Court Dismisses Man’s Attempt to Reclaim Villa Gifted to Ex-Wife and Daughters

A Dubai civil court has dismissed a case filed by a man seeking to annul a villa he gifted in 2006 to his second wife and their two daughters, or alternatively to rescind the contract and reclaim the property or its value.

The claimant, who has seven children from his first marriage, argued that the gift was made under psychological pressure from his second wife and violated the principle of equal treatment among his children. He also claimed that he had instructed his wife not to sell the villa, which she reportedly did in 2025 without his knowledge.

The defendants asked the court to dismiss the case, citing the passage of more than 15 years since the gift’s registration in 2006 and the lawful sale of the villa to a third party in April 2025. They submitted the sale contract and correspondence showing the claimant was aware of the gift.

In its ruling, the court noted that under the Civil Transactions Law, a gift becomes effective once received, and registration with the real estate registry transfers ownership. The court added that gifts between spouses or close relatives cannot be revoked once the recipient takes possession, and a subsequent lawful transfer of ownership further prevents annulment.

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