A special tribunal is being set up in Dubai to resolve disputes between heirs in relation to the sale of inherited residential property.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree on Wednesday to form the tribunal to "protect the rights and interests of all concerned parties, especially the elderly, minors, femes sole, divorced women, widows and people of determination", a statement by the Dubai Media Office said on Wednesday.
The tribunal will adjudicate and issue rulings on all disputes between heirs over the sale of inherited residential property, it added, saying that all courts in Dubai, including the DIFC Courts, should no longer review petitions or appeals related to the sale of inherited property.
Members of the tribunal will include legal, financial and real estate experts. A president for the special tribunal will by announced by the chairman of Dubai's Judicial Council.
The latest ruling comes as the UAE streamlines its regulations in an effort to revive demand in the property market.
Sheikh Mohammed also issued a decree on Sunday dissolving a tribunal that was set up to deal with cheque disputes arising from property transactions.
The special tribunal will also adjudicate and issue rulings on appeals against decisions and procedures issued by the Dubai Land Department or the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment.
“If the act of partition of the inherited real property is impossible, or otherwise if the act of partition of the inherited real property will cause harm or significantly reduce the value of the property, the special tribunal may auction the inherited property and duly distribute the money between the heirs,” the statement said.
The special tribunal, which will abide by Sharia law, must protect the rights and interests of heirs in all its decisions, the statement said. It will not accept or review a case unless the petitioner submits a legal document proving the heirs could not reach an amicable settlement.
"This is an excellent move as it will save a lot of time on inheritance disputes with regard to properties," Devanand Mahadeva, head of the inheritance and personal law practice at Bestwins Law Corporation, told The National.
As Dubai follows Sharia law as a de facto process for inheritance, it creates multiple inheritors, including extended families, Mr Mahadeva added.
“More than the dispute among shareholders of a property, there are more complications in the sale of property where there are inherited shares for minors. This tribunal may be of help to solve issues related to that, too.”
He added that such a tribunal could also allay concerns of expatriate property purchasers in Dubai, “especially when there is an intestate inheritance to face”.
This decision will be active from its date of issuance and will be published in the UAE’s Official Gazette. All judgements, decisions and orders made by the special tribunal will be final and incontestable, the statement said.
“The establishment of the tribunal will ensure the interests of all heirs are protected, especially those who need more protection,” Mohammad Kawasmi, partner with the real estate practice at law firm Al Tamimi and Company, said. “This again proves that Dubai gives top priority to social values and family.”
Dubai also issued a new law in December last year governing unfinished and cancelled property projects in the emirate.
Under the law, a special tribunal will be set up to oversee the liquidation of unfinished and cancelled projects as well as the settling of related claims. It replaces an existing committee set up in 2013 that oversees claims related to cancelled projects.
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Challenge Cup result:
1. UAE 3 faults
2. Ireland 9 faults
3. Brazil 11 faults
4. Spain 15 faults
5. Great Britain 17 faults
6. New Zealand 20 faults
7. Italy 26 faults
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
