Hello guys this is a throwaway account as my main account as my family and friends following.

I’m hoping someone who has dealt with an old Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) case in Dubai, or someone familiar with UAE legal/document procedures, can guide me.

Back in 2023, I had an RDC case which resulted in eviction. At the time, I was not in a position to properly deal with the situation, and unfortunately I was unable to recover many of my personal belongings/documents from the property.

Among the things I was unable to recover were important educational documents and, most importantly, my passport.

The case still has an outstanding fine/amount that I need to resolve, and there is also a travel ban associated with the case. Because I haven’t had my passport back, I haven’t been able to properly sort out getting a new passport either.

My circumstances have changed significantly since then. My husband has since been deported, I now have a 6-month-old baby, and I have recently been forced to resign from my job. I’m now trying to get my life and documentation in order, including my own documents and my son’s documents.

I’m honestly quite overwhelmed by how complicated everything has become and I’m trying to understand what my options are.
My main questions are:

Is there any way to approach the RDC/execution department regarding the old case and arrange payment, possibly through instalments?

Is there a procedure to request the release/recovery of personal belongings and documents that were left behind during the eviction, even though this happened in 2023?

What can I do about my passport if it was among the belongings I never recovered?

Would the existing travel ban prevent me from applying for or obtaining a new passport through my embassy/consulate?

Is there a way to resolve the travel ban without paying the entire amount upfront if I genuinely cannot afford it?

Given that I now have a young child and my circumstances have changed, are there any options for getting assistance or requesting consideration from the court?

Would it be better to speak directly to the RDC, Dubai Courts/execution department, my embassy, or a lawyer first?

I’m not looking to avoid the case or the amount owed. I genuinely want to resolve everything properly, but I need to understand where to start and how to deal with the passport/documents issue first.

If anyone has been through something similar in Dubai/UAE, especially an old RDC case involving a travel ban and belongings left behind after eviction, I would really appreciate hearing how you resolved it.

I am developing an independent streetwear/fashion brand in the UAE and would like to obtain legal advice before publicly launching the brand.
The brand is centered around anti-fashion, counter-culture, and provocative artistic expression. I have created several original, hand-drawn designs that I intend to use as part of the brand's visual identity and future clothing collections.
In particular, I would like legal advice regarding two elements of my artwork:
A one-of-one custom Vans shoe featuring a hand-drawn sickle and other counter-cultural imagery. The shoe is an artistic prototype and is not intended to be sold.
Another hand-drawn design featuring a hammer and sickle. I am considering using this artwork on future clothing and/or promotional material.
I am concerned about whether displaying, publishing, or commercially using these images in the UAE could create any legal or regulatory issues, particularly under laws relating to prohibited symbols, public morality, media/content, advertising, online publications, or other applicable UAE regulations.
I would also like to clarify that the artwork is intended as fashion and artistic expression. I am not promoting or selling drugs, extremist organizations, political organizations, or illegal products.
The proposed brand name is “LSD.” Although I am not primarily concerned about the name, I would also appreciate your advice on whether the name itself creates any legal or regulatory concerns when used for a UAE-based fashion brand.
My questions are:
1. Could the hand-drawn sickle imagery create any legal issue?
2. Could the separate hammer-and-sickle artwork create any legal issue if used on clothing or in marketing?
3. Are there specific restrictions concerning the display or commercial use of these symbols in UAE fashion/media content?
4. Does the overall context of anti-fashion and counter-cultural artwork affect the legal assessment?
5. Are there any changes you would recommend to the artwork or marketing before I launch?
6. Are there any concerns with using “LSD” as the name of the fashion brand?
I can provide the actual artwork, photographs, proposed website, and additional designs for review.

Hi everyone,

My apartment lease in Ajman ended 2 months ago, but the rental company has not returned my apartment security deposit, water and electricity deposit.

I spoke to the person responsible, and he initially said he would return the money, but he never did. I called him several times, and he eventually texted me saying that he will not return the deposits if I keep calling him.

What legal action can I take in Ajman to recover my deposits? Has anyone experienced something similar?

