In a remarkable case that stretched over 18 years, RAALC Law Firm successfully delivered justice for a client who had purchased a property in 2007. Following the cancellation of the project and years of legal uncertainty, the client was left without possession of their unit. Through persistence, strategic litigation, and a deep command of UAE real estate law, RAALC ensured that the client’s rights were finally restored in 2025. This case serves as a powerful reminder that, even after years of delay, justice can prevail.
The dispute arose when a new developer took control of the project under a ruling issued by the now-defunct Real Estate Projects Committee. Despite assuming control, the developer denied responsibility for contracts concluded before their involvement. The client, who had fully paid for the property and secured preliminary registration, faced years of resistance as the developer sought to distance itself from any liability.
Led by Mr. Hossam Hassanein (Head of Litigation), and supported by Mr. Amir Fahim (Legal Advisor) and Mr. Zaur Kurbanov (Senior Corporate Consultant), our litigation team built the case on a robust legal foundation:
- Article 251 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which provides for the transfer of personal rights connected to property when acquired by a successor who is aware of those rights.
- Established principles from the Dubai Court of Cassation, confirming that once full payment and preliminary registration are complete, a successor developer cannot deny the buyer’s rights.
- Evidentiary proof that the client had settled the full purchase price and completed official registration procedures.
By combining statutory interpretation, judicial precedents, and factual evidence, our lawyers dismantled the opposition’s arguments and demonstrated the developer’s legal obligations beyond any doubt.
The Dubai court issued a decisive ruling that:
- Ordered the developer to deliver the unit and transfer full ownership to the client.
- Awarded compensation from the original developer who had initially sold the property.
- Assigned all legal fees and costs to the opposing parties.
- Overturned an earlier ruling that had rejected the client’s claims.
Following the judgment, the client finally received possession and legal ownership of the property, bringing an end to nearly two decades of uncertainty.
This outcome is more than a personal victory for our client. It reaffirms a critical legal principle in the UAE real estate market: successor developers who acquire canceled projects cannot evade the obligations linked to units that were lawfully sold and registered. For buyers affected by delayed or canceled developments, this case provides renewed confidence that their rights remain protected under UAE law.
At RAALC Law Firm, we take pride in navigating the most complex disputes and delivering results that others may see as unattainable. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting clients’ investments and enforcing accountability in the real estate sector.
📩 If your property rights are at risk, or if you’re facing delays in receiving your unit, our litigation team is ready to stand with you.
