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  • Crackdown on illegal sharing: Dubai housing law allows surprise, routine inspections

    civil law

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    September 02, 2026

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    323 views

    Dubai’s new shared housing law allows authorities to conduct regular and surprise inspections in response to complaints about overcrowding, illegal partitions and unauthorised shared housing, while safeguarding residents’ legal rights and privacy.

  • Can parents in the UAE be criminally liable for their minor children’s actions?

    civil law

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    June 30, 2026

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    660 views

    Parents in the UAE are generally not criminally responsible for crimes committed by their children. However, they may face civil liability for damages or criminal penalties in cases involving neglect, failure to supervise, or other legal breaches. Legal experts explain when parental liability arises, available defenses, and the importance of proper supervision under UAE law.

  • New UAE civil law takes effect June 1: How it will reshape daily life and business

    civil law

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    May 31, 2026

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    989 views

    The UAE’s new Civil Transactions Law, effective from 1 June 2026, introduces major reforms to the country’s civil legal framework. Key changes include lowering the legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18, strengthening good-faith obligations during contract negotiations, clarifying compensation and liability rules, and enhancing the enforcement of civil judgments. The law aims to promote transparency, accountability, and legal certainty for individuals and businesses while encouraging better record-keeping and clearer contractual practices across the UAE.

  • Dubai mandates official registration for shared housing tenancy contracts

    civil law

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    March 15, 2026

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    1125 views

    New rules aim to strengthen tenant rights and regulate shared accommodation

  • Are you confident your insurance shields you from unexpected weather woes in the UAE?

    civil law

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    November 20, 2023

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    2979 views

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms struck the Emirates on Friday, causing disruption. The wet weather caused 13 flights to be redirected away from Dubai International Airport, while waterlogged streets across the country have caused significant delays for motorists.

  • How Does Dubai's Online Fine Payment Service Impact Travel Ban Procedures?

    civil law

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    August 09, 2023

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    6338 views

    Dr Hassan Elhais provides expert commentary on Dubai Public Prosecution's new online service for paying court fines and lifting travel bans. This innovative system allows defendants to pay court fines digitally, leading to the automatic lifting of travel bans. Dr Elhais explains that previously, individuals had to navigate a more complex process involving both the prosecution and police. With the new service, fines paid electronically will automatically revoke related bans, making the process more efficient.

  • Couple whose dog dies in daycare want to warn of the dangers

    civil law

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    July 27, 2021

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    4732 views

    A couple lost a beloved dog after she was left forgotten in the backseat of a pet daycare car, after two years of using the same service. The couple, who did not want to press charges against the centre, spoke to The National about the traumatic experience. In this article, I share the laws that apply to those tasked with caring for animals including that enough trained staff are available to ensure the wellbeing of the pet. Animal owners have the right to file a civil case against the company and responsible person to cover any associated costs and moral harm that occurs as a result.

  • My car was indirectly damaged during a building fire - what can I do?

    civil law

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    May 12, 2020

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    5199 views

    People whose cars and possessions were damaged as a consequence of falling debris from a residential blaze in Sharjah should be able to claim insurance from the building's insurance provider, as I explain in a Gulf Today article. Fire insurance includes provision against damage resulting both directly and indirectly from a fire, although any civil case from a claim has to be filed within three years due to a statute of limitation. In the article I explain that this coverage should apply to both residents of the building and any visitors whose cars or possessions were damaged or destroyed by the Abbco Tower fire, which gutted the building.

  • Containing the pandemic - fines introduced to stop violations

    civil law

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    March 30, 2020

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    5563 views

    In an article in The National newspaper on new measures that allow police to fine anyone violating restrictions on movement introduced to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus virus, our lawyers Dr Hassan Elhais contribute explanations about what members of the public can expect. Dr Elhais explains that police have been authorised to issue the fines and will coordinate with government departments to ensure they are paid.

  • Stopping the COVID-19 spread - what new fines mean for UAE residents

    civil law

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    March 29, 2020

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    5406 views

    Dr Hassan Elhais explains what new penalties introduced by the UAE Attorney General mean in practice for UAE residents, including fines of between Dh500 and Dh50,000 for those found in violation. The rules also mean violators must pay any costs associated with damages their violations have caused. Fines will be apply to those found outside their homes if they are not going to work or to buy necessary food or medicine, she said.

