UAE court rejects claim over Dh34,199 in phone charges

Plaintiff fails to prove defendant’s involvement in disputed SIM card charges

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The Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial and Administrative Claims has dismissed a lawsuit in which a man sought to hold another responsible for Dh34,199 in phone charges allegedly accrued on a SIM card registered in his name.

The plaintiff claimed the defendant exploited his situation by obtaining the SIM through his digital ID and using it for personal gain, Emarat Al Youm reported.

The plaintiff had requested repayment of the full amount, including any additional charges, along with legal interest from the date of the claim, court fees, and attorney’s fees. He also sought the appointment of a technical expert to verify call records.

According to the lawsuit, the defendant misrepresented himself as a government employee capable of helping the plaintiff secure financial aid and a loan to build a home extension for his son, who is of determination.

The defendant filed a counterstatement asking the court to dismiss the case and provided screenshots of phone conversations. The plaintiff later requested that a technical expert examine the call records.

In its ruling, the court noted that the plaintiff failed to provide conclusive evidence linking the defendant to the disputed charges or proving that he was unaware of the SIM’s usage.

The court observed that the plaintiff’s allegations—essentially claiming deceit—fall under criminal investigation rather than civil adjudication, and that the plaintiff had not requested the defendant to swear an oath regarding the claimed amounts.

Consequently, the court rejected the claim and ordered the plaintiff to bear the legal costs.

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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