Court Orders Woman to Pay Dh15,000 for Damaging Handmade Artwork

A young woman in Abu Dhabi has been ordered by a court to pay Dh15,000 in compensation after she was found responsible for damaging a handmade artwork belonging to another woman.

The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court ruled that the defendant’s actions resulted in both material damage and moral harm to the claimant.

The case was brought after the claimant filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh150,000 in compensation, citing financial loss, emotional distress, loss of opportunity and other related damages. She told the court that she owned a handcrafted artwork valued at Dh22,000, which was unlawfully damaged by the defendant.

Following the incident, a criminal complaint was lodged, and a penal order was issued against the defendant. The claimant submitted supporting evidence to the court, including police investigation records and the penal order, to substantiate her claim.

The defendant filed a written defence requesting the dismissal of the case. However, the court held that the legal elements required for compensation -- fault, damage and a direct causal link -- had been clearly established.

In its judgment, the court found the defendant at fault and ruled that her actions led to the destruction of the artwork, causing financial loss as well as emotional pain and distress to the claimant.

The court consequently ordered the defendant to pay Dh15,000 in compensation, along with court fees, legal costs and lawyers’ fees.