Dubai's ports and the Deira creek trade move enormous volumes of cargo every day — and with them, disputes: damaged or missing goods, unpaid freight, delayed vessels, rejected insurance claims, and contested demurrage. These cases are governed by the UAE Maritime Law and specialised international conventions, with short deadlines that ordinary commercial lawyers routinely miss. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants, based in Deira minutes from Port Saeed and the creek trading houses, represents traders, shippers, freight forwarders, and transport companies in maritime and transport disputes across the UAE.

Maritime & Transport Matters We Handle

• Cargo Damage and Loss Claims: Claims under bills of lading for damaged, short-delivered, or missing cargo — against carriers, and defence of carriers and forwarders against inflated claims. Time limits in cargo claims are unforgiving; some notices must be given within days of delivery.
• Ship Arrest and Release: Precautionary arrest of vessels in UAE ports to secure maritime debts — unpaid bunkers, crew wages, collision damage, unpaid freight — and urgent applications to release arrested vessels against guarantees.
• Charterparty and Freight Disputes: Demurrage claims, unpaid freight and hire, off-hire disputes, and disputes between owners, charterers, and agents.
• Marine Insurance Disputes: Rejected or underpaid hull and cargo insurance claims, and subrogated recovery actions.
• Land Transport and Logistics Disputes: Claims arising from road haulage, cross-border GCC trucking, warehousing, and freight forwarding contracts — including cargo theft, delay, and temperature-damage claims.
• Trade and Shipping Documentation: Drafting and reviewing contracts of carriage, forwarding terms, agency agreements, and letters of indemnity before they become disputes.

Why Deadlines Decide Maritime Cases

Maritime claims live and die on limitation periods: cargo claims under bills of lading are typically time-barred within one year, and reservation notices for apparent damage may need to be made at delivery itself. Arrest applications succeed on documentation quality and speed — a vessel that sails tonight cannot be arrested tomorrow. If you have a maritime or cargo dispute, the correct time to call is the day it happens, with the bill of lading, survey report, and correspondence in hand.

Why Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates

Maritime litigation in the UAE runs through the ordinary courts applying the Maritime Law — which means it rewards firms that combine commercial litigation experience with rights of audience before all Dubai courts. Our Deira location puts us in the middle of the creek and Port Saeed trading community we serve, and we conduct proceedings in Arabic while reporting to international clients in English. For traders, a retainer arrangement covering documentation review and dispute response is available.

Frequently Asked Questions — Maritime & Transport Law in the UAE

How long do I have to file a cargo claim in the UAE?

Cargo claims under bills of lading are generally time-barred one year from delivery (or the date the goods should have been delivered), and visible damage should be reserved in writing at delivery. Other transport claims carry their own periods — have the documents reviewed immediately.

Can a ship be arrested in Dubai for unpaid debts?

Yes. UAE law permits precautionary arrest of vessels for defined maritime debts, including unpaid supplies, crew wages, collision liabilities, and freight. The application is made urgently, supported by documentary proof of the debt, and can secure the claim before the vessel departs.

My cargo arrived damaged. Who do I claim against — the carrier or the insurer?

Usually both tracks run in parallel: the insurance claim for immediate recovery, and the liability claim against the carrier or forwarder — often pursued by the insurer through subrogation. The bill of lading terms, the survey report, and the notice given at delivery determine both claims.

Do UAE courts apply international shipping conventions?

The UAE Maritime Law incorporates principles aligned with international practice, and contractual choices of law and jurisdiction in bills of lading and charterparties are assessed by the courts case by case. Where arbitration clauses apply, we represent clients in the arbitration and in enforcing the award in the UAE.

Move Fast on Maritime Disputes — Contact Us

Send us the bill of lading, survey report, and correspondence today. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com.

UAE law gives an injured person the right to full compensation — for medical costs, lost income, permanent disability, and moral (psychological) damages — but nothing is paid automatically. Compensation must be claimed, proved, and quantified before the civil courts, usually after a police report or criminal judgment establishes fault. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants files and litigates compensation claims across Dubai for accident victims, injured workers, patients, and families of deceased victims.

Compensation Claims We Handle in Dubai

• Car and Traffic Accident Compensation: Claims against the at-fault driver and their insurer for injuries, vehicle damage, treatment costs, and loss of income — built on the police report, the traffic court judgment, and medical committee assessments. We also claim the statutory blood money (diyya) in fatal accident cases on behalf of the family.
• Work Injury and Occupational Illness: Compensation under the UAE Labour Law for workplace injuries, in addition to civil claims against employers where negligence — missing safety equipment, untrained supervision — goes beyond the statutory scheme. Handled with our labour law team.
• Medical Negligence Claims: Claims for misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and treatment failures, which in the UAE run through the medical liability committee whose report becomes the backbone of the court case. We prepare the complaint so the committee examines the right questions.
• Moral and Psychological Damages: UAE courts award moral damages for pain, disfigurement, reputational injury, and the grief of losing a family member — a component many claimants never ask for and therefore never receive.
• Civil Claims Within Criminal Cases: If you are the victim of an assault, fraud, or defamation, we join your civil compensation claim to the criminal case — the fastest and cheapest route to a damages judgment.
• Insurance Dispute Claims: Actions against insurers who reject or underpay valid claims, including expert re-assessment of the loss.

