Dubai Court Orders Woman to Repay Ex-husband Dh421,848 in Property Dispute

Dubai court has ordered a woman to pay Dh421,848.38 to her former husband, along with 5 per cent annual legal interest, in a dispute over a jointly owned property purchased during their marriage.

The case concerns a residential unit in Dubai acquired in January 2017 for Dh1.45 million, financed with a Dh1.05 million mortgage. The property was registered in both names as equal co-owners, with the mortgage recorded by the Dubai Land Department.

The couple divorced under a final judgment in 2022. In January 2026, the former husband filed a lawsuit, claiming he had solely financed the property from personal funds, including Dh400,000 to the previous owner, Dh58,000 in registration fees, and Dh385,696.77 towards the mortgage, totaling Dh843,696.77. He requested either cancellation of the title deed to transfer full ownership or reimbursement of his ex-wife’s share, plus legal interest and future loan instalments.

The matter went through several legal stages. In 2022, a court-appointed expert confirmed the husband had made all property payments. A real estate case in 2024 was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, and the Personal Status Court initially ruled in his favour in 2025, but that judgment was overturned on appeal, citing lack of jurisdiction.

The woman argued that she had paid her share either in cash or through salary contributions deposited into the mortgage account, but she had no written proof due to the nature of their marital arrangement.

The court rejected the request to cancel the title deed, noting that under UAE law, ownership recorded in the real estate register cannot be altered without evidence of fraud or forgery. However, it upheld the husband’s alternative claim for unjust enrichment, finding he had paid the full value while the woman failed to prove any contribution. Her prior acknowledgments of obligation further weakened her defence.

The court therefore ordered her to repay half of the total amount paid by the husband, Dh421,848.38, with 5 per cent annual legal interest from the date of filing until full payment. Claims for past and future loan instalments were dismissed due to insufficient evidence and prematurity.

The ruling also requires the defendant to bear a proportionate share of legal costs and attorney’s fees, with all other claims dismissed.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.