  • Are you a victim of Medical Negligence or Malpractice?

    civil law

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    December 24, 2019

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    6269 views

    Medical awareness amongst society, consumer rights and advancement in medicines and complexity in medical applicability caused a significant raise in medical malpractice cases in UAE and in most other countries. Considering the provisions of UAE Medical Liability Law, an earlier patient and now a victim of medical malpractice can raise a complaint against the doctor or the hospital for medical malpractice or negligence either before Health Authority or UAE Courts or a raise a criminal complaint against the medical professional to establish his guilt and sough compensation for the loss incurred.

  • Could I be punished for eating in public during Ramadan?

    civil law

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    May 05, 2019

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    8190 views

    During the holy month of Ramadan, it is a crime to eat or drink in public. Those caught will face a fine of up to Dh2000 and/or a month in prison. Penalties similarly apply to any outlets that encourage patrons to eat or drink outside during Ramadan and could be shut down for up to a month. I am quoted in UC News explaining the law applies equally to Muslims and non-Muslims in the UAE and ignorance of the law is no defence – often defendants claim they were unaware of the existence of sanctions but this does not hold any sway with the court. I recommend all UAE residents inform themselves of local laws.

  • How can I file a case against a hospital that mistreated my child?

    civil law

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    June 03, 2018

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    7349 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed medical compensation. For all the car accidental medical compensation, the court has an absolute discretionary power to decide the compensation amount. Moreover, the compensation for medical negligence can also be filed in the civil courts of Dubai.

  • Can I be refunded for a flat I bought for which construction was never completed?

    civil law

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    May 27, 2018

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    8685 views

    In my publication this week, I discuss about purchasing a flat in UAE, if the construction is stopped after signing the contract, then the costumer can claim for refund by agreed legal channel. Second concern is about accidental death, if the driver had a valid insurance, then the court will order for death compensation from the driver and the insurance company, the driver’s lawyer can go for the Appeal in Supreme Court within two months.

  • What are my rights as a consumer if I buy something online?

    civil law

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    March 25, 2018

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    8791 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the UAE law No 24 of 2006, which explicitly gave the protection to the consumers living in UAE.

  • How do I protect myself from property agency fraud?

    civil law

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    February 25, 2018

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    8695 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed two subjects (1) cautions need to be taken before renting a property in UAE such as, needs to be in direct contact with the Landlord, ask for the title deed copy, ask for the registered Ijari, avoid agents, and if necessary then ask the agent's license and POA issued to the agent by the landlord together with all possible contact information with the landlord and agent. Secondly, I discussed and explained the enforcement procedure of foreign Court order in UAE pursuant to article 235 of UAE Civil Procedure Code.

  • A cheque I issued bounced, will I go to jail?

    civil law

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    February 05, 2018

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    13181 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about legal implications of a cheque bounce case, particularly if the value of the dishonored cheque is less than AED 200,000. I also discussed about applicable governing law with regard to sale of assets.

  • Must a civil case be filed to have medical bills from a car accident paid?

    civil law

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    January 21, 2018

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    7719 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the legal procedure for filing a personal injury or a compensation case. I also discussed the aggravating circumstances in a Cyber Crime.

  • Investor wins reimbursement for Dubai housing project that was never built

    civil law

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    December 24, 2017

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    7724 views

    In my publication this week, I reaffirm foreign investors' confidence by successfully claiming and executing an amount of AED 1.5 million dirhams. This was the amount paid by the client towards an incomplete property. I have successfully cancelled the property purchase agreement according to the terms of the agreement, and was able to join all parties as co-defendants who were responsible for re-leasing/re-selling the land on which the property was so be built. The client received his last installment of the repayment which included the principal and the interest of 9%.

  • Court rejects Ebola outbreak excuse by mining firm

    civil law

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    December 04, 2017

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    6681 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about a case where I got a judgment in favour of my client where the local courts rejected a Dubai-based company's excuse of 'Ebola virus outbreak' to halt excavations, which accrued millions of dollars in losses to a drilling company as a result of an equipment damage. The case was filed at the Dubai Civil Court against the respondent firm on June 16 last year after which the court assigned an audit to travel to the locations and present a report. The court affirmed expert’s findings and ruled in favour of client.

