Latest news with #DubaiCourts


Gulf Today
19 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai merchant who owes Dhs13.6 million declared bankrupt
Dubai Civil Court of Appeal upheld the bankruptcy of a merchant and appointed an expert to liquidate his assets and settle his obligations to creditors. The decision came after all previous attempts to resolve his financial situation had been exhausted and he had ceased to pay his debts. The case dated back to May 2024, when a merchant (the debtor) filed a request to initiate bankruptcy proceedings, citing his deteriorating financial situation and failure to pay his debts for over 30 working days. The debtor had previously filed an insolvency application with Dubai Courts, but the court rejected his request after reviewing the accounting expert's report. The debtor appealed the verdict, but the Court of Appeal upheld the decision issued by the Court of First Instance and rejected the appeal in form and content. The case papers indicated that, in light of the merchant's ongoing financial difficulties, he once again filed for bankruptcy. The Court of First Instance reviewed the application and appointed an expert to assess his financial situation. The court ordered the debtor to submit all documents relating to the companies he was associated with and the percentage of his shares in them. These companies were found to be affiliated with a food company. The court decided to accept the request to initiate bankruptcy proceedings and the trustee began his task and prepared a final list of accepted debts including four creditors with total claims amounting to Dhs13.6 million. While no grievances were filed against the list, some banks requested that the case be dismissed for not meeting the legal requirements stipulated in article 73 of the bankruptcy law. The court, however, continued the proceedings and issued its ruling declaring the merchant's bankrupt, with the trustee still appointed to carry out inventory and liquidation operations and distribute the proceeds to creditors. Dr. Alaa Nasr, the merchant's legal representative, said that the verdict includes exempting the debtor of the task of managing his funds and ordering him to hand over all documents and assets to the trustee within five days. The court also ordered a seizure of all his balances and properties including bank accounts, real estate and vehicles on a precautionary basis, while assigning the competent authorities to disclose any property belonging to him. In addition, the court obligated him to submit the financial statements and profits of the companies in which he owned shares.


Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Maktoum bin Mohammed chairs Dubai Judicial Council meeting, approves appointment of judicial inspectors
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, chaired a meeting of the Dubai Judicial Council as part of his regular follow-up on matters related to the judicial authority and its members, as well as the authority's strategic plans. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum approved the appointment of several judicial inspectors within the Judicial Inspection Authority under its notified appointments plan for 2025, and in line with the Authority's growing role as a supervisory entity that supports the Dubai judiciary. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum also approved the enrolment of 14 judicial trainees into the Judicial and Legal Studies programme, part of Dubai Courts' initiative to induct qualified Emirati judges. Sheikh Maktoum approved a resolution on the secondment of judiciary members as part of efforts to help them enhance their qualifications and exposure to judicial best practices. The budget outlays for judicial appointments and promotions for 2026 were also approved during the meeting. He also reviewed results of the Community Confidence in Dubai Judicial System survey for 2024, which elicited feedback from diverse segments and sectors and mirrored an increase in public confidence to 86%. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum said, 'Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has established an advanced judicial system to meet future demand and ensure swift justice and the rule of law. The appointment of judicial inspectors, the development of secondment programmes for judiciary members, and the enrolment of judicial trainees in the Judicial and Legal Studies programme are all part of ongoing efforts to enhance the judicial system's efficiency and empower national talent.' The section of the survey that rated public satisfaction in terms of access to legal information showed that 92 percent of respondents were pleased with responses they received when interacting with judicial bodies. This data underscores the effectiveness of services offered by judicial departments and their digital channels in providing legal information, as these represent the public's preferred modes of accessing legal services. As for the role of judicial entities in upholding justice and protecting rights and freedoms, 87% of survey respondents affirmed that Dubai's judicial entities ensured respect for cultural diversity, while 89 percent acknowledged the efforts of these entities to ensure universal justice within the community. Furthermore, 90.41 percent of respondents affirmed the judiciary's role in safeguarding rights and freedoms, and 86 percent expressed the belief that reliable mechanisms are in place to audit the effectiveness of the judicial system. Among those surveyed, 87 percent stated that the judiciary treats all segments of society equally and impartially, reflecting high public confidence in Dubai's judicial system. Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, stated, 'The overall improvement reflected in the survey stems from several factors, most notably in the form of key legislative measures and the constant efforts exerted by the Judicial Council and other judicial entities to innovate, develop, and modernise projects aimed at enhancing the judicial system.' Dr. Al Sabousi emphasised the ongoing coordination among various judicial entities in Dubai, under the constant supervision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum in his capacity as Chairman of the Judicial Council, to evaluate and further improve services provided by the judicial bodies in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to showcase Dubai as a global model for swift and efficient justice. The meeting was attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of H.H. The Dubai Ruler's Court and Deputy Chairman of the Judicial Council; Counsellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai; Judge Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Dubai Courts; Judge Dr. Abdulla Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council; and members of the Council. The Dubai Judicial Council strives to realise Dubai's vision for a robust and independent judiciary, fostering ethical conduct and ensuring the dignity, integrity, and competence of its members. Committed to upholding justice, equality, and the rule of law, the Council endeavours to support Dubai's sustainable development through a fair, impartial, modern, and effective judicial system. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


