Latest articles
Freek v Fulvia [2015] DIFC SCT 080 — A Small Claims Tribunal ruling on contractual formation via conduct (23 June 2015)
The Small Claims Tribunal confirms that a quotation proposal, when acted upon by the parties, constitutes a binding contract that triggers the DIFC Courts' exclusive jurisdiction clause.
FLIP v FREJA [2015] DIFC SCT 114 — Employment contract interpretation regarding relocation allowance clawbacks (22 July 2015)
The dispute centered on the interpretation of a repayment clause within an employment contract following the termination of the Claimant, a recruitment consultant, during her probationary period.
FLAVIAN v FLOELLA [2015] DIFC SCT 016 — Determining corporate versus personal liability in consultancy service agreements (21 October 2015)
The dispute arose from a consultancy relationship involving two distinct agreements: a formal Service Agreement signed on 19 September 2014 and a subsequent Supplemental Service Agreement finalized via email exchange in October 2014.
FERKO v FERMANDO LIMITED [2015] DIFC SCT 020 — Employment gratuity and contractual demobilization benefits (08 November 2015)
The dispute centered on the calculation and payment of end-of-service gratuity following the Claimant’s resignation on 31 August 2015. The Claimant contended that he was entitled to a total of AED 12,198 in gratuity, calculated from the commencement of his employment in February 2013.
FELIPE v FARIDA [2015] DIFC SCT 058 — Implied acceptance of salary reduction through continued performance (01 July 2015)
The dispute centered on the final settlement of end-of-service benefits following the expiration of the Claimant’s employment contract. Felipe asserted that his employer, Farida, had unilaterally reduced his salary between March 2014 and March 2015 without obtaining his formal approval.
FAYEZ v FARZIN FZE [2015] DIFC SCT 006 — Breach of contract for unpaid legal fees (22 November 2015)
The dispute arose after the Claimant, a London-based barrister, was retained to represent the Defendant, Farzin FZE, in a DIAC arbitration. The parties initially agreed to a fee of GBP 24,000 for case review, pleadings, and a three-day hearing.
Fatima v Fargo Group DIFC [2015] DIFC SCT 019 — Employment entitlement disputes and the primacy of DIFC Law (16 November 2015)
The dispute arose following the resignation of the Claimant, who served as a General Manager for the Defendant, a restaurant registered within the DIFC. Upon the conclusion of his employment on 21 August 2015, the Claimant sought recovery of unpaid salary for the final month, end-of-service…
Farouk v Farrin Advocates & Legal Consultants [2015] DIFC SCT 009 — Jurisdiction denied for lack of express opt-in (17 December 2015)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies that a choice of governing law clause does not constitute a valid agreement to confer jurisdiction upon the DIFC Courts.
Enola v Enok [2014] DIFC SCT 056 — Employment gratuity and loan deduction disputes (02 October 2014)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the evidentiary threshold for termination for cause and confirms the enforceability of salary-split agreements and loan deductions from end-of-service benefits.
EMBLA v ELTON [2014] DIFC SCT 074 — Small Claims Tribunal denies recovery of disputed district cooling charges (21 December 2014)
The DIFC Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the limits of landlord recovery for utility arrears, ruling that the renewal of a tenancy agreement without addressing known service charge disputes constitutes a waiver of the right to collect.
DEMONTE v DELYTH [2013] DIFC SCT 002 — Default judgment in the Small Claims Tribunal (07 October 2013)
An analysis of the procedural enforcement of claims within the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal following a defendant's failure to attend a scheduled consultation.
DANITA v DANH [2013] DIFC SCT 037 — Employment benefits and invalid deductions (06 August 2013)
The dispute centered on the Claimant’s assertion that he was entitled to end-of-service benefits, including unpaid salary, notice pay, and a return ticket, following the termination of his employment at the Defendant’s salon.
Damari v Damayanti [2013] DIFC SCT 036 — Employment end-of-service benefits and evidentiary standards for wage deductions (06 August 2013)
The dispute arose following the termination of the Claimant’s employment, which spanned from early 2011 to mid-2013. The Claimant initiated proceedings in the Small Claims Tribunal after the Defendant failed to provide a comprehensive final settlement, leading to a shortfall in the expected…
DALMATIA v DAIKI [2013] DIFC SCT 034 — Enforcement of security deposit obligations (11 August 2013)
The dispute arose from a residential tenancy agreement for a two-bedroom apartment. The Claimant, Dalmatia, sought to recover a security deposit of AED 7,500, along with outstanding DEWA utility bills and property registration fees.
Daisy v Dale and Dalton [2013] DIFC SCT 004 — A Small Claims Tribunal ruling on deposit recovery in failed vehicle sales (22 July 2013)
The dispute arose from a failed private sale of a used Mercedes Benz 350. The Claimant, Daisy, entered into an agreement to purchase the vehicle for AED 115,000, initiating the transaction by paying a deposit.
Dagmar v Dahlia [2013] DIFC SCT 022 — Employment claim dismissal for lack of evidence (12 June 2013)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the evidentiary threshold for employment-related claims, confirming that allegations of discrimination and harassment require substantive proof beyond mere assertion.
DAEWON v DACIA [2013] DIFC SCT 013 — Employment gratuity and termination for cause (16 April 2013)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the high threshold for 'termination for cause' under DIFC employment law and the limited scope of standard visa cancellation waivers regarding statutory entitlements.
DACEY v DACIA [2013] DIFC SCT 014 — Employment dispute over end-of-service benefits and notice pay (05 December 2013)
The Claimant, Dacey, initiated proceedings against her former employer, Dacia, seeking a comprehensive settlement of outstanding financial obligations following the termination of her employment contract.
DABRIA v DAIRE [2013] DIFC SCT 021 — Employment termination and gratuity entitlement (21 April 2013)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the high evidentiary threshold required for employers to justify termination for cause under DIFC employment law.
Carrick v Carrie [2013] DIFC SCT 030 — unauthorized deduction of recruitment costs (22 July 2013)
The dispute arose following the Claimant’s resignation after approximately 19 months of service. The Claimant sought payment for outstanding wages for June 2013, end-of-service gratuity, and vacation pay.
Camellia v Callister [2012] DIFC SCT 005 — Restrictive covenant enforceability in consultancy employment (01 September 2012)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the high threshold for enforcing post-employment non-compete clauses, ruling that overly broad restrictions lacking geographical and business-specific definitions are void as a matter of law.
CALLAN v CALLIE [2012] DIFC SCT 008 — Employment termination and constructive resignation (02 September 2012)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the threshold for constructive resignation in the DIFC, ruling that an employee’s refusal to report to work following a salary dispute constitutes a voluntary termination of the employment contract.
Cale v Callan [2012] DIFC SCT 006 — Employment dispute regarding termination for alleged misbehaviour (01 June 2012)
The dispute arose following the termination of the Claimant, an advocate, by the Defendant law firm, Callan LLP, in December 2011. The Claimant sought compensation for unlawful termination, gratuity payments, compensation in lieu of notice, and compensation in lieu of vacation leave.
CALANDRA v CALDER [2012] DIFC SCT 004 — Small Claims Tribunal jurisdiction over judicial review (01 March 2012)
The dispute centered on the Claimant’s attempt to hold the Registrar of Companies accountable for specific administrative actions, which the Claimant characterized as improper and performed in bad faith.