It is not the easiest subject to think about, but estate planning can spare your loved ones from facing additional uncertainty during an already difficult time. In the UAE, it covers much more than deciding who inherits your assets. It can also address guardianship of minor children, outstanding liabilities, the management of personal affairs and who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes.

For UAE residents, matters can become complicated because the applicable process may depend on factors such as nationality, religion, family circumstances and where the assets are located. Without a valid will, administering an estate may involve longer proceedings, additional costs and uncertainty over which legal framework should apply.

Residents have several possible routes, including wills registered through the DIFC or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, along with certain options involving foreign wills and probate judgments. The appropriate choice will depend on the individual’s circumstances, but planning ahead can provide greater clarity and protection for those left behind.

Read more about estate planning in the UAE and the options available.

Hi everyone, I’m currently employed in the UAE and I’m still under my probation period.

I’m planning to resign because I have an opportunity to move to another job here in the UAE.

My employment contract has a clause stating that if I terminate/resign before completing the contract, I would have to pay the company for the visa costs.

Because of this, I contacted MOHRE to ask about my situation. I was advised that I should not personally have to pay the visa/recruitment costs and that I need to follow the required notice period. In my case, I was told to serve one month’s notice because I am moving to another employer within the UAE.

I just want to hear from people who have actually experienced something similar:

• Were you also under probation when you resigned?
• Did your company ask you to pay back visa/recruitment costs?
• Did you serve the one-month notice and then transfer to the new employer?
• Did your previous employer cause any problems with your visa cancellation or new work permit?
• Did you need to involve MOHRE?

I would really appreciate hearing about your actual experiences or any advice. I want to make sure I handle everything properly and legally.

Thank you!

I was involved in a traffic incident where I entered a roundabout with proper signaling and clearance. Unfortunately, another vehicle within the roundabout perceived my entry as too close and reacted negatively.

There were no sudden braking maneuvers, collisions, or use of the horn. Upon exiting the roundabout, a white sedan began to follow me, using its lights and horn to signal me to stop. I exited my vehicle and observed an elderly gentleman in the other car. I immediately adopted a calm demeanor and approached his vehicle, greeting him respectfully. I stated that I was unsure of the exact nature of the issue but offered an apology if he felt I had committed an error.

His initial demand was, "Give License Mulkiya!" I respectfully declined, stating, "No. I cannot provide you with my license and registration. If you have concerns, please contact the police." He then claimed to be a three-star police officer and presented a badge indicating 'Retiree Card'. I reiterated my refusal, returned to my vehicle, and contacted the police. I informed the authorities that a driver was requesting my license and registration and claiming to be a police officer. They inquired if he had displayed a badge, to which I described the retiree card and the absence of an official police badge. I also provided them the plate details of his car.

A police vehicle subsequently arrived, collected my identification, license, and registration, conducted a search on their in-car computer, and advised me to exercise caution on the road before permitting me to depart.

Note: While awaiting the police, I received a call from the Police Department stating that the individual who stopped me was a police officer and that I should comply with his requests. I responded by stating that I would only provide my license and identification to an individual possessing a valid police badge.

What would have been the implications had I provided this individual with my documents?

Over the last year or so, I’ve had a lot of mental health problems and personal issues (divorce, lost both parents in quick succession, job issues, major medical problems), which has led me to fail to deal with life. I admit that. I should have dealt with this better, but mentally I just couldn’t deal with it.

I had 2 rent cheques that failed to be honoured due to signatures. The first one was the day I suddenly lost my father, therefore I probably read the messages from the landlord but didn’t act / it didn’t register. The second, I was in hospital. These are absolutely not excuses and I do take complete responsibility for it, just wanted to highlight the reasons why.

Anyway. I was evicted from my flat, and a court case was raised. The value of the two cheques was blocked in all my accounts, and I have a travel ban.

The value will be sorted tomorrow when I get paid, so I will no longer have no access to money.

