Common Civil Law Issues
Regulated by UAE Federal Law No. (5) of 1985
Civil law covers many types of problems, including:
Someone not following a contract
Disputes about property or rental agreements
Work-related financial claims (outside labour courts)
Collecting unpaid debts
Claims for compensation for damage or financial loss
What is the best way to resolve contract disputes?
1. Direct Negotiation (Talk directly with the other person)
Why?
It’s fast and costs nothing. A lot of contract issues are just misunderstandings.
How?
Look at the exact part of the contract causing the issue. Bring any documents, emails, or proof you have. Suggest clear solutions and stay calm.
2. Mediation (a neutral person helps you both talk)
Negotiation has reached its summit, but no desire exists to fight.
A neutral facilitator will help achieve a voluntary agreement.
Benefits:
Non-binding (you retain control). Confidential.
Much cheaper and faster than litigation.
3. Arbitration
The agreement has an arbitration clause, like most contracts.
A binding decision, but no courtroom trial.
Pros:
Private, usually faster than the courts.
A decision usually becomes permanent.
Cons:
Less formal appeals process.
Can still be costly depending on the forum.
4. Litigation (Going to court is the last option)
Go if:
The issue is big, or there’s fraud/bad intentions.
5. Contract Management Best Practices (to avoid dispute in the first place)
Detailed, specific contract terms.
Changes were recorded in writing.
Frequent project meetings.
Keeping good records (emails, invoices, milestones).
Does a contract need to be drafted by a lawyer?
A contract in the UAE does not require being drawn up by an attorney, but in order to provide an enforceable contract in compliance with UAE Civil Code guidelines,
An attorney review is always beneficial for a Dubai business to avoid any ambiguities, potential risks, and future conflict.
if you need guidnace and support, Get in Touch With: Civil Lawyer in Dubai
What should I do if my employer is not paying me?
If this is happening to you in Dubai, first, report this issue to your employer in writing. Should this issue remain unresolved,
You may also file a complaint to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) because they have the capacity to deal with wage issues between employers and employees to protect workers’ rights.
How do I take legal action against an insurance company?
To pursue legal action against an insurance company in Dubai, first, register a complaint with the UAE’s Insurance Authority/Central Bank.
Then collect all insurance documents, and if the complaint is not resolved, register a civil case in court in association with a lawyer to preserve your rights.
What happens if someone steals your brand name in UAE?
For instance, if another person is using your brand name in UAE, either file a complaint at the police station or at the Ministry of Economy, which is responsible for dealing with intellectual property rights.
UAE’s legal systems give a person the right to demand compensation, fines, and removal of the offending material.
How to file a case against a bank in the UAE?
To file a case against a bank in UAE, an individual needs to initiate it by lodging a complaint in writing to the bank.
in case of no response, to the Consumer Protection Department of the UAE’s Central Bank via an online complaint system, after which an individual is free to file a case in UAE courts, either by him/her or by an attorney to defend his/her rights.
What to do if a check bounces in Dubai?
In Dubai, when it comes to checks that have bounced, what we do is approach the check recipient, come to an agreement for repayment, and get them to drop the issue.
If the case is with the police or in court, you can still work out a settlement by presenting proof of payment or a new agreement.
It is best to act fast and to get in touch with a local lawyer, which will in turn reduce penalties and make the process go more smoothly.
Can I sue someone for insulting me in the UAE?
Yes, of course, you have legal recourse available if you’re insulted in the UAE. An insult, whether verbal, written, or published in an online posting, is also a criminal offence in UAE legislation, as per UAE criminal law, and leads to a compensation aggregative civil right.
A complaint can be made to the police using available evidence, which results in punishment for this illegal action in fines, etc.
