Abu Dhabi court orders man to repay Dh30,650, rejects business partnership claim

Abu Dhabi: The Al Dhafra Court of First Instance has ordered a man to return Dh30,650 to another individual, ruling that the sum was a loan and not part of a business partnership, as the defendant had claimed.

Court records show that the plaintiff said he had lent the money over five consecutive months with the understanding that it would be repaid the following month. Despite repeated demands, the defendant allegedly failed to return the funds.

In response, the defendant’s lawyer argued that the money was an investment in a proposed contracting company, with the plaintiff providing capital and the defendant contributing expertise and management. 

He claimed his client had even secured potential projects, but prospective clients withdrew after finding no assets or capacity under the company’s name. The defense insisted that the funds were operating expenses, not a debt, and presented WhatsApp messages and invoices to support the claim.

The court, however, relied on the plaintiff’s decisive oath, which he swore to affirm that the money was indeed a loan. 

On that basis, the court rejected the defendant’s argument and ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering repayment of the Dh30,650 along with legal fees and court expenses.