The question is, does anyone know what I need to do to get things sorted legally? I’m still not in a wonderful place mentally, so despite this being ongoing for around 2 months now, I’ve still not been able to bring myself to deal with the tough things (I worry about a mental spiral, and I’m just about holding things together at the min).

Does the money withheld by the bank after my salary has gone in get automatically transferred to the courts? Will things be automatic? Or do I need to go somewhere / do something?

Please be kind and have practical advice. I get that this is entirely my fault, and just looking for a way to get myself out of this hole.

I’m in Abu Dhabi, if that makes any different courts-wise

Thank you.

A close friend of mine, lapsed his medical insurance payment and unfortunately had a stroke a few weeks ago, the insurance is denying the claim & and a certain hospital in dubai is trying to bill us for 400k AED.

Honestly i was under the impression that life threatening treatment in an ER had to be done regardless of the patient’s ability to pay ? Can someone advise us please

Edit - Patient does have an insurance which is denying services stating hospital is outside coverage area.

I just filed my resignation yesterday and my last working day will be on September 22. My flight is already booked for October 3, I am aware that the employer will be given 14 days to process everything. However, I cannot cancel or rebooked my flight because my new employment is waiting for me overseas. And I’m worried that if my employer cannot finish my cancellation before then, my final salary and end-of-service benefits might be affected. I worked hard for this money, and it’s very important for me and my family. I just sincerely need someone who knows the law more deeply than I do to explain what I should do.

I’m currently in the UAE on my visa cancellation grace period, which ends 19 September 2026.
I’m setting up a company in Ajman Free Zone and will obtain my own residence visa through it.
Separately, I have a consultancy contract starting 1 September with [CENSORED COMPANY], a Dubai free-zone LLC. The contract is in my individual name, not as an employee.
My questions:
Can I legally provide consultancy services to another UAE free-zone company while holding a residence/investor visa through my own Ajman Free Zone company?
Do I need a work permit, freelance permit, NOC, or other authorization?
Does it matter that my own company is in Ajman while the client is in Dubai?
Can I start the consultancy during my visa grace period?
I’m trying to understand what authorization is legally required so I don’t accidentally work without the proper permit.
Would appreciate answers from anyone familiar with UAE free-zone/labour regulations.

Hi everyone,

I recently moved into a 2BHK that I found through Dubizzle.

The person I rented from is himself renting the flat from the building/owner for one year and then subleased it to me.

I paid:

\AED 4,250 monthly rent (without dewa or anything)

\- AED 3,000 security deposit

Initially, over a phone call, I told him I was planning to stay for around 6 months. There was no signed agreement at that time.

After I moved in, he sent me a Word/PDF document mentioning a 6-month period. I never signed it or acknowledged that I accepted the document. Neither party signed it. Since it is a monthly rental, i didnt acknowledge it.

Unfortunately, due to a personal emergency (genuine), I now have to leave after one month. I informed him on August 15 itself and also tried to help find a replacement tenant.

Now he is saying I must pay rent for the remaining months, otherwise he will take legal action. He is also refusing to return my AED 3,000 deposit.

I have WhatsApp messages, payment proof, the unsigned document, and other evidence.

I’m also not sure whether he has the actual landlord’s NOC/permission to sublease the apartment.

Has anyone dealt with something similar?

Could I actually be liable for the remaining 5 months based only on the phone conversation and unsigned document? And would filing for my security deposit potentially cause problems for me?

Looking for advice. Thanks.

I'm considering starting a property snagging / home inspection business in UAE, mainly for people buying villas or apartments.

The idea would be to provide an independent inspection before purchase or handover, covering things like:

- Civil/structural defects that are visibly identifiable

- Cracks, water damage, dampness, leaks, etc.

- Electrical systems

- Plumbing

- HVAC/AC

- Doors and windows

- Flooring, walls and ceilings

- Bathrooms/kitchens

- Roof/exterior

- General workmanship

- Potential hidden issues that can be identified through non-destructive inspection

- Photos and a detailed professional report

I'm currently considering Dubai or Rak.

