Key takeaways
- A legal notice creates proof that the other party was formally told.
- Dubai's tenancy law allows notices through a notary public, registered post, by hand or approved electronic means.
- Eviction notices for sale, own use, demolition or major maintenance need 12 months' notice through a notary or registered mail.
- Changes to tenancy terms on renewal need 90 days' notice before expiry, unless otherwise agreed.
- A notice should state facts, the demand, a deadline and the consequence.
When a legal notice is used
- Demanding payment of an unpaid invoice or debt before going to court.
- Ending or changing a tenancy, under Dubai's rental law.
- Warning a party that it's in breach of a contract.
- Recording an objection or reservation of rights.
A notice isn't a court case. It puts the other party on record and can sometimes resolve matters without litigation.
What a notice should include
| Element | What to write |
|---|---|
| Parties | Full names, Emirates ID or license numbers, addresses |
| Facts | The contract or event, dates and amounts |
| Demand | Exactly what you want the other party to do |
| Deadline | A clear date or period to comply |
| Consequence | What you'll do if they don't, such as filing a case |
| Signature | Signed by you or an authorised signatory |
Write in Arabic, or attach a legal translation, if the notice may later be used in a UAE court or tribunal.
How to serve it
Dubai's Law No. 26 of 2007 on landlord and tenant relations defines notice as served through the notary public, by registered post, by hand or by other legally approved technological means. Serving through a notary or registered post gives clear proof of delivery.
For tenancies, the law sets specific periods: 90 days before expiry to change terms on renewal, and, under the 2008 amendment, 12 months' notice through a notary or registered mail to evict for sale, the owner's or a first-degree relative's own use, demolition and reconstruction, or comprehensive maintenance. See rent disputes in Dubai.
Common mistakes
- Vague demands without amounts or deadlines.
- Serving by WhatsApp only, with no formal proof.
- Missing the statutory notice period for tenancies.
- Threats or language that could expose you to a counterclaim.
- No Arabic version for a notice that may go to court.
Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives. We draft notices from your facts and instructions for you or your lawyer to review and serve. See letter drafting.
Sources
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Law No. (26) of 2007 regulating landlord and tenant relations
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Law No. (33) of 2008 amending Law No. (26) of 2007
- UAE Legislation: Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2022 on the translation profession
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.