Latest articles
Ismene v Irayna Hair Beauty Salon [2018] DIFC SCT 295 — Employment dispute over salary deductions and visa cancellation (09 October 2018)
The Claimant, Ismene, initiated proceedings against his employer, Irayna Hair Beauty Salon, following his resignation on 2 September 2018. The dispute centered on a series of financial grievances and a request for the formal cancellation of his employment visa.
LUFTU v LITERI [2022] DIFC SCT 294 — Enforceability of discretionary tip policies in the DIFC (26 September 2022)
This judgment clarifies the extent to which employers in the DIFC may rely on internal policies to restrict discretionary payments, such as tips, when an employee resigns before a specified tenure threshold.
LICFT v LASUT [2022] DIFC SCT 293 — Construction payment dispute and expert evidence (01 November 2022)
The dispute centered on a construction contract for the supply and application of corten steel imitation paint finish for an Expo 2020 project. The Claimant, Licft, sought recovery of AED 147,903, representing the balance of the contract value and additional variation works, after accounting for an…
Maher v Mahesh [2023] DIFC SCT 292 — Employment claim for unpaid wages and leave (22 December 2023)
The dispute concerned a claim for unpaid remuneration and benefits arising from the termination of an employment relationship that commenced on 21 July 2020. The Claimant, Maher, alleged that despite her promotion to the role of waitress in September 2020 and a subsequent salary increase to AED…
LAYTON v LEIGHTON [2020] DIFC SCT 292 — Enforcement of revenue share incentives and statutory penalties (28 September 2020)
The dispute centered on the calculation and payment of a performance-based incentive for the 2019 calendar year. The Claimant, Layton, asserted that he was entitled to a total revenue share incentive of USD 219,437.57 based on his performance as a Senior Relationship Manager.
Loft v Licki [2022] DIFC SCT 291 — Enforcement of lease obligations and eviction of a non-compliant tenant (05 October 2022)
The dispute arose from a residential lease agreement for a unit within the DIFC, where the tenant, Licki, failed to settle the final rental instalment and associated service charges.
Gate Mena v Tabarak Investment Capital [2022] DIFC TCD 001: The High Cost of Misjudged Cryptocurrency Custody
How a failed 300 BTC transaction in the DIFC exposed the limits of fiduciary liability and the necessity of rigorous evidence in digital asset disputes.
LEXI v LACEY [2020] DIFC SCT 291 — Employment entitlement dispute and unlawful salary deductions (07 October 2020)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the primacy of DIFC Employment Law over federal regulations and restricts an employer’s ability to unilaterally enforce salary deductions.
Leelans v Lontas [2022] DIFC SCT 290 — Landlord liability for maintenance failures (03 October 2022)
The dispute arose from a residential tenancy in the DIFC where the landlord, Leelans, sought to recover costs for alleged damages to the premises following the expiry of a one-year lease.
LUKYINI MIDDLE EAST FZ v LISTIYANA [2020] DIFC SCT 290 — Contractual interpretation of recruitment fees (25 October 2020)
This judgment clarifies the distinction between guaranteed salary and commission-based remuneration in recruitment contracts, emphasizing that the substance of a compensation package overrides the labels applied by parties when calculating placement fees.
IDETA EQUIPMENT RENTAL v IVKA CONTRACTING CO [2018] DIFC SCT 289 — Exclusive jurisdiction of the Special Court Committee (14 October 2018)
This judgment clarifies the primacy of specialized Dubai judicial committees over the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction, confirming that a Decree-mandated tribunal supersedes contractual forum selection clauses.