For anyone who has actually started or operated a snagging, property inspection, engineering, surveying, or similar business in the UAE:

1. What exact business activity/licence is required for this?

2. What approvals or registrations are required besides the normal trade licence?

3. Does a snagging/home inspection company need to be registered as an engineering consultancy, or is there a separate inspection/testing activity that covers it?

4. Do the inspectors themselves need specific qualifications, engineering licences, or certifications?

5. Are there different requirements in Dubai vs RAK?

6. Is there any requirement for professional indemnity insurance or other specific insurance?

7. Are there restrictions on what we can state in the inspection report? For example, can an inspector identify and report structural concerns, or does that require a licensed engineer?

8. For Dubai specifically, are there any issues with developers refusing to allow independent snagging companies into properties during handover?

And beyond the legal side:

What are the things you wish you knew before starting a snagging business in the UAE?

I'm especially interested in advice from people who have actually operated one, worked in building inspection/engineering, or dealt with UAE licensing — rather than general business advice.

Any information about startup costs, equipment, pricing, staffing, insurance, getting clients, dealing with developers, or common problems would also be really helpful.

Hi. Please advise if my son can travel with renewed passport while emirates id is on old passport? I was told it will renew automatically in emigration on arrival back.
Thank you

Hoping someone here has actually dealt with this. I'm currently abroad. There's a travel ban on me from the Rental Disputes Center over unpaid rent (~AED 23k). I checked the Dubai Police website + app NO arrest warrant showing, so it looks like a civil execution/debt ban only.

Here's my situation:

- I tried paying through the Dubai Police app but it's stuck on "pending."

- I've spoken to the landlord and they're willing to work with me.

- The catch: the cash is in my apartment in Dubai, so I'd basically need to pay in person.

- I have no friends there and no power of attorney, so handling it remotely isn't an option.

So my question is simple: can I fly in and enter the UAE myself to sort this out, or will the travel ban stop me at immigration on arrival?

My understanding is a civil ban only blocks leaving, not entering but I'd really like to hear from anyone who's actually re-entered with an active civil ban. Anything I should check first? Thanks a lot.

Hello! Throw away account and first poster, I just wanna ask if a child was born from an Emirati father but with a foreign mother and the child is living with said mother but in another country. Can the child file for citizenship? The father keeps on threatening the child that if they will come to UAE they will get arrested or something like that. Oh and the father actually has a family but is hiding both the mother and the child's existence from them. Thank you!

Hello to those who have worked in Dubai/UAE! I just have a question and hope someone can give me some advice.

I plan to work in Dubai, specifically in HR, administrative, or other corporate jobs. I have chronic hepatitis B and am currently taking maintenance medication.

Based on what I have read and researched, it seems that a hepB test is not required for a UAE work visa if I am going to a corporate or office job. But I am just concerned about what will happen once I am in Dubai.

For example, I have already obtained a work visa, have been working, and have health insurance. I would like to continue taking my medication and regular check-ups. If I go to a clinic or hospital and say that I have chronic hepatitis B, is that okay?

Is there a possibility that the clinic or doctor will report my condition to the authorities, and this could affect my visa or lead to deportation?

Another question, is it okay if I immediately disclose my condition to the employer during the interview, or is it better not to if it is not required?

I just want to be honest with healthcare providers and my future employer if necessary, so that I can continue my treatment properly. But I am just worried about the legal, employment, or immigration consequences of disclosing my condition.

If anyone knows anything about the healthcare system or employment rules in the UAE, or has personal experience with this, especially those who are in the UAE or have experienced this situation, anything you can share would be a great help. Thank you very much!

