March 13, 2017

المضيف
It’s Understanding Property time now. Usually, we focus on legal property questions, but today we’re opening it up to anything legal. Whether it’s about power of attorney, doing business in the UAE, trade licenses, penalties, immigration laws, or more, this is your chance to get your questions answered. The list is endless, so feel free to steer the discussion. Send in your questions now!

Joining us is Ludmila Yamalova, Managing Partner at HPL Yamalova & Plewka Legal Consultants. Welcome back, Ludmila!

لودميلا
Great to be here.

المضيف
Before we dive into listener questions, let’s tackle a key legal update. The Dubai government has introduced a new law to fast-track minor criminal offenses. Ludmila, what does this mean?

لودميلا
This is Dubai’s Law No. 1 of 2017, aimed at expediting the resolution of minor criminal offenses. These include misdemeanors punishable by fines, such as traffic offenses, drinking without a license, and immigration violations.

Previously, even minor offenses could take over six months to resolve, as cases went from the police to the public prosecutor and then to the courts. Under this law, certain offenses can now be resolved directly by the public prosecutor, skipping court altogether. If implemented effectively, cases like minor traffic violations could be resolved in a single day, avoiding prolonged court procedures and the confiscation of passports.

المضيف
That sounds like a huge relief for people caught up in minor legal issues. Is there a catch?

لودميلا
Not really, though it’s important to note this only applies to misdemeanors with fines as the penalty. The Attorney General will periodically release a list of offenses covered under this law.

In terms of cost, the process is much cheaper compared to lengthy court cases. Since you don’t need a lawyer for these fast-tracked cases, and the resolution happens swiftly, it minimizes both financial and personal disruption.

المضيف
Fascinating update. Thanks, Ludmila. When we come back, we’ll jump into your legal questions, not just property-related ones. You can ask about visas, business licenses, or anything else on your mind. Text us at 4001 or call us at 423-1010.

Stay tuned for more on قيادة مباشرة!

المضيف
Let’s go straight to the text line. Our first question is from Christina: I’m interested in representing a Brazilian juice brand in the UAE. How do I get started?

لودميلا
Christina, you’ll need two things:

1. An agreement with the Brazilian brand. Ensure the terms are clear, especially regarding exclusivity in the UAE.
2. A UAE trade license. You can set up a company in a free zone or mainland UAE, depending on your business model. Free zones allow full foreign ownership, while mainland businesses require a local partner for most activities.

Start by consulting the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority.

المضيف
That’s great advice. Next, we have a question from Mohammed: I’m an expat Muslim, my wife is Christian. If something happens to us, what will happen to our daughter?

لودميلا
This is a sensitive area as Sharia law applies to Muslim families in the UAE.

1. Guardianship: If your daughter is Muslim, guardianship would typically follow Sharia inheritance rules. This means close Muslim relatives may be prioritized.
2. Estate planning: As a Muslim, you can allocate one-third of your estate through a will to non-Muslim heirs. Consider drafting a Sharia-compliant will to clarify your wishes.

It’s essential to consult a lawyer experienced in UAE inheritance laws.

المضيف
Important insights. Let’s take a call from James.

James
Hi, my landlady asked me to rewrite my rent checks in her name instead of her company’s name. Is this safe?

لودميلا
Good question, James. Legally, you need to ensure the individual receiving the checks is authorized to act on behalf of the company. Request:

1. A letter from the company confirming the change.
2. Proof of her authority, such as trade license documents or a power of attorney.

Without proper documentation, it’s risky to comply.

المضيف
Great advice. That’s all we have time for today. Thank you, Ludmila, for joining us.

لودميلا
من دواعي سروري دائماً.

المضيف
See you next week for more on Understanding Property. If you have legal questions, text us early at 4001 or call 423-1010!