Court uses WhatsApp messages to prove Dh480,000 debt in Dubai

Civil ruling underscores that digital messages can serve as binding evidence in disputes

Last updated: September 08, 2025 | 15:08

1 MIN READ

Stock Dubai courts and Public Prosecution

Dubai: A Dubai civil court has ordered an Arab man to repay Dh480,000 to a friend who had lent him the money over time, after he repeatedly stalled repayment despite admitting the debt in WhatsApp messages.

Court records show the plaintiff, also of Arab nationality, had provided financial help through multiple transactions that eventually totalled Dh480,000.

When asked to return the money, the defendant proposed a repayment plan via text and even promised to pay more than the original sum as compensation for delays. But he failed to deliver, stopped responding to calls, and ignored court proceedings.

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The court held that digital communications such as WhatsApp messages have evidentiary value under UAE civil law. It found the defendant liable and ordered him to repay the full amount with 5% annual interest from the date of the claim until settlement, along with court fees and expenses.

The ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on personal debts and reaffirms that electronic communication can serve as valid proof in civil disputes.

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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