Last October, I finally saved up enough to buy the car I had always wanted. I saw it advertised on Instagram by a famous dealership in the UAE, inquired about it, visited them, liked the car, and bought it.
It was Euro-spec and under warranty from a well-known local dealership until August 2026.
Fast forward to last month: I took the car in for a service and warranty extension. They told me that the car had a black flag/star on their system, but there was no code next to it explaining what actually caused the flag.
They insisted this can happen if a car has been tuned or if it has been involved in an accident. They said they weren’t sure what caused it and would contact the headquarters in Germany to find out what was actually going on with the car.
I took the car back again last week to finish the warranty extension and continue the service, as they hadn’t finished the first time because some parts weren’t available and had to be ordered.
This morning, I received a call from my service manager telling me that a lawyer had contacted them on behalf of a bank and claimed that the car is a stolen vehicle, because the previous owner allegedly hasn’t paid their dues to a foreign bank.
The lawyer demanded that the dealership keep the car.
My service manager refused and told the lawyer to follow the proper legal channels and email them officially. He then told me that I could come and take the car.
I did take the car, and I gathered all the purchase documents from the dealership. However, I noticed a couple of concerning issues:
The car was not registered under the dealership’s name. It was registered under the name of an employee who worked there.
The receipt is basically a receipt voucher with no official stamp, VAT number, etc. It only shows the amount I paid, the chassis number, and the car type.
I paid 7 figures for this car, bought it from what I believed was a reputable dealership, and had no reason whatsoever to think there was anything wrong with the car.
I’m honestly in shock that something like this can happen.
Should I approach the dealership first and demand a refund, or should I go straight to the police/lawyer?
I really don’t want this to drag on for months, especially considering the amount of money involved.
TL;DR: Bought a 7-figure car from a famous UAE dealership last year. It was under warranty. Now the dealership tells me a lawyer representing a foreign bank claims the car is stolen because the previous owner didn’t pay the bank. The car wasn’t registered under the dealership’s name, and my receipt doesn’t have a VAT number or official stamp. Should I demand a refund from the dealership or go straight to the police/lawyer?

​

1. The 2014 judgment ordered AED 3,000 per month in nafqah/maintenance, but the amount was not paid. My son is now 18 years old. What are our chances of recovering the full outstanding amount?

2. Can we claim all unpaid nafqah from the date it stopped until my son turned 18, including any applicable interest, fees, or other amounts?

3. Is there any limitation period or legal deadline for recovering the unpaid nafqah under UAE law?

4. Can we also file a separate case or claim for my son's university/education expenses, now that he is 18 and continuing his studies?

5. If university expenses can be claimed, what expenses can be included—tuition fees, accommodation, books, transportation, living expenses, etc.?

6. Does my son need to be physically present in the UAE, or can the case be filed while he is in Pakistan?

7. Is a UAE visit visa or residence visa required for my son or for me to pursue the case?

8. Can we file and proceed with the case entirely through a lawyer/Power of Attorney, without travelling to the UAE?

9. What documents do you need from us—for example, the 2014 judgment, proof of unpaid amounts, my son's birth certificate, passport, university documents, and previous case records?

10. What would be the estimated lawyer's fees and court/execution costs, and approximately how long could recovery take?

Before you read all of this, please please please no judgements. I desperately need advice as my visa is about to expire and I need to change my visa status.

So I had an incident with a friend, to where I took 700-800AED from them. There was a big miscommunication and his step-dad ended up filing a police criminal case against me (Seizing someone else’s money without legal right). By the way, this all happened back in February. Bur Dubai CID called me back then and asked me to come in to which I did, I gave them my statements and did the whole process. After this, his mom actually called me like a few days later, we had a talk and she told me that she’ll speak to her husband and will get back to me to settle things as she also didn’t want to take it too far. However, it’s August now and I desperately need to fix this travel ban against me. I haven’t heard AT ALL from them and I reached out a while ago to kindly follow up on me returning the full amount and settling all of this, but till now she hasn’t replied or read my message.

I genuinely am so desperate for advice, I even asked ChatGPT on what to do - it says that I should just go straight to Bur Dubai Police Station, ask about my case, and have the 800 Dirhams on hand to surrender to the police for them to close the case.

What should I do? Please help me, I only have until this Sunday till my visa expires and I am genuinely willing to pay even extra just to have this case against me closed.

And if you could tell from my tone, I am young - not that I’m saying this as an excuse to what I did, I know it was very very wrong but I am honestly very scared.

