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Bounced cheque execution filing in Dubai

Since 2 January 2022, a cheque returned for insufficient funds can go straight to the execution judge instead of starting as a criminal complaint. We prepare the documents, translations and Arabic request, and guide you while you file the execution case from your own Dubai Courts account.

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Overview

How the execution route works

A cheque stamped by the bank as unpaid because of unavailable or insufficient funds is treated as an enforceable instrument. As the holder, you can ask the execution judge to enforce it, in whole or in part, without first winning a separate lawsuit. The Central Bank's guidance also notes that no police report or complaint is needed to use this route.

The rule took effect on 2 January 2022 and continues under Federal Decree-Law 50/2022, Article 667. The execution judge decides whether to accept the request and which enforcement steps to take. Our job is to make sure what you file is complete, accurate and in Arabic.

Not every unpaid cheque fits this route. A cheque returned for a different reason, a debt the drawer disputes, or a situation that may involve a criminal offence can raise legal questions. In those cases, speak to a licensed advocate before filing; we can still prepare and translate the documents to their instructions.

Who it's for

Who it's for

  • 01

    Individuals holding a bounced cheque

    Landlords, sellers, lenders or anyone else holding a cheque the bank returned for unavailable or insufficient funds.

  • 02

    Businesses

    Companies with unpaid customer, supplier or rent cheques that want each execution file prepared to the same standard.

  • 03

    Holders of part-paid cheques

    Holders whose bank paid only part of the cheque and gave them a certificate confirming the partial payment.

Our part

What we do, and what we don't

Clear boundaries, so you know exactly what you're paying for and who decides each step.

Included

  • Checking the cheque, the bank's return notice and the amounts before anything is filed
  • Typing the execution request in Arabic with the holder's and drawer's details
  • Organising evidence of the underlying deal, such as invoices or agreements
  • Legal translation of non-Arabic documents by Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-registered translators
  • Preparing authorisation papers when the holder is a company
  • Guiding you while you file from your own Dubai Courts account

Not included

  • Advice on whether to file, or on the strength of your claim
  • Representing you before the execution judge
  • Filing the case in our name or from our account
  • Tracing the drawer or collecting money from them
  • Criminal complaints for cheque-related offences
Documents

Documents you'll need

  • The original cheque, carrying the bank's unpaid stamp
  • The bank's return notice or statement confirming the reason
  • For a part-paid cheque: the bank's certificate of partial payment
  • Emirates ID or passport copy of the holder
  • The drawer's details: full name, address, phone and ID number if known
  • For companies: a trade license copy and the signatory's authorisation
  • Any contract, invoice or messages showing why the cheque was given

The execution judge may ask for more documents, and anything not in Arabic will need legal translation.

Fees and timing

Two fees, shown separately

  • Government fees, paid at cost

    Execution fees are set by Dubai Courts and paid at cost. We confirm the amount shown when you file, and it is always listed separately from our service fee.

  • Global Sky PRO service fee

    Quoted in writing before we start, so you know the full cost up front.

  • Timing

    Preparing the file is usually quick when the cheque and bank papers are complete. How long enforcement takes depends on the court and on the drawer's assets and response, so we don't estimate it.

Process

How it works, step by step

Each step shows who does what, so you always know where things stand.

  • You
  • Global Sky PRO
  • Authority

  1. Step 1: Bring the cheque and bank papers

    You

    Share the original cheque, the return notice and a short note on what the cheque was for and any contact you have had with the drawer.

  2. Step 2: Check the file

    Global Sky PRO

    We check the stamp, the reason for return, dates, amounts and names, and flag anything suggesting you should speak to an advocate first.

  3. Step 3: Type and translate

    Global Sky PRO

    We type the execution request in Arabic and arrange legal translation of any supporting documents that are not in Arabic.

  4. Step 4: File from your account

    You

    You submit the request through Dubai Courts e-services after logging in with UAE PASS, with us guiding each screen and the upload of attachments.

  5. Step 5: Execution judge decides

    Authority

    The execution judge reviews the request and decides on enforcement. Notices and updates arrive through your Dubai Courts account.

