UAE 515/25

This case involved the validity of a contract for the sale of land. Such sales required municipal approval. Although the sale was before the date of the law, as the land had not been registered there was retroactive effect.

Background Facts

A Plaintiff, and the Appellant, filed proceedings before the Al Ain Court of First Instance under roll (182/2000) against two Defendants, a party who had purchased land from them and the land registry department in Al Ain. A counterclaim for the registration of said land was filed by the First Defendant.

The Plaintiff sought that the sale contract between them and the first Defendant be rendered void and invalid on public policy grounds and sought the appointment of experts to value the land.

The Plaintiff explained that they sold the land to the first Defendant, unaware that the land could not have been sold, by law, at the time without the prior approval from the local authorities.

The First Defendant counterclaimed, seeking the registration of the land with the land registry under its name.

Proceedings

Al Ain Court of First Instance - Decision No 182 of 2000

The court of First Instance dismissed both claims.