26-04-2025
Gulf Citizen's lawsuit backfires, ordered to repay parents Dh9.8 million
Dubai: A Gulf citizen has filed a lawsuit against his parents, demanding they pay him Dh59.5 million for expenses he claimed to have spent on their behalf. However, following a detailed review, Dubai's Civil Court ruled that the son was, in fact, indebted to his parents and ordered him to pay them Dh7.2 million.
According to court records, the son sought Dh35.7 million from his father and Dh18.6 million from his mother, along with an additional Dh5.3 million dirhams for expenses he claimed were spent jointly for their benefit. He also demanded 5 per cent legal interest calculated from the date of filing.
The son based his claim on his 17-year involvement in managing his parents' properties, real estate projects, and companies under a general power of attorney granted by his father. He claimed that he dedicated his full efforts to enhance their assets, establishing companies to execute construction, maintenance, and service operations at minimal profit to himself.
The dispute arose after delays in payment of his alleged dues. The son claimed that his parents, after years of harmonious cooperation, suddenly revoked his power of attorney without informing him while he was still executing projects on their behalf. He also said he faced a wave of lawsuits from creditors due to the unresolved payments and sought an amicable resolution, but ultimately turned to the courts after negotiations failed.
In response, the parents, represented by legal consultant Mohammed Najib, filed a counterclaim. They stated that the son had been working in a modest government job before they entrusted him with managing their estates and finances. Through a general power of attorney, they gave him extensive authority over properties, bank accounts, vehicles, and companies. In addition, they supported him financially to establish his own businesses.
However, according to the parents, the son exploited this trust, setting up companies in sectors such as carpentry, electricity, plumbing, engineering consultancy, aluminum, and glass, to capture contracts related to their properties. They accused him of diverting substantial benefits to himself.
The relationship deteriorated when the father discovered alleged financial and technical irregularities amounting to over Dh100 million. Despite repeated requests, the son allegedly delayed providing complete financial disclosures, leading to the cancellation of his power of attorney. Following this, he initiated court action against his parents for unpaid dues.
An earlier forensic audit in related legal disputes found that the son owed his father approximately Dh31 million and had manipulated financial records to falsely claim entitlements.
In the present case, the court appointed an independent expert who concluded that while the son had legitimately spent Dh2.6 million on behalf of his parents, he owed them approximately Dh9.8 million overall.