Hi Dubai
12-05-2025
- Hi Dubai
UAE: How to Verify a Travel Ban Related to Credit Card Debt?
Question: I defaulted on several credit card payments after losing my job, and although I've settled some of the debts, I no longer have records of those payments. I need to travel urgently to my home country, but I'm unsure if any legal cases or travel bans are still in effect. How can I check my legal status, and am I allowed to leave the UAE if any cases are pending? Answer: A UAE resident who defaulted on multiple credit cards after losing their job is now facing an urgent need to travel to their home country — but without proof of cleared payments, they are unsure if any legal cases or travel bans remain. This raises a critical question: how can one check their legal status, and is it possible to leave the UAE if any financial cases are pending? Under UAE banking regulations, missing three consecutive or six non-consecutive monthly payments can result in default status, allowing banks to demand full repayment without prior court action. This clause is outlined in Article 4(4) of the Personal Loan Agreement format approved by the UAE Central Bank. If a bank takes the matter to court and the outstanding amount exceeds Dh10,000, a judge can impose a travel ban. This falls under Article 324 of Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022. A travel ban remains in place until the debt is cleared, though it can be lifted if the creditor consents in writing, if the debtor provides a sufficient guarantee, or if the full debt is deposited with the court. Other conditions for lifting a ban include creditor inaction—such as failing to file a case within eight days of the ban or not initiating enforcement within 30 days of a final judgment. A ban may also lapse if three years pass without enforcement or if the individual's UAE stay becomes illegal and deportation is ordered. To avoid complications, anyone unsure about pending cases or travel restrictions should confirm their legal status before attempting to leave the country. This can be done through the Dubai Police Smart App, at a local police station, or by checking with Dubai Courts. Engaging a UAE-based lawyer to conduct the checks and represent the individual may also be a prudent step. Civil proceedings, not criminal charges, typically follow credit card default—especially if no post-dated cheques were involved. But even civil cases can lead to significant legal and travel limitations if left unresolved. For those in similar situations, proactive legal verification is essential to avoid unexpected airport detentions or denied departures. News Source: Khaleej Times


Hi Dubai
26-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Courts Enhances Customer Engagement with ‘Leaders at Your Service' Initiative
Dubai Courts continues to strengthen customer engagement and transparency through its 'Leaders at Your Service' initiative, designed to facilitate direct communication between customers and court leadership. This initiative streamlines judicial and administrative services, ensuring faster procedures and easier access for individuals and institutions. Abdullah Al Rayes, Director of the Customer Happiness Department, emphasized the initiative's role in enhancing customer experience and improving service efficiency. 'At Dubai Courts, we are committed to fostering transparency and strengthening communication channels. 'Leaders at Your Service' allows customers to interact directly with court leadership, ensuring swift and effective resolution of their inquiries,' he stated. The initiative aims to reduce processing time, provide comprehensive responses, and enhance public trust in the judicial system. Al Rayes further highlighted that this service reinforces Dubai's position as a global hub for justice, by creating an interactive and accessible environment that prioritizes customer satisfaction. By simplifying procedures and improving service delivery, Dubai Courts continues its mission to offer a seamless, efficient, and responsive judicial experience, aligning with the emirate's broader vision of excellence in governance. News Source: Dubai Media Office


Hi Dubai
24-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Courts Unveils Ambitious 2025-2029 Strategic Plan to Drive Judicial Innovation
Dubai has taken a significant step towards reinforcing its global leadership in judicial excellence with the approval of the Dubai Courts Strategic Plan 2025-2029. Endorsed by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, the plan aims to establish Dubai as a benchmark for efficient and technologically advanced justice. The strategic plan aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a global model for judicial innovation. It focuses on pioneering judicial performance, integrated judicial services, future-ready institutional capabilities, and an advanced digital judicial system. With 42 key initiatives, the plan is structured around ensuring swift justice, enhancing transparency, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI to optimize judicial processes. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum commended the efforts of Dubai Courts in developing a forward-thinking judicial system that keeps pace with global changes. He emphasized that the strategy would enhance Dubai's appeal as the world's best place to live and do business by streamlining litigation procedures, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and ensuring the seamless execution of court rulings. Prof. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Dubai Courts, highlighted that the new plan is a proactive response to rapid legislative and technological transformations. He reaffirmed Dubai Courts' commitment to investing in AI and sustainable governance to enhance judicial efficiency and deliver high-quality legal services. With this comprehensive plan, Dubai Courts aims to reinforce trust in the judiciary, uphold the rule of law, and set a new global benchmark for judicial efficiency and innovation. News Source: Emirates News Agency