  6. Step 6: Help with follow-up requests

    Global Sky PRO

    If the court asks for more documents, or you need to make a further request in the file, we prepare it for you to submit.

Good to know

Details that save time

Is a bounced cheque still a crime?

For a cheque returned because funds were unavailable or insufficient, the Central Bank's guidance treats the matter as civil and enforceable through the execution judge. Criminal liability is now limited to specific conduct, listed below. If any of it may apply, or you have been accused of an offence yourself, speak to a licensed advocate; we don't handle criminal matters.

  • Asking the bank not to pay the cheque before its due date without a legal reason
  • Closing the account or withdrawing the entire balance
  • Deliberately writing or signing the cheque so it cannot be cashed

Common reasons for delays

Most problems come from missing paperwork rather than from the law itself, so we check these points before you file.

  • The original cheque has been lost or handed to someone else
  • The bank paper does not clearly show the reason for return
  • Names on the cheque differ from the holder's ID or trade license
  • No authorisation for the employee filing on a company's behalf
FAQs

Cheque execution: your questions

Short answers here. Your situation may differ, so ask us before you decide.

Still have a question?

An adviser replies during opening hours, Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00.

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Can a bounced cheque be enforced directly in the UAE?

Yes, if the bank returned it for unavailable or insufficient funds. Since 2 January 2022, the holder can take that cheque directly to the execution judge, and the rule continues under Federal Decree-Law 50/2022, Article 667. The judge decides whether to enforce it. We prepare the request and documents, and guide you while you file.

Which documents do I need for cheque execution?

The original cheque with the bank's unpaid stamp, the bank's return notice or statement, your ID and the drawer's details. Companies also need a trade license copy and proof of who can act for them. Evidence of the underlying deal helps, and anything not in Arabic needs legal translation before filing.

Is a bounced cheque still a crime in the UAE?

For a cheque returned only because of insufficient funds, generally no: the Central Bank describes it as a civil matter enforced through the execution judge. Some conduct remains criminal, such as closing the account, stopping payment without a legal reason, or signing a cheque so it cannot be cashed. A licensed advocate can advise on your situation.

What if the bank paid part of the cheque?

You can still pursue the balance. When a bank pays part of a cheque, it marks the payment and gives the holder a certificate confirming it, and the execution route covers enforcement in whole or in part. Keep the original cheque and the certificate together, as both form part of your file.

How long is a cheque valid for presentation in the UAE?

A cheque must be presented within six months of its issue date, whether it was drawn in the UAE or abroad, according to the Central Bank of the UAE's guidance on the Commercial Transactions Law. If you present it late and the drawer proves the funds were available, you lose your recourse against the drawer, although you can still collect the value from the bank. Present cheques promptly, and keep the bank's return notice safe if one bounces.

Source: Central Bank of the UAE: cheques FAQ under the Commercial Transactions Law

Can the drawer stop payment on a cheque in the UAE?

Generally, no. The Central Bank of the UAE's guidance says an objection to paying a cheque is accepted only where the cheque has been lost or stolen, or where the holder has been declared bankrupt. Outside those cases, the bank is expected to pay a valid cheque from the funds available. If the drawer disputes the deal behind the cheque, that raises legal questions, so speak to a licensed advocate before you rely on any route.

Source: Central Bank of the UAE: cheques FAQ under the Commercial Transactions Law

What if my cheque bounced for a reason other than insufficient funds?

Then the direct execution route may not apply. The Central Bank of the UAE's guidance describes a cheque as an enforceable instrument when the bank stamps it unpaid because funds are unavailable or insufficient. A cheque returned for another reason, such as a closed or frozen account, may need a different procedure and can involve possible offences. Check the reason on the bank's return notice and speak to a licensed advocate before filing; we can prepare documents to their instructions.

Source: Central Bank of the UAE: cheques FAQ under the Commercial Transactions Law

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Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and does not give legal advice or court representation. We prepare, type and translate your documents and guide you through filing; for representation, please consult a licensed advocate. Last reviewed 31 October 2026 by the Global Sky PRO team.

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