Al Ain court rejects claim for return of distinctive number plates due to lack of evidence

Plaintiff fails to prove ownership in number plate dispute

Last updated: August 09, 2025 | 10:04

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Al Ain court rejects claim for return of distinctive number plates due to lack of evidence

Abu Dhabi: The Al Ain Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a man against two defendants in which he sought to compel them to return two distinctive vehicle number plates he claimed to own and had allegedly entrusted to them for safekeeping.

Case records show that the plaintiff demanded the return of the number plates — described as distinctive — along with payment of fees and expenses.

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He alleged that he had given the plates to the defendants as a trust, with an agreement they would return them upon request. When they allegedly refused, he filed the lawsuit. As an alternative, he requested the court to administer a decisive oath to the defendants.

The court found the proposed oath wording vague, lacking details such as the plates’ type, category, and issuing authority. It was also directed at more than one defendant, without specifying the disputed fact or the plate details for each individually.

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The plaintiff was given the opportunity to clarify, but failed to attend the hearing in person, sending his son instead, who admitted having no evidence. The court therefore dismissed the case for lack of proof.

Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.