  • Is it illegal to charge interest when loaning someone money?

    civil law

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    November 11, 2017

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    10533 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about "community service" as the available punishment for misdemeanor offenses. I explained various types of community services available to the courts and also explained the relevant legislation which judges refer to before conviction.

  • UAE judges now have 19 options for community service sentences

    civil law

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    November 10, 2017

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    11295 views

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ordered three men to clean the Dubai zoo as community service in March. UAE judges can now choose from 19 options when handing out community service sentences. Government of Dubai Media Office Sentencing judges have a choice from 19 different types of community service including helping others to memorise the holy Quran and carrying out work at petrol stations, according to a decree providing further detail on last year's move to allow alternative punishments to prison terms for petty crimes.

  • Can I avoid jail if I pay the back the amount I owe from a bounced cheque?

    civil law

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    November 04, 2017

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    9309 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the legalities of using fax as a means of communication as a viable evidence in a legal case. I also discussed about the process for stopping the proceedings in a cheque bounce case in the event of full payment of dishonored cheque.

  • Friend refused my goodwill gesture over loan but now says he won't pay

    civil law

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    October 28, 2017

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    7671 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the lender's right to collect the money lent even after the rejection of initial offered sum. I also discussed about using a letter of admission in order to claim a commercial debt.

  • I Agreed to Pay Friend after Sale of Car but Now He's Threatening to Sue

    civil law

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    September 10, 2017

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    6924 views

    In my publication this week, I explained few basic principles of contract law where obligation under a contract was subject to a fulfillment of a specific condition. I also explained the minimum threshold to appeal the cases to court of cassation.

  • Company I Bought Goods From Didn't Deliver and Has Closed

    civil law

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    August 20, 2017

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    8091 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about legal implication for not using the abbreviation 'LLC' in a company's logo or stamp. I also discussed about the requirement of documentary evidence in a commercial transaction of the value of the transaction is greater than AED 5000.

  • What Are the Required Elements in a Compensation Case or Personal Injury Matter?

    civil law

    |

    May 20, 2017

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    8457 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the required elements in a compensation case or personal injury matter.

  • Can My UAE Company Lodge a Dispute With an International Company Locally?

    civil law

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    May 20, 2017

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    13953 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the importance of jurisdiction in a dispute, mainly the relevant factors.

  • What is the Basis for Filing a Compensation Case in a Case of Road Traffic Injury?

    civil law

    |

    May 13, 2017

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    8636 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the basis for filing a compensation case in a case of road traffic injury.

  • Is it Possible to Request the Return of a Cheque?

    civil law

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    May 13, 2017

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    7902 views

    In my publication this week, I discussed about the possible legal implications for requesting to return the issued cheque.

  • What Happens If I Bounce a Cheque?

    civil law

    |

    October 20, 2015

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    8020 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper I explained how financial institutions take actions against people who have issued bounced cheques and how to avoid becoming entangled in this; the rights of an employee to file a case against an employer who has not paid their salary; and the legal entitlement to a refund for a film...

  • Is Haggling for Products Legal?

    civil law

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    October 12, 2015

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    6239 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I discussed issues regarding harassment by sales people and the legal status of haggling in the country, which is unregulated and doesn't have specific provision to govern it under consumer protection law.

  • Rules Set by Hotels Are Not Law

    civil law

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    October 11, 2015

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    7945 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I outlined how banks, hotels, and other such institutions set their own rules and regulations on transactions.

  • Can I Complain to a Cinema If I Find a Movie Inappropriate

    civil law

    |

    October 08, 2015

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    7126 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained how the UAE censor board makes decisions regarding banning books and films, how credit cards are issued from the bank, and where to complain if your consumer rights have been violated.

  • Can I Import a Banned Book or Film?

    civil law

    |

    June 03, 2015

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    7161 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I discussed actions that consumers can take in order to secure refunds of payments in different cases such as for training or services and for online and local products.

  • Can I Get a Refund from a Personal Trainer

    civil law

    |

    June 20, 2015

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    8178 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I discussed actions that consumers can take in order to secure refunds of payments in different cases such as for training or services and for online and local products.

  • Am I Liable to Pay for Untouched Goods?

    civil law

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    May 21, 2015

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    7576 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the liabilities of a consumer in relation to untouched goods, car rental and the exchange of products.

  • Should Etisalat Compensate Me for 3 Days of No Service?

    civil law

    |

    May 14, 2015

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    7382 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I advised the correct action for a consumer to take upon buying a defective product with reference to the terms and conditions and evaluating the service or product quality compared with the expected result.