How Compensation Is Calculated in the UAE

There is no fixed tariff for most injuries: courts assess each case on medical reports, disability percentages fixed by court-appointed experts, actual financial losses, and the claimant's circumstances. This is why two identical injuries can produce very different judgments — the difference is the file. We build claims with complete medical documentation, income evidence, and expert reports, and we appeal awards that undervalue the harm. In fatal cases, the diyya amount is set by law, and additional moral and financial damages can be claimed on top of it for the dependants.

Frequently Asked Questions — Compensation in Dubai

How long do I have to file a compensation claim in the UAE?

Civil damage claims are generally subject to a three-year limitation period from knowledge of the harm and the person responsible — but where the claim depends on a criminal case, the timeline interacts with the criminal proceedings. File early: evidence and witnesses are the first things lost.

How much compensation for a car accident in Dubai?

It depends on the injury severity, the disability percentage assessed by the medical committee, proven financial losses, and moral damages. Minor injury cases may resolve within the insurer's limits; permanent disability and fatal cases produce substantially higher awards including diyya.

Can I claim compensation if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. UAE courts apportion liability — if you are found partly responsible, the award is reduced proportionally rather than eliminated. The police report's fault allocation can also be challenged before the traffic court.

Do I need to stay in the UAE during my compensation case?

No. With a power of attorney we conduct the entire case — filing, expert sessions, hearings, and collection of the award — while you recover at home or abroad.

What does a compensation lawyer cost in Dubai?

After reviewing the police report and medical file, we quote a fixed fee per stage, and for strong documented claims we can agree a partial success-fee structure tied to the amount recovered.

Injured? Get Your Claim Valued First

Before accepting any insurance offer, know what your claim is actually worth. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com for a confidential assessment.

A missed loan instalment or unpaid credit card in the UAE can escalate quickly: bank calls, a police complaint in limited cases, a civil claim, a travel ban, and frozen accounts. Most people facing a bank case make their situation worse by ignoring it — or by paying whatever the collection agent demands without knowing their legal position. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants defends individuals in Dubai against bank, loan, credit card, and personal debt claims, and negotiates settlements that borrowers could never obtain on their own.

This page is for people who owe money. If you are owed money, see our Debt Collection Lawyer in Dubai page.

How We Defend Debt Cases in Dubai

• Bank Settlement Negotiation: Banks routinely accept structured settlements — reduced lump sums, waived interest and penalties, extended instalment plans — when approached through lawyers with a credible legal position. We negotiate directly with the bank's legal department, not the collection agency.
• Defending Civil Claims: We review the bank's claim for inflated interest, unlawful charges, and miscalculated balances — UAE courts regularly reduce claimed amounts where the calculation does not withstand expert review — and we request court-appointed accounting experts where the numbers are wrong.
• Statute of Limitations Defence: Debt claims are subject to limitation periods under UAE law. Where the bank has delayed too long, the claim may be time-barred — a defence that must be raised properly and at the right stage, or it is lost.
• Credit Card and Security Cheque Cases: Since the decriminalisation reforms, most bounced security cheques are civil matters. We defend the residual criminal cases, close police files through settlement, and stop the cheque being used to inflate the real debt.
• Travel Ban and Account Freeze Resolution: We identify every ban and attachment linked to the debt, and lift them through settlement, payment into court, or challenge — often the single step that lets a client take a new job or travel for family emergencies.
• Multiple-Debt Restructuring and Insolvency: For individuals with several creditors, the UAE personal insolvency law provides court-supervised settlement plans that stop individual enforcement actions. We assess whether insolvency protection or private restructuring serves you better.
• Harassment by Collection Agencies: Threatening calls to your employer or family can cross into criminal conduct. We put agencies on legal notice and, where needed, file complaints.

What To Do If a Bank Files a Case Against You

• Do not ignore the court notification. Judgments in absence are routinely issued and are harder to unwind than cases defended on time.
• Do not make partial promises in writing to collection agents. Acknowledgments can restart limitation periods and weaken your defence.
• Gather your records: the facility agreement, statements, and every payment made. Inflated claims collapse against complete records.
• Get your position assessed before negotiating. The settlement a bank offers a lawyer-represented debtor is consistently better than what it offers a frightened one.

Frequently Asked Questions — Debt Cases in the UAE

Can I go to jail for credit card debt in the UAE?

Genuine inability to pay is not a crime, and most cheque and debt matters are now civil. Criminal exposure remains only in limited bad-faith situations. The real risks today are civil judgment, travel bans, and asset attachment — all of which are manageable with early legal action.

Will I get a travel ban if I miss loan payments in Dubai?

A travel ban is not automatic — the bank must obtain it through the court, usually after filing a claim. Once imposed, it can be lifted through settlement or by court order. We check whether a ban exists before you travel and handle its removal.

How much will a bank accept as a settlement in the UAE?

It depends on the debt age, your documented circumstances, and whether the bank faces litigation risk on its own calculations. Waiver of accrued interest and penalties is common; reductions on principal happen in genuinely distressed cases. We tell you a realistic range after reviewing your file.

Can the bank take my salary in the UAE?

