Latest articles
MUHAANI v MEWTIN [2023] DIFC SCT 261 — Affirming contractual jurisdiction for non-DIFC entities (29 August 2023)
The dispute arose from a commercial equipment supply contract between Muhaani (the Claimant) and Mewtin (the Defendant). The Claimant sought recovery of unpaid invoices totaling AED 21,912.53, which were issued following the supply of a boom lift and low-level access equipment.
LACT v LOUTIV [2022] DIFC SCT 259 — Employment leave entitlement and unauthorized absence disputes (15 September 2022)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the evidentiary burden regarding employee leave records and the recoverability of salary paid for unauthorized absences under the DIFC Employment Law.
Ouida v Oksanna [2024] DIFC SCT 256 — Refusal of permission to appeal (24 June 2025)
The Claimant, Ouida, sought to overturn a decision by H.E. Justice Maha Al Mheiri, which had dismissed his claims for relief arising from his alleged use of the Defendant’s financial services.
NAJJAR v NAZIRA [2024] DIFC SCT 256 — Jurisdictional challenge regarding DIFC establishment status (08 November 2024)
The dispute arises from the Claimant’s engagement with the Defendant’s digital payment services, which he accessed under the impression that the Defendant was a fully licensed and regulated DIFC entity.
Mivte v Madie [2022] DIFC SCT 255 — Employment termination for cause and notice period entitlement (29 July 2022)
The dispute centers on the Claimant’s entitlement to payment in lieu of notice following her summary dismissal by the Defendant. The Claimant, Mivte, sought compensation equivalent to 60 days of her salary, asserting that her termination was not supported by valid grounds under her employment…
MIRKU v MIFIT [2023] DIFC SCT 254 — Jurisdiction over DIFC-registered entities (25 August 2023)
The Small Claims Tribunal affirms that the status of a defendant as a DIFC-registered entity provides a sufficient jurisdictional gateway under the Judicial Authority Law, regardless of the absence of an express forum selection clause.
MARVIN LLC v MALIK LLC [2022] DIFC SCT 25 — Implied acceptance of jurisdiction clauses (31 August 2022)
The dispute centered on a commercial disagreement regarding unpaid invoices arising from a hire agreement for construction and oilfield equipment. The Claimant, a Dubai-based supplier of rental equipment, sought to recover outstanding payments for services rendered to the Defendant, a…
IMTIHAL v INGABORG [2018] DIFC SCT 254 — jurisdictional dismissal of employment claim (30 October 2018)
The claimant, Imtihal, initiated proceedings against three defendants—Ingaborg, Inorak Equity Holdings Ltd, and Inorak Fund Investments (DIFC) Limited—seeking recovery of unpaid salary and employment entitlements.
Lirit v Liwanu [2021] DIFC ARB 011: The Limits of Pre-Arbitration Procedural Challenges
How the DIFC Courts shut the door on attempts to re-characterize tiered dispute resolution as 'arbitral procedure'. On 8 August 2021, H.E.
Kader v Kachina [2019] DIFC SCT 251 — Strict application of Article 18(2) employment penalties (23 September 2019)
The dispute arose from the termination of the Claimant, who served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Defendant, a private equity firm registered in the DIFC. The Claimant alleged that he was dismissed without notice or warning and was denied his final month’s salary of AED 50,000.
LEON v LEXIE [2020] DIFC SCT 250 — Tenancy notice period and security deposit liability (29 September 2020)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies that rent negotiations do not constitute formal notice to vacate, affirming a landlord’s right to claim the full contractual notice period.
JEZEBEL v JIE [2019] DIFC SCT 250 — Employment termination and final settlement validity (27 June 2019)
The Small Claims Tribunal affirms the binding nature of signed final settlement agreements in the DIFC, dismissing claims for additional salary and gratuity where the employee failed to substantiate allegations of coercion.