NAUFIL v NAWAZ [2024] DIFC SCT 288 — Employment dispute over visa overstay fines and termination entitlements (19 August 2024)
The dispute centered on an employment relationship between Naufil (the Claimant) and Nawaz (the Defendant), a restaurant operating within the DIFC. Following the Claimant’s termination for alleged misconduct, she initiated proceedings in the Small Claims Tribunal seeking a variety of payments,…
IGORA FILTERS AND PURIFICATION DEVICES TRADING v IGAN MIDDLE EAST FZC [2018] DIFC SCT 287 — Dismissal for lack of jurisdiction due to arbitration agreement (29 November 2018)
The dispute centered on an Exclusive Sales Agency Agreement entered into by the parties on 30 January 2018, concerning the development and sale of water purification technology. Following the termination of the agreement by the Defendant, the Claimant initiated proceedings in the SCT, alleging that…
HARVEY GENERAL TRADING v HUXLEY ENTERTAINMENT [2017] DIFC SCT 286 — Jurisdiction over DIFC-registered entities (23 November 2017)
The litigation centers on a commercial debt recovery action initiated by the Claimant, Harvey General Trading, against the Respondent, Huxley Entertainment. The Claimant alleges that it is entitled to payment for food supplies provided under various invoices.
MAPIK v MESIL [2023] DIFC SCT 285 — Employment dispute regarding salary arrears and termination notice (28 November 2023)
The dispute arose from an employment agreement dated 28 December 2019, under which the Claimant, Mapik, was employed by the Defendant, Mesil. The core of the litigation involved claims for unpaid salary differentials, notice period pay, and end-of-service gratuity.
LUSTIN v LEND [2022] DIFC SCT 284 — exclusive jurisdiction clauses and the opt-out doctrine (11 August 2022)
The litigation concerned a contractual dispute between Lustin and Lend regarding the payment of outstanding sums. The Claimant initiated proceedings in the Small Claims Tribunal seeking recovery of AED 39,375, which it alleged was owed under an agreement dated 15 December 2020.
LIAM v LUKE RESTAURANT AND BAR [2020] DIFC SCT 284 — Employment termination and probation period entitlements (07 October 2020)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the application of notice period exemptions during probation under the DIFC Employment Law.
NICHOLAS v NORMAND [2024] DIFC SCT 281 — Finalization of flight ticket reimbursement (07 October 2024)
The dispute centers on a claim for reimbursement of travel costs initiated by the Claimant, Nicholas, against two Defendants, Normand and Norbert. The core of the controversy involved the Claimant’s entitlement to recover the cost of a flight ticket from Dubai to Sri Lanka, a component of a broader…
NICHOLAS v NORMAND [2024] DIFC SCT 281 — Apportioning employer liability in internal secondment disputes (04 October 2024)
The Claimant, Nicholas, initiated proceedings against two related DIFC entities, Normand (the First Defendant) and Norbert (the Second Defendant), seeking a total of AED 30,950 in unpaid remuneration and associated employment benefits.
IOLAUIS v IOLETTE RESOURCES [2018] DIFC SCT 281 — Employment termination and benefit dispute (12 December 2018)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the evidentiary burden required for employees to claim discretionary benefits and the necessity of demonstrating tangible harm in defamation claims following a 'for cause' termination.
JUGNU CONSULTANCY v JUNUS INDUSTRIES [2019] DIFC SCT 279 — Breach of contract in recruitment services (17 July 2019)
The dispute centered on an unpaid invoice for recruitment services provided by Jugnu Consultancy (the Claimant) to Junus Industries (the Defendant). The Claimant was engaged to conduct a global search for a ‘General Manager’ position based in Kuwait.
NATALE v NORAIZ [2024] DIFC SCT 278 — Security deposit recovery and contractual limits on landlord deductions (21 August 2024)
The dispute centered on the Claimant’s attempt to recover a withheld security deposit following the conclusion of a tenancy agreement for a unit located within the DIFC. The Claimant sought the return of the deposit after vacating the premises, but the Defendant, who had recently acquired the…
NADHEER v NASRULLAH [2024] DIFC SCT 277 — Employment entitlement and penalty waiver dispute (19 September 2024)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the application of statutory penalty waivers under the DIFC Employment Law when litigation is initiated prematurely.
Junnia v Juss Cafe And Restaurant [2019] DIFC SCT 276 — Employment dispute regarding unpaid wages and Article 18 penalties (22 July 2019)
The Claimant, a former Chef Assistant, initiated proceedings against his employer, Juss Cafe And Restaurant, seeking recovery of unpaid wages, payment in lieu of accrued vacation leave, and end-of-service gratuity.