DCC 72/1995

This case involved eviction from a piece of land which had been the subject of a gift by the Ruler of Dubai. The title to this land was in dispute. It was confirmed that land which had been a gift of the Ruler could not be sold and the courts could not hear disputes about it.

Background

A claim was brought ordering a defendant to vacate premises so the claimant could enter them. The claimant stated he had received the land from the Ruler of Dubai and the defendant was in possession of it without proper title. The defendant argued the land had been sold to him under a valid purchase and sale agreement. The Court of first instance ordered the transfer of title to the land to the defendant. The claimant appealed and the appeal court upheld the decision. The claimant appealed by cassation arguing that the courts had operated outside Dubai law. During the hearing of the claim, an order was delivered by the Ruler of Dubai stating that no action was to be brought before the Dubai courts in relation to land granted by the Ruler of Dubai as a matter of public policy.

Decision