1. What types of legal services do you offer?

We offer a complete legal services, covering the different branches of law, including family law, criminal law, civil litigation, commercial law, construction disputes, arbitration, inheritance and the issues related with real estate. We also provide assistance in contract drafting, corporate advisory, labor disputes and representation before the UAE courts including DIFC and ADGM courts.

2. Can you represent individuals and companies?

Yes, our firm represents both the individuals and corporate clients across the UAE and internationally. Our legal team advises the private clients, expatriates, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large companies in various legal and commercial matters.

3. How experienced is the Dr. Hassan Elhais?

Dr. Hassan Elhais is a prominent legal consultant in the UAE with almost 20 years of legal experience in family, criminal, inheritance and arbitration matters. He has been awarded several international awards including “Legal Consultant of the Year" for several times.

4. Where are you located and how do I contact you?

We have offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Dubai office located in 37th Floor, Latifa Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road. Clients can contact the firm through the official website, by calling the given telephone numbers, or by scheduling a consultation with the legal team.

5. How quickly can you provide a consultation?

We are willing to provide legal assistance timely, and we can usually schedule a consultation in a short time frame, depending on the urgency and complexity of the situation. We offer in-person and remote consultations to the clients in the UAE and outside of the UAE.

6. What makes you different from other law firms in Dubai?

Our firm has earned high recognition for the ability to combine the UAE legal expertise with an extensive international experience and client-focused representation. The presence of the highly renowned legal professional Dr. Hassan Elhais, further strengthens the reputation of the firm in handling the complex and sensitive legal matters with professionalism and strategic insight.

7. Do you handle international cases or cross border issues?

Yes, Dr. Hassan Elhais often advises our clients on the international and cross-border legal matters, such as family disputes, relocation cases, foreign judgments, issues related with inheritance, and the international business transactions. And our team has extensive experience in supporting expatriates and multinational clients in the various jurisdictions.

8. Do you assist with contract drafting and review?

Yes, we are providing professional legal services for contract drafting, legal review and negotiation of commercial, civil, employment, construction and partnership agreements. We also provide bilingual legal reviews to the clients to ensure compliance with the laws of UAE and the interests of the client.

9. Do you handle construction-related disputes?

Yes, we do handle the disputes related to construction law; our specialized team advises the clients on construction law matters, including contractor disputes, project delays, payment claims, FIDIC contracts, arbitration, and construction-related litigation. Our legal consultants assist developers, contractors, subcontractors, and property owners throughout the process of dispute resolution.

10. Can you represent me in criminal cases?

Yes, we are handling a wide range of criminal matters like financial crimes, cyber related crime, fraud, assault, defamation, and regulatory violations. Dr. Hassan Elhais is particularly recognized for his experience in the complex criminal cases and the criminal defense representation within the UAE legal system.

11. Do you provide family law services like divorce or child custody?

Yes, our firm has an extensive range of experience in the area of family law including divorce, child custody, alimony, guardianship, inheritance and international relocation disputes. The team regularly provides sensitive and confidential legal support to the expats and for the local families.

12. Do you offer legal support for real estate transactions?

Yes, our team provides legal assistance for real estate matters like sale of the property, purchases, leasing, development agreements, and real estate disputes. Our lawyers also advise the clients on due diligence, contract verification, property ownership regulations, and for the investment-related legal matters in the UAE.

Ask Elhais

Answered by Dr. Hassan Elhais
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The construction of the building was never completed, can I be refunded for a flat I bought?

Civil Law

June 26, 2018

I invested in a construction project by purchasing a flat for myself in UAE in 2008. Construction of the building halted in early 2009. Am I entitled to get a refund for my money under the terms of the contract?

Answer: If construction stops for longer than six months, which seems to be the case for you, and if the anticipated completion date and the grace period have expired, you should have the right to request termination of a signed contract with a seller and request a full refund of the amount paid by you along with 9 per cent interest estimated from the date of filing a case until the date of the full payment is made by the seller.

Prior to deciding if you should file a case, it is advised to check the jurisdiction clause in your contract to find out if it is agreed between both parties whether the dispute, if any, shall be considered by Arbitration or through the local courts.

It could be worth checking with the Land Department if the project has been cancelled as, if it is cancelled, you might not be able to file a case at all. You may submit the request for refund of your amount through the proper legal channels then.

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