  • I'm Being Charged for a Credit Card I Didn't Want

    civil law

    |

    May 06, 2015

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    7891 views

    In my latest interview in The National newspaper, I tackled issues concerning slaughtered meat sold here in the UAE, product expiration dates, and bank regulations when it comes to credit card issue.

  • Do Supermarkets Have a Right to Set Their Own Prices for Goods?

    civil law

    |

    April 30, 2015

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    8588 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the law that allows product prices to be different in each store and in different countries and the sellers' discretion when it comes to accepting different currencies for goods.

  • How Can Airport Shops Charge So Much More?

    civil law

    |

    April 22, 2015

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    7562 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained how consumers are protected from international brands or stores in terms of return and exchange policies, pricing of products, and the importance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) in some important transactions within the UAE.

  • Am I Responsible for Phone Calls Made on My Stolen Phone?

    civil law

    |

    April 16, 2015

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    9412 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper I discussed the importance of obtaining a police report in every criminal incident, the correct consumer actions to take whenever there is a breach of contract, and an establishment's minimum legal quality standards when it comes to services or products.

  • Help! I've Crashed My Rental Car

    civil law

    |

    April 08, 2015

    |

    8658 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained what the liabilities are upon a consumer who has rented a car in the event of a car accident and I outlined the legal position of contracts between airlines and buyers and the obligations that are placed on both parties.

  • A Reader Asks About Incorrectly Priced Products

    civil law

    |

    April 01, 2015

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    10094 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the various legal options open to consumers in relation to poor return policies and wrongly advertised or expired products.

  • Do Banks Charge a Fee When Using Your Card to Pay?

    civil law

    |

    March 18, 2015

    |

    7621 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained how the law covers tenancy contracts in certain housing situations, how the Ministry of Communications handles SIM card purchases, and how the bank manages transactions with clients through contracts.

  • A Reader Asks About Covered Food Labels and Unfixed Prices

    civil law

    |

    March 11, 2015

    |

    8066 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explain consumers' legal rights after purchasing products that were falsely advertised or included some misleading information that result in some problem for the consumer.

  • Does Sharia Law Apply to Non-Muslims When Buying Property?

    civil law

    |

    March 04, 2015

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    7705 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained how Sharia law governs property matters in the country and what legal actions are available to consumers who feel their personal information held by a store or company has been used in an inappropriate manner.

  • A Reader Asks About Hidden Service Charges

    civil law

    |

    February 25, 2015

    |

    7343 views

    Are you confused with the service charges and taxes that some hotels add to your bill? These are some of the questions that frequently come from different consumers, which I've answered below to avoid any more confusion.

  • Reader Asks About Refunding Purchases

    civil law

    |

    February 18, 2015

    |

    6439 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I advised consumers about where they can apply to request a refund and how much exactly they can request and expect.

  • Reader Asks About Faulty Purchases

    civil law

    |

    February 12, 2015

    |

    8694 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I advised consumers that shop owners and suppliers have a legal duty to ensure products are in a good condition, even when they are being sold at a promotional or discounted price.

  • Reader Asks About A "Crazy" Deal That's Not What It Appears

    civil law

    |

    February 05, 2015

    |

    8632 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I covered some basic laws relating to every day sale and purchase issues we commonly run across, and some easy mistakes that we should know and learn how to avoid.

  • Reader Asks About Refunds on Voucher Purchases

    civil law

    |

    January 29, 2015

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    7638 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained some basic legal principles relating to refunds on voucher purchases, what to do after purchasing rotten or unfit food and what the legal situation is when a person is asked to pay more money after the sale has been concluded.

  • Reader Asks About a Wrong Advertised Price Tag

    civil law

    |

    January 21, 2015

    |

    9033 views

    In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained some of the laws around what action consumers can take in the event of an incorrectly-labelled price tag and how complaints relating to unfit food products are taken very seriously the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Economic Development.

  • Consumers Urged to Learn Their Rights in the UAE

    civil law

    |

    January 21, 2015

    |

    7526 views

    Dr. Hassan Elhais is quoted in The National newspaper as saying the UAE has the best consumer protection framework in the region. But he also cautioned consumers must take more responsibility to learn and understand their rights, in the below article


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