Abu Dhabi: Man ordered to pay Dh50,000 for stealing woman’s laptop

Abu Dhabi Civil court upholds criminal ruling, awarding victim damages

Last updated: November 20, 2025 | 13:38

1 MIN READ

The court ordered the defendant to pay Dh20,000 in civil damages, in addition to legal fees

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The Abu Dhabi Civil Family and Administrative Court has ordered a man to pay a woman Dh20,000 in compensation for stealing her personal laptop, bringing the total financial penalty to Dh50,000 after he was previously fined Dh30,000 in a criminal ruling, Emarat Al Youm reported.

According to case documents, the woman filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh21,399 in compensation for material and moral damages, stating that the defendant took her laptop through fraudulent means. The criminal court convicted him in absentia and issued a final, binding judgment imposing a Dh30,000 fine, after which he failed to appear before the civil court.

In its ruling, the civil court said the criminal judgment had “res judicata effect”, making the defendant’s wrongdoing conclusively proven and preventing further debate over liability. The court found that the theft directly caused both material and moral harm to the claimant, fulfilling all legal elements of civil responsibility, including fault, damage and causation.

The court ordered the defendant to pay Dh20,000 in civil damages, in addition to legal fees, and dismissed all other claims.

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Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

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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