Dubai Court Orders Three Men to Pay Woman Dh2.1M Over Breached Settlement

The Dubai Civil Court has ordered three men to jointly pay a woman Dh2.1 million, along with 5% annual interest calculated from the date the lawsuit was filed until full payment is made. The ruling comes after the men breached a legally binding settlement agreement in which they promised to pay the amount in exchange for the plaintiff withdrawing a criminal complaint against them.

The dispute stems from an initial lawsuit filed by the woman involving allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and forgery against one of the men. During court proceedings, the parties entered into negotiations that concluded with a signed settlement agreement in April 2026. Under the terms of the deal, the defendant and two co-signers jointly agreed to issue a cheque for Dh2.1 million to the plaintiff as compensation for dropping her criminal case.

While the plaintiff fulfilled her part of the agreement and submitted an official waiver to the Public Prosecution, the men repeatedly refused to deliver the cheque or pay the agreed amount.

Upon further inquiry with the Public Prosecution, the woman discovered that a sum previously deposited by the defendants was not intended for her. Instead, the money had been posted as a financial guarantee to lift a travel ban imposed on one of the men, confirming to the court that they had failed to meet their contractual obligations.

During the civil trial, the court dismissed a plea by the defense claiming the court lacked jurisdiction. Judges clarified that the matter was not tied to a rental agreement or lease execution, but rather concerned an independent financial debt arising directly from the settlement contract.

Additionally, the court denied a defense motion to pause the civil lawsuit until the conclusion of parallel criminal proceedings. The court emphasized that the financial entitlement was already settled under a valid contract and was not dependent on the final outcome of any criminal case.

In its final verdict, the court affirmed that the settlement contract was legally binding and that the plaintiff had fully honored her obligation. Because the defendants failed to provide proof of payment or deliver the promised cheque, the court ordered all three men to jointly pay Dh2.1 million plus 5% annual interest, alongside all court fees, expenses, and legal costs.