After judgment, courts can attach a portion of salary through execution, subject to legal limits that protect part of your income. Pre-judgment, banks with a salary-transfer arrangement may apply set-off — one more reason to negotiate before judgment rather than after.

I left the UAE with unpaid debt. Can I fix it from abroad?

Yes. Through power of attorney we verify the cases and bans against you, negotiate the settlement, and clear your record — so you can return to the UAE without arrest risk at entry.

Facing a Debt Case? Get Assessed Before You Respond

Send us the claim documents and your statements for a confidential review. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com.

A deportation order, immigration ban, or travel ban can end your life in the UAE overnight — your job, your family's residency, and your ability to ever return. Most people in this situation are told "nothing can be done." In many cases, that is simply wrong. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants is an Emirati law firm in Deira, Dubai that files the applications, court petitions, and settlement procedures that remove deportation orders, lift bans, and cancel absconding reports under UAE law.

Because deportation and ban removal run through Emirati institutions — the Dubai Courts, Public Prosecution, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and the GDRFA — having local advocates who deal with these authorities daily makes the difference between a rejected request and a lifted ban.

Deportation & Immigration Cases We Handle in Dubai

• Removal of Judicial Deportation Orders: A judicial deportation is issued by a court, usually alongside a criminal conviction, and can only be cancelled by a court order. We file the petition to the competent committee and court, supported by evidence of rehabilitation, family ties, employment, and the circumstances of the original case.
• Removal of Administrative Deportation: An administrative deportation is issued by the ICP without a court judgment. It is removed by filing a reasoned request to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the relevant emirate. We prepare and follow the file until a decision is issued.
• Travel Ban Checking and Removal: We verify whether a travel ban exists against you through the Dubai Police and court systems, identify the underlying case — criminal complaint, unpaid debt, bounced cheque, or labour dispute — and take the specific legal step that lifts it: settlement, payment into court, case closure, or a court application.
• Immigration Ban Removal: Entry bans following deportation, overstay, or labour violations can in many cases be lifted by application to the ICP, particularly where the underlying cause has been settled. We assess your eligibility honestly before you pay for any application.
• Absconding Case Cancellation: A wrongful absconding report filed by an employer blocks new employment and can lead to arrest and deportation. We file the challenge with MOHRE and immigration to cancel unjustified reports and, where appropriate, claim against the employer.
• Overstay Fines and Status Regularisation: Settlement and reduction of overstay fines, status adjustment, and exit-and-return arrangements that avoid an entry ban — including under any active amnesty programs.
• Urgent Airport and Detention Cases: Immediate legal intervention when a family member is stopped at the airport or detained pending deportation.

Judicial vs Administrative Deportation — Why the Difference Decides Your Case

UAE law recognises two types of deportation, and the removal procedure is completely different for each. A judicial deportation is part of a court judgment and requires a formal petition to the court/committee to cancel — with a waiting period and supporting evidence. An administrative deportation is a government decision and is challenged through the GDRFA and ICP directly. Applying through the wrong channel wastes months and can prejudice a later, correct application. The first thing we do is obtain your file and confirm exactly which order exists against you.

How We Handle Your Case

• Step 1 — Verification: Using your Emirates ID or passport details and power of attorney, we confirm what exists against you: deportation order (and which type), travel ban, immigration ban, absconding report, or open cases.
• Step 2 — Root Cause Resolution: Bans attach to cases. We settle, close, or challenge the underlying matter — the debt, the criminal file, the labour complaint — because a ban removal request without resolving the cause is almost always refused.
• Step 3 — The Application: We draft and file the petition or request with the correct authority, with the supporting documents these committees expect to see, and follow the file to decision.
• Step 4 — Re-Entry Planning: Once lifted, we confirm the record is cleared in the systems before you book travel, so you are not stopped at the border on a stale record.

Why Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates

Deportation and ban files are decided by Emirati authorities, largely in Arabic, on paper quality and procedure. As a licensed Emirati advocacy firm minutes from the Dubai Courts, we deal with the Public Prosecution, GDRFA, and court execution departments every working day. We also tell you the truth at the assessment stage: some orders cannot be lifted yet, and we will say so before you spend money — because a refused application can make the next attempt harder.

Many of our clients are outside the UAE. We handle the entire process through power of attorney, so you do not need to enter the country — or risk arrest at the airport — while your case is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions — Deportation & Bans in the UAE

How can I check if I have a travel ban in the UAE?

Dubai Police offers an online criminal-case ban check using your Emirates ID, but it only covers Dubai criminal matters. Bans from other emirates, civil debt cases, or immigration records do not appear there. A comprehensive check through a law firm with power of attorney covers the court, police, and immigration systems together — which is the only way to know your full position before travelling.

Can a deportation order from the UAE be removed?

Often, yes. Administrative deportations are removed by application to the GDRFA/ICP, and judicial deportations by petition to the competent committee and court — typically supported by proof that the underlying case is resolved and evidence of good conduct. Success depends heavily on the offence type, time elapsed, and file preparation.

How long does an immigration ban last in the UAE?

It depends on the cause: overstay-related bans may be temporary or lifted upon settlement, labour bans are typically time-limited, while bans linked to deportation orders remain until the order itself is cancelled. We confirm the exact type and duration from your file rather than guessing.