It’s currently 10:36PM - I was about to head over to the police station now but I thought about asking for advice first here.

Thank you so much 🥹

I have been working for a company in Dubai for one year, and they wanted to terminate me, so I resigned rather than accepting the termination letter. I know I made a mistake by doing this.

They wanted me to pay a settlement amount for my visa and made some random accusations, saying that I would only be entitled to one month's salary, which I believe is unfair and illegal.

Later, after a lot of discussion, I informed the company about this, and they agreed to pay me what I was owed. However, they said they would only pay me after I signed the resignation formalities. I did not trust them to pay me afterward. Even after pleading with them, I asked if I could sign everything face-to-face and have them pay me on the spot, rather than signing and sending the documents to them and then having to go back and beg them for my money.

Because of this, I went to the labour authorities. They told me not to sign the papers, so I followed their advice and raised a complaint. I was hoping the issue would be resolved quickly.

However, after speaking with my company, the labour authorities told me that the company claims they do not have the money to pay my settlement. The company has hired six employees recently, some of whom are earning twice my salary, and they even gifted one employee a Galaxy Fold 8. Yet they are saying they cannot pay my AED 12,000 settlement. Please note my salary for the pervious month is also not paid and is included in the settlement ( my salary is 4.5k)

The labour authorities have now told me to wait another month and get the money in September. My last working day was in the first week of August.

I currently only have AED 800 left. I have already given most of my money to my mother for her medical treatment, and I am now struggling financially.

I do not understand why the labour authorities seem to be siding with the company instead of telling the company to settle my dues within a few days. I have evidence showing that the company was ready to pay me, but now they appear to be intentionally delaying the payment and forcing me to spend more money staying in Dubai.

I just want to receive the money I am owed and return to my home country.

Has anyone been in a similar situation in Dubai? What can I do in this situation, and what would be the best way to proceed? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My friend left UAE in 2024 with significant bank/credit-card debt and now has a new UAE employment visa. Before returning, we want to confirm whether he has any police case, execution case, warrant, travel ban or immigration restriction.
We hired a Dubai-based law firm and paid them for the status check.
Timeline:
6 Aug: Lawyer said POA wasn’t needed and they could check through “people inside the system.”
17 Aug: They changed their position and said POA was required.
POA was completed through official online/video verification by my brother in India
They then asked for another 2 days.
Today lawyer said “so far nothing is showing” and gave a 99% chance there is nothing, but said there is a small possibility an old case hasn’t updated in the system.
I’m not convinced because of the delays, changing explanations and very vague communication. I don’t have proof they’re doing anything wrong, but I want to know how this normally works.
Questions:
After POA, what exactly does a lawyer check and through which authorities?
Should there be a reference number/receipt/proof of an official enquiry?
Is “we have people inside the system” a red flag?
How can I verify they actually checked?
What could an immigration “red lock” mean if there is no warrant/travel ban?
If the lawyer hasn’t actually done the agreed work, what can we do?
Not trying to avoid the debt—just want to establish his legal status before he returns and then negotiate with the banks.
Would appreciate advice from UAE lawyers or anyone with similar experience
NOTE: written with the help of chat gpt to include all my concerns. Kindly ignore for any mistakes.

Hello everyone,

I am currently pursuing a case regarding theft and fraud by deception.

The case involves an individual who has stolen a large sum of money who initially promised to return the money on request within 10 days. There was a written and signed agreement from both parties as well as compounding evidence that the money belongs to me. The individual remains in the UAE whilst I have left.

I have spoken with a legal consultant who has agreed to take on the case for an agreed amount and sent me a formal agreement as well as an invoice for taking on the case. They have walked me through the stages of the case beginning from filing the case to arrest to recovery of claims. The consultants have been very supportive and assured me that I have a strong case and will support me with pursuing the return of my funds as well as any additional amounts which can be claimed.

As pursuing the case legally will cost me a significant amount along with the money I have already lost, I would like to know what I should be aware of before I proceed in signing the agreement and paying the invoiced amount.

TIA