Middle East Legal Resources - Legal Advice Middle East

Q: Hello, I am writing to clarify the situation regarding my resignation. I officially resigned on December 31st, 2024, and according to my understanding and the initial agreement, my notice period was to end on January 31st, 2025. However, my contract was amended a few months ago to reflect a two-month notice period. I would like to emphasize that I have not signed this amendment, and the employer is blaming me for not signing the amended contract and will take action against me. Please let me know how you would like to proceed, as I am eager to ensure a smooth transition and complete all required handover tasks within the original notice period. I have already completed my notice period, but the employer is still forcing me to serve one more month, which I cannot do as I have another company to join on February 14th. I can`t afford to lose this opportunity. I am currently working in the aviation industry in Sharjah, and my visa is a freezone visa. Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

Can someone renew their visa while on bail for a DUI case?

Q: Hi, My brother was accused of driving under the influence of drugs. He is now on government bail, and his case is already under investigation. This happened on December 28, 2024. His visa is about to expire, can he renew it? If yes, what should he do? Secondly, the case is taking too much time, and he insists that he was not driving under the influence of drugs.

The ladder to the roof of the row of townhouses is on my property. Am I obligated to give access to the ladder?

Q: I live in an end townhouse I own in Dubai. The only ladder to the roof of the row of townhouses is on my property and there is no way of getting to the ladder without going onto my property. This has led to lots of people entering my yard, opening the access to the ladder, and heading to the roof. The ladder is right next to my front door, and while it is in use it blocks the path to my door. No one has asked me if they can do this. Am I required to give access to the ladder? There is no clause in my title deed that shows it as an easement. Can I deny them access? If someone falls while using the ladder, am I liable for damages?

Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court?

Q: By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing. However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do? I don’t know what the case is about. Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself? Please do suggest options.

What are the custody and guardianship rules for children of expat Muslim parents upon their death?

Q: Hello, What are the rules for expat Muslim parents living in the UAE in the event of their death? Who will take care of their child, and how can they choose the persons they want their child to be with? Should they specify it in a will?

Hire a lawyer online

Save time and money. Buy fixed-fee legal services or submit your request and get multiple competitive offers from qualified lawyers.

Buy services Get quotes

Can I obtain a Golden Visa based on investment and skills remotely while living abroad?

Q: Hello, I need assistance to obtain my Golden Visa remotely based on investment and skills. I don`t have time to attend offices in Dubai since I am living abroad.

Can my father prevent me from traveling if I am 19 years old?

Q: My father is my guardian and family sponsor. What legal rights does he have over me? I am 19 years old and I want to leave the country.

Can I transfer an expired Dubai mainland license to another person?

Q: Hello, Can I transfer an expired Dubai mainland license to another person?

Can I file a MOHRE salary complaint with an expired labor card and an immigration ban?

Q: Hello, My labor card has expired, and I now have an immigration ban. Can I still file a salary complaint with MOHRE for my pending salary?

What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing?

Q: Hello, What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing?

Looking for something else?

Ask for advice from a lawyer

It’s free and anonymous

No registration needed

Ask a lawyer

Is it the responsibility of the owner or building management to fix leaking damages in new apartment?

Q: I own an apartment in Dubai which I rent out. The apartment below has reported water damage, and now the building management company is holding me responsible, asking me to fix both the leak and the damage to the unit below. I disagree with this for two main reasons: 1. The management company did not act quickly to stop the leak, and both my tenant and I were out of the country at the time. Had they intervened sooner, the damage could have been minimized. 2. I believe the leak may be due to construction defects or poor materials used by the developer. The building is less than three years old, and I bought the apartment directly from the developer. I don`t see how any of this is my or my tenant`s fault. I need legal advice on how to challenge this claim and understand my rights. Please let me know if you can help.

Can the employer force me to stay 2 months after my resignation if my notice period is one month?

Q: I am writing to clarify the situation regarding my resignation. I officially resigned on December 31st, 2024, and according to my understanding and the initial agreement, my notice period was to end on January 31st, 2025. However, my contract has been amended a few months back to reflect a two-month notice period. I would like to emphasize that I have not signed this amendment, and the employer is blaming me for not signing the amended contract which will be taken against me. Please let me know how you would like to proceed, as I am eager to ensure a smooth transition and complete all required handover tasks within the original notice period. I have already completed my notice period, but my employer is still forcing me to serve one more month which I can not as I have another company to join on 14 February. I can`t afford to lose this opportunity. Currently working in the aviation industry in Sharjah and my visa is a free zone. Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

My hair was damaged by a very known and professional salon. Can I seek refund and compensation?

Q: Hello. I went to a very well-known and professional salon (or so I thought) for a normal hair dye. The guy who did my hair left the dye on my hair for over an hour when it was supposed to be on for a maximum of 30 minutes. He wasn’t paying attention to me walking around the store talking to everyone and also doing another customer`s extensions. Now my hair is potentially damaged, my skull burns, and is flaky (meaning the dye wasn’t ammonia-free which is extremely unprofessional for such an expensive salon). I didn’t even get the outcome that I wanted and the dye color doesn’t even show. I talked to him about it but he shut it down so fast and gaslit me the whole time and made me feel like I was the wrong one and I was ‘complaining about something so light’. Please let me know what I can do legally about this. Thank you.

Can my friend appoint me to recover dues in Dubai court for goods supplied from India?

Q: Hello, My friend supplied goods from India to a customer in Dubai. Can he appoint me through a power of attorney or a local lawyer to recover the dues in the Dubai court?

Can I work as a nurse in Dubai with a pre-existing lung condition?

Q: Hi, I have a pre-existing condition; a lung nodule. Can I still work in Dubai, or can a company provide me with a visa if I want to work as a nurse? Thank you!

Self-help

Can insurance be canceled immediately after the cancellation of an Abu Dhabi visa?

Can my employer force me to serve an extra month after my resignation?