My employer filed an absconding case against me unfairly. What can I do?

A false absconding report can be challenged and cancelled through MOHRE and immigration, particularly with evidence you did not abandon work — attendance records, messages, or an unresolved salary dispute. Cancelling the report restores your right to work and removes the deportation risk attached to it.

Can I return to the UAE after deportation?

Only after the deportation order is cancelled and any entry ban lifted; re-entering before that is a criminal offence. Once we obtain the cancellation, we verify your record is clear in the ICP systems and advise on the correct visa route for return.

Can you handle my case while I am outside the UAE?

Yes. With a notarised and attested power of attorney, we file verifications, petitions, settlements, and ban-removal applications entirely on your behalf while you remain abroad.

Check Your Status Confidentially — Contact Us Now

Before you travel, apply for a job, or file anything yourself, know exactly what is on your record. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com for a confidential assessment. Arabic and English spoken.

Whether you are an employee who has not been paid, or an employer facing a labour complaint, employment disputes in the UAE run on strict deadlines and a defined procedure: MOHRE complaint first, then referral to the labour courts. Miss a step or a limitation period and a strong claim can be lost. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants represents both employees and employers in labour disputes across Dubai under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law).

Labour & Employment Cases We Handle in Dubai

• Unpaid Salary and Benefits Claims: Recovery of unpaid wages, commissions, bonuses, overtime, air tickets, and expenses — through MOHRE and the labour courts, with attachment of company assets where the employer is at risk of closing.
• End-of-Service Gratuity Disputes: Calculating and claiming the full gratuity owed, including disputes over basic salary definitions, unpaid leave balances, and deductions employers are not entitled to make.
• Arbitrary and Unfair Dismissal: Compensation claims for termination without valid reason, dismissal during sick leave or maternity, and retaliatory termination after a complaint.
• Labour Bans and Visa Issues: Advice on employment bans, absconding reports (and cancelling wrongful ones), and the employment consequences of visa cancellation timelines.
• Employment Contracts and Policies (for Employers): Drafting compliant limited-term contracts, offer letters, non-compete and confidentiality clauses, HR policies, and disciplinary procedures that hold up before the labour courts.
• Employer Defence: Defending companies against inflated labour claims, gross misconduct terminations, employee fraud and breach of trust cases, and enforcing non-compete obligations.
• Workplace Injury Compensation: Claims for work injuries and occupational illness, in coordination with our compensation team.

How a Labour Case Works in Dubai

• Step 1 — MOHRE Complaint: Most private-sector disputes must first be filed with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which attempts mediation between the parties.
• Step 2 — Referral to Court: If mediation fails within the statutory period, MOHRE refers the case to the labour court. Claims up to AED 50,000 are now decided by MOHRE itself with binding effect, subject to court challenge.
• Step 3 — Litigation: Labour claims by employees are exempt from court fees in most cases. We prepare the claim calculation, submit evidence, and attend all hearings.
• Step 4 — Execution: Enforcement of the judgment against the employer's bank accounts and assets, including through the company's licence records.

Important: labour claims are subject to strict limitation — generally one year from the date the entitlement fell due. If you are owed money, do not wait.

Why Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates for Employment Matters

Labour litigation is high-volume, procedural work where preparation of the claim calculation and documentary evidence decides the outcome. Our advocates appear before the Dubai labour courts continuously, for both employees and employers, which means we know how the other side will argue your case before they do. Consultations are confidential, in Arabic or English, and we give you a realistic claim valuation before you commit to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Labour Law

How is end-of-service gratuity calculated in the UAE?

For employees who complete at least one year: 21 days' basic salary per year for the first five years, and 30 days' basic salary per year thereafter, capped at two years' total salary. Disputes usually arise over what counts as "basic salary" and over deductions — which is where legal review recovers real money.

Can my employer refuse to pay my salary if I resign?

No. All earned salary, leave balance, and gratuity remain payable regardless of who ended the employment. An employer withholding final settlement can be taken to MOHRE and then to court, where employees are generally exempt from court fees.

What compensation can I claim for unfair dismissal in Dubai?

The labour court can award compensation of up to three months' salary for arbitrary dismissal, in addition to notice-period pay, gratuity, unpaid entitlements, and in some cases damages.

Does a labour case affect my UAE visa?

Filing a labour complaint does not cancel your visa, and MOHRE can permit you to transfer to a new employer while the dispute proceeds. We advise on protecting your residency status alongside the claim.

I'm an employer — can I recover training costs or enforce a non-compete?

Both are possible within the limits of the Labour Law: non-compete clauses must be limited in time, place, and scope of work, and cost-recovery clauses must be contractually agreed. We draft and litigate these clauses regularly.

Get Your Labour Case Assessed Today

Send us your contract and termination documents for a confidential assessment. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com.

Dubai property moves fast — and so do its disputes. A delayed off-plan handover, a landlord refusing to return a deposit, a seller backing out after the MOU, or a developer's unilateral variation can each cost you hundreds of thousands of dirhams if handled late or handled wrong. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants represents buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers in every type of real estate matter across Dubai — before the Dubai Courts, the Rental Dispute Center (RDC), and RERA.