MOHAR v MRUT [2022] DIFC SCT 249 — Apportioning joint venture liability for unpaid construction equipment rentals (22 June 2023)
The dispute arose from a breach of contract claim initiated by the Claimant, Mohar, against the Defendant, Mrut, regarding unpaid invoices for the rental of construction equipment. The Claimant, a Sharjah-based entity, sought to recover the total outstanding balance for equipment hired by the…
Iantha v Inigo Capital Partners [2018] DIFC SCT 247 — Employment benefits and statutory penalty enforcement (14 October 2018)
The dispute arose following the resignation of Iantha, a Finance Director, from Inigo Capital Partners. Upon the termination of her employment on 31 May 2018, the parties failed to reach an agreement regarding the final settlement of her end-of-service benefits.
MIRUBIN v MR. MISKAT AND MS. MAISIN [2023] DIFC SCT 246 — Enforcement of lease expiry and overstay rent (18 August 2023)
The dispute centered on the expiration of a residential tenancy agreement and the subsequent refusal of the tenants to vacate the property. The Claimant, Mr. Mirubin, sought to recover possession of his unit following the end of the contractual term on 30 June 2023.
MITBA v MEWAT [2023] DIFC SCT 243 — Employment dispute regarding unlimited leave policies and procedural requirements for penalty claims (08 September 2023)
The dispute centered on an employment relationship between the Claimant, a former partner, and the Defendant, a legal services firm. The Claimant alleged that his initial offer letter dated 8 November 2020 failed to specify an annual leave entitlement, leading him to believe he was entitled to a…
VALENTYNA PLEWKA KOLESNIK v EMIRATES NBD BANK [2024] DIFC SCT 242 — Appeal regarding the interpretation of asymmetric jurisdiction clauses in banking contracts (31 October 2024)
This appeal clarifies the construction of standard banking jurisdiction clauses, establishing that specific references to the DIFC Courts in General Terms and Conditions constitute a valid, express opt-in to jurisdiction.
LAMBHIT v LAGHUVI [2021] DIFC SCT 242 — Employment limitation periods and passport retention (10 October 2021)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the strict application of the six-month limitation period for employment claims under the DIFC Employment Law and reaffirms the prohibition against employer retention of employee passports.
LENA v LIBBY [2020] DIFC SCT 242 — Enforcement of rent arrears and guarantor liability (24 September 2020)
The dispute arose from a commercial real estate tenancy at the Emirates Financial Towers in the DIFC. The Claimant, LENA, sought to recover outstanding rent arrears totaling AED 508,256.87, alongside cooling charges, following the First Defendant’s failure to meet payment obligations under a…
Niya v Nitin [2024] DIFC SCT 241 — Employment dispute regarding notice pay, training costs, and wrongful absconding (09 August 2024)
The dispute arose following the Claimant’s resignation from her position as a Sales Representative at the Defendant company on 5 June 2024, only one month into her employment. The Claimant sought end-of-service entitlements totaling AED 10,000, comprising unpaid wages for June 2024 and payment in…
LIBBY v LENNOX [2020] DIFC SCT 241 — Enforcement of Settlement Agreement and Guarantor Liability (17 November 2020)
The dispute centered on the failure of the Second Defendant, Lexi Group Limited, to satisfy payment obligations arising from a Settlement Agreement dated 28 August 2019. The Claimant, Libby, sought to recover a total sum of AED 927,918.62, representing unpaid rent and reimbursed expenses for Units…
JUGNIG v JANGUR GROUP [2019] DIFC SCT 240 — Default judgment for unpaid employment settlement and statutory penalties (03 July 2019)
The Small Claims Tribunal clarifies the calculation of Article 18 penalties and the procedural consequences of a defendant’s failure to attend a scheduled hearing.
NOUR v NAOYUKI [2024] DIFC SCT 239 — Employment offer withdrawal and appellate review (08 November 2024)
The dispute arose from the Defendant’s sudden withdrawal of an employment offer after the Claimant had already resigned from her previous position. The Claimant sought significant financial redress for the losses incurred following the Defendant's decision to rescind the offer on the very day she…
Nour v Naoyuki [2024] DIFC SCT 239 — Employment offer withdrawal and probation period rights (06 September 2024)
The dispute centered on the withdrawal of an employment offer by the Defendant, Naoyuki, after the Claimant, Nour, had already resigned from her previous position in reliance on the agreement.