities covered, and the regulatory expectations for founders and compliance teams. From licensing steps to marketing rules, it’s a practical guide to building within Dubai’s fast-evolving virtual asset framework.

I have child custody case with my wife and she holds their passports preventing me to renew visas. What to do?

Q: I have a child custody case with my wife. We are currently on separation pending divorce, and she has taken the children`s passports, preventing me from renewing the children`s UAE Visa. Now they have 1 year overstay, and my employer has cancelled dependent benefits, including school fees. My wife works at the same school the children are enrolled in, and they are telling me I can not transfer the children based on the KHDA directive. I also remain liable for fees, but it`s way out of my financial reach. Any help or advice?

How to provide visa in a personal status case if there is execution process preventing it?

Q: Hello, I am seeking clarification on the execution process for a judgment issued by the Dubai Courts. The case (No. [---/---]) is for the execution of a personal status judgment for non-Muslims (No. [---/---]). The judgment includes both a monetary award and a separate, non-monetary order (to provide a visa). The execution for the monetary part is currently pending as the court`s system is waiting for an exact final amount to be calculated by the accounts department. I have been told that because the monetary amount is part of the same judgment, the non-monetary visa order cannot be pursued separately until the monetary calculation is complete. Is this correct? In the Dubai Courts, are the enforcement processes for monetary and non-monetary orders dependent on each other, or can they be pursued at the same time?

How can I remove my business partner from the company if he left the country and is not responsive?

Q: I am writing to formally seek your guidance and assistance regarding my Technical Trade License and associated joint bank account. I hold a Technical Trade License together with my business partner, Mr. K. M., who has been out of the country for the past 2–3 months. During this period, he has been unreachable and has not responded to any calls or communication. Additionally, my partner has taken an amount of AED 30,000 from me, which has not yet been repaid. We also maintain a joint bank account under the company, which I wish to close. However, the bank requires both partners’ signatures for cancellation. As my partner is absent and not cooperating, I am unable to proceed. In view of the above, I kindly request your advice and support on the following: - The process to remove my partner’s name from the Trade License. - Guidance on how to proceed with closing or freezing the joint bank account in the absence of my partner’s signature. I can file a case in India.

I have been working for 4 and a half years and planning to resign. Do I get any benefits from the company?

Q: Hi. I have been working for 4 and a half years, and my contract is limited. Last June, my contract was renewed.. I’m planning to resign this coming October 2025. Do I get any benefits or gratuity from the company? Please give some advice. Thank you…

Is it possible to appeal the judgment of a car accident case of jail and deportation for a in Al Ain?

Q: Good evening, Sir. My brother from India got arrested for a car accident case in Al-Ain. He is in jail now, and the judgment is deportation from the country. How many days will it take for deportation? Any possibility of appealing the judgment?

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I filed a case for my unpaid salary and gratuity and a final decision has been released. How to enforce it?

Q: Good day! I just want to seek advice regarding my unpaid salary and gratuity. Actually, I already filed a case in MOHRE, and they released a final decision. However, until now, my previous company has refused to give me my last salary and gratuity, and they are not even replying to my messages and emails. What should I do? Thank you.

How can I lift the travel ban if I reached a settlement with the bank?

Q: This is regarding my upcoming online appointment with the honorable judge. It will be my second appointment, as the first did not take place due to a link error. The matter concerns lifting my travel ban. After making two years of consistent EMI payments, I approached the bank. The bank confirmed by email that they would support my request, but asked me to apply through the court. After more than a month of follow-up, the bank is now demanding a guarantor, which is not part of the settlement agreement. Under Provision Four, the travel ban could be lifted if I: 1. Maintained six consecutive months of regular account credits. 2. Paid six consecutive EMIs without delay. I have consistently paid for two years of payments. Despite the judge notifying the bank, no response has been received for over a month. I reapplied online, and another judge has now been assigned. Kindly advise what questions I should expect in the hearing from the honorable judge and what documents to prepare. Kindly assist.

Will I be arrested if I come to the UAE and I have an outstanding credit liability in Saudi Arabia?

Q: Dear Team, I seek your assistance regarding a financial matter. I have an outstanding credit liability in Saudi Arabia amounting to approximately 80,000 SAR. I left the KSA in early 2023, and I now plan to travel to the UAE for a week. Could you please advise whether a travel ban in Saudi Arabia extends to other GCC countries, and if there is any potential risk of arrest or imprisonment upon entering the UAE under these circumstances?

What are the requirements with the personal status court if a custody agreement is proposed?

Q: Please be informed that the first instance court provided the sole custody of the child to the father. Currently, there is an ongoing Personal Status and inheritance appeal, and the case is reserved for judgment, and only a few days are left. We are non-Muslim expats. However, the mother is proposing mutual agreements. 1. Sole custody provided to the mother with limited visitation rights to the father upon mutual agreement. 2. Joint custody - where in mother will sponsor the visa and shared expenses. Such an agreement is possible at this stage through a digital identity channel. Will it be allowed to be submitted to the court and acknowledged in front of the Judge? Is it recommended, considering the best interest of the child? What are the rights of the father in case of an agreement, if a sole custody or a joint custody agreement is made between both parties? Kindly advise.

I want to file for personal insolvency in Dubai. I have bounced checks and credit cards, but no assets

Q: I want to file for personal insolvency in Dubai. I have bounced checks and credit cards, but no assets.

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I am the son of an Emirati father and he is not willing to give me the Emirati citizenship. What to do?

Q: Hi Sir I am the son of an Emirati father, and my mother is from India. My parents are separated. My father and I have contact, but he is not ready to give me the Emirati citizenship. Can you please suggest to me how to get the Emirati citizenship?

Can I file for asset freeze and a civil claim within a cheating criminal case I filed against a company?

Q: Hello, I have filed a cheating case in the Dubai Misdemeanor Court (initial complaint at Raffa Police Station). Hearings have not yet started. I now have credible information that the accused plans to dispose of his business to avoid repayment. I want to file, within the same criminal case: - A petition to freeze the transfer/sale of the business. - A petition for civil recoverability through the criminal proceedings. Please advise on the process and whether the court accepts such requests. Thank you.

How can I refund the deposit I paid to a car dealer if the receipt stated it is refundable?

Q: Dear all, I’m seeking legal advice regarding a refundable deposit of AED 1,000 paid to a car trading company around a year ago while considering the purchase of a used car. The receipt clearly states the deposit was refundable at the time of purchase, but I ultimately did not proceed with buying a car from them. Despite numerous follow-ups over the past year, I have not received any refund or official response. Today, a representative informed me that the deposit is non-refundable if no car is purchased, which contradicts what is written on the receipt. I would appreciate guidance on: - Whether I have a legal claim based on the receipt wording - What steps can I take to recover the amount through legal or consumer protection channels Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, M.

Which date do I consider when I start counting my probation period?

Q: Please, how do I get to start counting my probation period? I came to the UAE on the 17th of March and started working on the 21st of March, but I got my Emirates ID on the 14th of May. So which one would I use for counting?

An employee is resigning during probation. Can I reimburse the money I spent on his visa and employment expenses?

Q: I am running a company in Dubai, and one of my employees, who is an expat, is on his 6-month probation period and wants to resign now. Kindly let me know whether I can reimburse the money I spent on his visa and other formal onboarding to my company. Please let me know whether I can reimburse the amounts as per the applicable labour laws.

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