Real Estate Legal Services We Provide in Dubai

• Property Disputes and Litigation: Claims for breach of sale agreements, failure to transfer title, developer default, and disputes between co-owners, litigated through the Dubai Property Court from first instance to cassation.
• Off-Plan Property Claims: Delayed handover, cancelled projects, specification changes, and refund claims under Dubai's escrow and interim registration laws (Oqood). We assess whether termination, compensation, or completion is your strongest route.
• Rental Disputes — Landlords and Tenants: Full representation at the Rental Dispute Center: eviction cases, unpaid rent, security deposit recovery, unlawful rent increases outside the RERA index, maintenance failures, and early termination claims. RDC cases move quickly — first hearings are often listed within weeks — so early preparation is decisive.
• Sale and Purchase Agreements: Drafting and reviewing MOUs (Form F), sale contracts, and assignment agreements before you sign; conducting due diligence on title, mortgages, and service charge arrears through the Dubai Land Department.
• Real Estate Fraud and Broker Disputes: Claims involving fake listings, misappropriated deposits, unlicensed brokers, and commission disputes.
• Construction and Contractor Disputes: Defective works, payment claims, and delay disputes between owners and contractors, supported by court-appointed expert proceedings.
• Inheritance of Real Estate: Transfer of property to heirs, sale by heirs, and disputes over inherited property in coordination with our personal status team.

Rental Disputes in Dubai — Know Your Position Before You File

The Rental Dispute Center applies specific rules that surprise both landlords and tenants: a landlord needs 12 months' notarised notice to evict for personal use or sale; rent increases are capped by the RERA rental index; and a tenant who vacates early without a break clause may owe compensation. We tell you before filing whether your case wins — and if your position is weak, we negotiate a settlement instead of billing you for a losing case.

Why Property Clients Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates

Real estate cases in Dubai are decided on registration records, expert reports, and procedure. As Emirati advocates practising daily before the Property Court and the RDC, we know how judges and court experts assess valuation, delay, and default — and our Deira office is minutes from the courts when urgent attachment or injunction applications are needed. We act in Arabic and English for local and international clients, including overseas investors who never need to travel to Dubai for their case.

Frequently Asked Questions — Real Estate Law in Dubai

What can I do if my off-plan property is delayed in Dubai?

Your options depend on the delay length, the SPA terms, and the project's escrow status. Remedies range from compensation for late handover to full termination and refund. In cancelled projects, refunds are processed through the escrow account under the supervision of a special committee.

How do I file a rental dispute in Dubai?

Rental cases are filed at the Rental Dispute Center with the tenancy contract, Ejari registration, correspondence, and payment records. Filing fees are typically 3.5% of the annual rent. Judgments at first instance are usually issued within weeks, and we handle the entire process including appeal and execution.

Can my landlord evict me to sell the property or use it themselves?

Only with 12 months' written notice served through the notary public or registered mail, and only on the grounds permitted by Dubai's tenancy law. Eviction notices that miss these requirements are routinely dismissed at the RDC.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Dubai?

The DLD transfer process is standardised, but the risks sit in what happens before transfer: the MOU terms, deposit protection, mortgage clearance, and seller verification. Legal review before signing costs little compared to litigating a failed deal.

Can a foreigner take a property dispute to court in Dubai?

Yes. Foreign owners and tenants have full standing before the Dubai Courts and the RDC, and we regularly represent overseas clients through power of attorney without their presence in the UAE.

Protect Your Property Interests — Contact Us

For property disputes, rental cases, or contract review, call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com.

Unpaid invoices, dishonoured cheques, and defaulting borrowers drain businesses quietly — and in the UAE, the longer a debt sits, the harder it becomes to recover as debtors move assets, close licences, or leave the country. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants recovers debts through the legal channels that actually compel payment: payment orders, asset attachment, travel bans, and court execution against bank accounts, vehicles, and property.

Unlike a debt collection agency in Dubai that can only call and pressure, we are licensed Emirati advocates: when a debtor ignores our legal notice, we take them to court and enforce the judgment against their assets.

Our Debt Recovery Services in Dubai

• Legal Notice and Amicable Settlement: A formal legal notice from a licensed law firm changes the conversation. Many debts are settled at this stage, at the lowest cost, with the settlement documented so the debtor cannot default again without consequences.
• Payment Orders (Fast-Track Recovery): Where the debt is confirmed in writing — a cheque, an acknowledged invoice, or a signed contract — UAE law allows a summary payment order without full litigation, often issued within days.
• Civil and Commercial Debt Litigation: Full claims before the Dubai Courts for disputed debts, including interest and legal costs, supported by expert accounting reports where needed.
• Precautionary Attachment of Assets: Before or during a case, we apply to freeze the debtor's bank accounts, vehicles, shares, or property so there is something left to execute against when judgment is issued.
• Bounced Cheque Recovery: Execution directly on the cheque as an executive instrument — one of the fastest recovery routes under current UAE law — alongside criminal complaints where bad-faith conduct applies.
• Judgment Execution: Enforcement of local and foreign judgments and arbitral awards: bank account seizure, salary attachment, property auction, travel bans, and arrest warrants against evasive debtors.
• Corporate Debt and Insolvency: Creditor representation in bankruptcy and preventive composition proceedings, and claims against managers personally where the law allows.

