Abu Dhabi Court orders man to pay Dh20,000 in moral damages to woman after assault

Ruling comes after conviction, with judges recognising emotional harm caused by assault

Last updated: September 08, 2025 | 11:03

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The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has ordered a man to pay Dh20,000 in moral damages to a woman after finding him guilty of assault that caused her emotional harm.

Court documents show that the woman had filed a lawsuit seeking Dh100,000 in compensation, along with legal fees and costs, arguing that the assault, which was already the subject of a criminal case and conviction, left her with significant emotional distress.

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The court, however, decided to grant her Dh20,000, citing its discretion to weigh evidence and assess damages based on established legal principles. Judges noted that determining the existence of fault, causation, and resulting harm fell within their authority, provided such findings were consistent with the case record and the law.

In its reasoning, the court referred to the UAE Civil and Commercial Transactions Evidence Law, which places the burden of proof on the claimant. The ruling stressed that compensation must be grounded in evidence presented and cannot be based on a judge’s personal knowledge.

The judgment underscores the courts’ role in balancing claims for damages with verifiable evidence, while affirming the principle of redress for victims of proven harm.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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