Dubai court cancels Dh814,000 Turkish villa sale contract, orders refunds

Ruling follows dispute over Turkey property bought 12 years ago through UAE brokerage

Last updated: October 08, 2025 | 11:53

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The Dubai Real Estate Court has annulled a sales contract for a residential property in Turkey, ruling that the defendants must return payments made along with legal interest and compensate for damages.

The case arose from a 2013 agreement, brokered in the UAE, in which the plaintiff purchased a villa for Dh814,000, paying Dh330,000 in instalments according to an official schedule. The contract stipulated delivery within 20 months, no later than the end of 2015, but the project stalled in Turkey, and the payments were not refunded.

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In 2025, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit requesting contract rescission, reimbursement of paid amounts with interest, and compensation for material and moral damages.

During hearings, the defendants challenged the court’s jurisdiction, claiming the contract was with a foreign company in Turkey and that they signed only in a representative capacity.

They also argued that legal notice was not properly served before filing the case. The court dismissed these arguments, affirming its territorial jurisdiction due to the contract’s signing in the UAE, the presence of the brokerage’s office within the country, and the documented receipt of payments locally.

Legal advisor Dr. Alaa Nasr said the ruling highlights the legal framework governing foreign property transactions conducted in the UAE through local brokers, emphasizing that the location of the contract and the receipt of payments within the country establish jurisdiction and responsibility.

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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