How the Debt Collection Process Works

• Step 1 — Case Assessment: We review your contracts, invoices, cheques, and correspondence and tell you honestly whether the debt is recoverable, through which route, and at what cost — before you spend anything on litigation.
• Step 2 — Legal Notice: A formal demand giving the debtor a short deadline to pay or settle.
• Step 3 — Court Action: Payment order or full claim, combined with precautionary attachment where the debtor is a flight risk.
• Step 4 — Execution: We locate assets through the court's execution systems and enforce until you are paid.

Why Creditors Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates

Debt recovery is procedural work where local execution-court experience determines the result. Our team files in the Dubai Courts daily and knows which attachment applications succeed, how to trace debtor assets, and when a travel ban application will force a settlement within days. We act for banks, trading companies, contractors, landlords, and individuals owed personal loans, with clear fee structures — including success-fee arrangements for suitable cases.

Frequently Asked Questions — Debt Collection in Dubai

Is it legal to use a debt collection agency in Dubai?

Collection agencies operate in the UAE but have no legal powers — they cannot attach assets, impose travel bans, or execute against bank accounts. Only court proceedings, filed through licensed advocates, can compel payment. Agencies also risk harassment complaints that can turn the creditor into a defendant.

How long does debt recovery take in the UAE?

A payment order on documented debt can be issued within one to two weeks. A contested civil claim typically takes three to eight months at first instance. Execution timelines depend on how quickly the debtor's assets are located.

Can I recover a debt if the debtor left the UAE?

Yes, in many cases. Judgments can be executed against any assets the debtor still holds in the UAE — bank accounts, end-of-service benefits, property, or vehicles — and UAE judgments can be enforced abroad in countries with reciprocal arrangements, including the GCC states.

What is the time limit for filing a debt claim in the UAE?

Limitation periods vary by debt type — commercial debts are generally subject to a ten-year period, cheques to shorter ones. Because deadlines differ and can be interrupted by acknowledgment or partial payment, have your case assessed as early as possible.

How much does a debt collection lawyer cost in Dubai?

After reviewing your documents we quote a fixed fee per stage, and for well-documented claims we can agree a partial success-fee structure so our interests are aligned with your recovery.

Recover What You Are Owed — Start Today

Send us the debt documents for a free initial assessment. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com.

Every business decision in the UAE — the licence you choose, the shareholder agreement you sign, the contract clause you accept — carries legal consequences under UAE company law. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants advises companies of every size, from Deira trading houses to international groups entering the UAE market, on corporate structuring, commercial contracts, and business disputes before the Dubai Courts.

Our corporate lawyers in Dubai combine Emirati court advocacy with practical commercial advice: we draft the agreements that prevent disputes, and we litigate them when prevention fails.

Corporate & Commercial Legal Services in Dubai

• Company Formation and Structuring: Choosing the right legal form under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies — mainland LLC, free zone entity, branch, or sole establishment — and preparing the memorandum of association, shareholder resolutions, and licensing documentation. We advise on 100% foreign ownership eligibility and the activities that still require Emirati participation.
• Commercial Contracts and Agreements: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating supply agreements, distribution and agency contracts, franchise agreements, joint venture agreements, NDAs, and memoranda of understanding — bilingual Arabic/English, enforceable in the UAE courts.
• Shareholder and Partnership Disputes: Deadlock between partners, minority shareholder oppression, breach of the MOA, disputes over profit distribution, and company dissolution claims. We resolve these through negotiation where possible and litigation where necessary.
• Commercial Litigation: Representation before the Dubai Commercial Court in claims for breach of contract, non-payment, agency termination compensation, and trade disputes, through first instance, appeal, and cassation.
• Corporate Compliance and Governance: Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) registration, ESR and AML obligations, board resolutions, and regulatory correspondence with the Department of Economy and Tourism and free zone authorities.
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Share Transfers: Due diligence, share purchase agreements, and completion formalities before the notary and licensing authorities.
• Arbitration: Representation in DIAC arbitration proceedings and enforcement or annulment of arbitral awards before the Dubai Courts.

Why Businesses Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates

Most commercial disputes in Dubai are decided on documents — the contract wording, the correspondence, the licence records. As litigators, we draft every contract knowing how a Dubai judge will read it three years later. As an Emirati firm with full rights of audience, we take your case from the first demand letter to final execution against the debtor's assets without handing it to outside counsel.

We act for manufacturers, trading companies, contractors, real estate developers, healthcare providers, and family businesses across Dubai and the wider UAE, with all work delivered in Arabic and English.

UAE Company Law — What Business Owners Ask Us Most

• Foreign ownership: Most commercial and industrial activities on the Dubai mainland now allow 100% foreign ownership, but specific strategic activities still require Emirati shareholding. We confirm the position for your activity before you commit.
• Unlimited liability risk: Signing personal guarantees or security cheques for company debts remains the single biggest personal risk for business owners in the UAE. We restructure guarantees and negotiate their release wherever possible.
• Agency and distribution: Registered commercial agencies enjoy strong statutory protection, and terminating one without cause can trigger significant compensation. Get advice before signing or terminating any agency arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions — Corporate Law in Dubai

Do I need a corporate lawyer to set up a company in Dubai?

Formation agents can process licences, but only a lawyer protects your position between partners: the memorandum of association, shareholder agreement, and exit provisions determine what happens when the relationship sours. Getting these right at the start costs a fraction of litigating them later.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Yes, for most activities — both in the free zones and, since the 2021 reforms, on the mainland. A limited list of strategic-impact activities still requires UAE national participation. We verify your specific activity code before incorporation.

How are commercial disputes resolved in Dubai?

Through the Dubai Courts (Arabic-language civil law proceedings), DIFC Courts (English-language common law, where jurisdiction applies), or arbitration if the contract contains an arbitration clause. The dispute-resolution clause in your contract decides the forum — which is why we scrutinise it before you sign.

What happens if a business partner breaches our agreement?

We start with a formal legal notice, which resolves a surprising number of disputes. If not, remedies include claims for damages, specific performance, dissolution of the company, or emergency attachment of assets to secure the claim before judgment.

How much do corporate legal services cost in Dubai?

Contract drafting and company formation work is quoted at fixed fees. Litigation is quoted per stage (first instance, appeal, execution) so you always know the total exposure before proceeding.

Talk to a Corporate Lawyer in Dubai

Whether you are forming a company, reviewing a contract, or facing a business dispute, call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com for a consultation at our Deira, Dubai office.

A criminal accusation in the UAE moves fast: an arrest, a police statement, referral to Public Prosecution, and a court date can all happen within days. What you say in the first police interview often decides the case. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants provides urgent criminal defence representation across Dubai — from the police station to the Court of Cassation — for residents, visitors, and businesses.

As a licensed Emirati law firm, our advocates have full rights of audience before all Dubai criminal courts and appear before Public Prosecution daily. We defend clients in Arabic, the language of the proceedings, and keep you informed in English at every step.

Criminal Cases We Defend in Dubai

• Cybercrime and Online Offences: Charges under the UAE Cybercrime Law are among the most common cases against expatriates — defamation through WhatsApp or social media, online insults, hacking allegations, electronic fraud, and blackmail. Many of these cases can be resolved through early settlement or by challenging the technical evidence.
• Drug and Alcohol Offences: Possession, use, and trace-quantity cases, including airport transit arrests. We pursue every available defence and, where applicable, rehabilitation alternatives to imprisonment available under UAE law.
• Financial Crimes and Fraud: Breach of trust, embezzlement, forgery, money laundering allegations, and fraud complaints — defending the accused and filing complaints for victims.
• Bounced Cheque Cases: Although most bounced cheque matters are now civil, criminal liability still applies in specific circumstances such as bad-faith conduct. We defend cheque cases and negotiate settlements that lift travel bans and close police files.
• Assault, Theft and Public Order Offences: From workplace altercations to theft accusations, we build the defence from CCTV, witness statements, and forensic reports.
• Travel Ban and Arrest Warrant Removal: We check for travel bans, identify the underlying case, and file the applications or settlements required to lift the ban so you can travel again.
• Bail Applications and Criminal Appeals: Urgent bail requests before Public Prosecution, appeals against conviction and sentence, and cassation challenges on points of law.

What To Do If You Are Arrested or Called by Dubai Police

• Do not sign a statement you do not fully understand. Police statements are recorded in Arabic. You are entitled to a translator — and to legal advice before questioning in many circumstances. Call us first.
• Act within the deadlines. Appeals against criminal judgments must be filed within 15 days. Missing the deadline usually means the conviction becomes final.
• Preserve the evidence. Screenshots, chat logs, contracts, and CCTV footage disappear quickly. We move immediately to secure what supports your defence.

Why Clients Trust Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates in Criminal Matters

Criminal defence in Dubai is local work. It depends on knowing how the Dubai Public Prosecution processes files, which cases can be settled before referral to court, and how the criminal courts assess evidence. Our founding advocate and team have handled thousands of criminal files in the Dubai Courts, and our Deira office sits minutes from the main court complex — which matters when a bail hearing is scheduled with hours of notice.

Every criminal case is treated with strict confidentiality. We tell you honestly whether to fight, settle, or negotiate — and what each path will cost.

Frequently Asked Questions — Criminal Law in Dubai

Can a criminal case in Dubai be settled or withdrawn?

Many cases — including defamation, minor assault, and some financial complaints — can end if the complainant waives the complaint, often as part of a negotiated settlement. Certain offences, however, proceed regardless of waiver. We advise on which category your case falls into before recommending a strategy.

How do I check if I have a travel ban in the UAE?

Travel bans can be checked through Dubai Police channels and the courts using your Emirates ID or passport details. As your legal representatives, we can verify the existence of a ban, identify the case behind it, and take the steps needed to lift it.

Will I go to jail for a bounced cheque in Dubai?

Since the 2022 amendments, most bounced cheques are handled as civil debt matters rather than crimes. Criminal liability remains in limited cases, such as issuing a cheque with intent to defraud. Either way, the debt itself remains enforceable, so early legal advice on settlement is essential.

Can I leave the UAE while a criminal case is ongoing?

It depends on whether Public Prosecution or the court has imposed a travel ban or holds your passport. In some cases we can apply for the return of a passport or the lifting of a ban pending judgment, sometimes against a guarantee.

Do I need a lawyer for a police complaint filed against me?

Yes — the earlier, the better. The police and prosecution stage is where cases are most often won, settled, or closed before ever reaching a courtroom.

Urgent Criminal Defence — Contact Us Now

If you or a family member is facing arrest, questioning, or charges in Dubai, call +971 55 767 9696 or message us on WhatsApp for an immediate, confidential consultation. Arabic and English spoken.

When a family matter reaches the courts, the outcome shapes the rest of your life — your children, your finances, and your right to remain in the UAE. Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants is an Emirati-led law firm in Deira, Dubai, representing UAE nationals and expatriates in every type of personal status case before the Dubai Courts, from divorce and child custody to alimony, guardianship, and inheritance.

Our family lawyers in Dubai handle these cases in both Arabic and English, appear before the Personal Status Courts daily, and understand how UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status — and the separate civil family law for non-Muslims — applies to your specific nationality and circumstances.

Family & Personal Status Cases We Handle in Dubai

• Divorce for Muslims and Non-Muslims: We represent husbands and wives in contested and mutual-consent divorce before the Dubai Personal Status Court and the Civil Family Court for non-Muslims. Expatriates may request that the law of their home country be applied — a decision that can significantly change the financial outcome. We advise on which law works in your favour before filing.
• Child Custody and Visitation: UAE law distinguishes between custody (day-to-day care) and guardianship (financial and legal responsibility). We act for mothers and fathers in custody disputes, visitation rights, travel consent, and relocation cases, always building the case around the best interests of the child as the courts require.
• Alimony and Child Support (Nafaqa): We file and defend claims for spousal maintenance, child support, housing allowance, and educational expenses, and we enforce alimony judgments against non-paying parties through the execution courts.
• Marriage Contracts and Prenuptial Agreements: Drafting and reviewing marriage contracts that protect assets and clarify financial obligations under UAE law.
• Guardianship and Parental Rights: Applications for guardianship of minors, disputes over schooling and medical decisions, and protection of a parent's role after separation.
• Inheritance, Wills and Probate: Estate distribution for Muslims under Sharia and for non-Muslims under registered wills (DIFC Wills and Dubai Courts wills), probate applications, and disputes between heirs.
• Domestic Violence Protection: Urgent protection orders and criminal complaints, handled with complete confidentiality.

Why Choose Rashid Al Suwaidi Advocates for Your Family Case

Family cases are won on preparation and local court experience. As a licensed Emirati advocacy firm, we hold full rights of audience before all Dubai Courts — Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation — so the lawyer who prepares your case is the lawyer who argues it. Our office in Deira's Business Village is minutes from the Dubai Courts complex, and we manage every stage: amicable settlement through the Family Guidance Committee, litigation, appeal, and enforcement of the final judgment.

We know that most clients come to us during the hardest period of their lives. You will always know the realistic strengths and weaknesses of your case, the expected timeline, and the full costs before we file anything.

How Divorce Works in Dubai — The Process

• Step 1 — Family Guidance Committee: Most divorce cases begin with mandatory conciliation at the Family Guidance section of Dubai Courts. If no settlement is reached, a referral letter (no-objection) is issued allowing the case to proceed to court.
• Step 2 — Filing the Case: We draft the statement of claim covering divorce, custody, alimony, and financial rights in a single strategic filing, in Arabic as required by the courts.
• Step 3 — Hearings and Judgment: We represent you at every hearing, submit memoranda and evidence, and cross-examine where needed. Straightforward cases typically conclude within three to six months.
• Step 4 — Appeal and Enforcement: If a judgment needs to be challenged or enforced — including collection of unpaid alimony or handover of custody — our execution team completes the process.

Frequently Asked Questions — Family Law in Dubai

Can an expat get divorced in Dubai?

Yes. Any resident of the UAE can file for divorce in Dubai regardless of nationality or where the marriage took place. Non-Muslim expatriates can choose to divorce under the UAE civil family law or request the application of their home country's law.

Who gets custody of children after divorce in the UAE?

For Muslims, the mother is usually the custodian of young children while the father remains the guardian, though the court always rules based on the child's best interests. For non-Muslims, the default position under the civil family law is joint custody, which either parent can ask the court to vary.

How much does a divorce lawyer in Dubai cost?

Legal fees depend on whether the divorce is by mutual consent or contested, and whether custody and financial claims are disputed. We provide a fixed, written fee quotation after the first consultation, so there are no surprises.

How long does a divorce take in Dubai?

A mutual-consent divorce can be completed in a few weeks. A contested divorce with custody and alimony claims typically takes three to six months at first instance, longer if appealed.

Can I claim alimony if my ex-husband lives outside the UAE?

Yes. Alimony judgments issued by the Dubai Courts can be enforced against assets in the UAE, and the UAE has reciprocal enforcement arrangements with several countries. We advise on the practical enforcement route in your specific situation.

Speak to a Family Lawyer in Dubai Today

Every family case begins with a confidential consultation at our Deira office or by phone. Call +971 55 767 9696, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@ralsuwaidi.com. Arabic and English spoken.