How to File Case Against a Garage or Maintenance Workshop...

In the United Arab Emirates, the relationship between a client and a service provider — including garages and maintenance workshops — is governed by contractual obligations under the UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection.

When a service provider fails to perform the agreed works, completes the job defectively, or neglects to deliver the service after receiving payment, the affected party has the right to seek legal redress through the UAE Civil Courts.

At Key Corner Legal, we assist clients in pursuing claims against negligent or non-compliant service providers, ensuring their rights are protected under UAE law.

Understanding the Legal Basis

Under Article 246 of the UAE Civil Code, contracts must be executed in accordance with their terms and in good faith.

“The contract must be performed in accordance with its contents and in a manner consistent with the requirements of good faith.”

Therefore, if a garage or workshop fails to perform the agreed service, delivers work below standard, or unjustifiably withholds the vehicle or property, it constitutes a breach of contractual obligations.

Additionally, Article 282 establishes that any person who causes harm to another is obliged to compensate for that damage.

“Any harm done to another obliges the person who caused it to compensate the victim.”

This means you may claim both material and moral damages arising from the non-performance of the agreed work.

Step 1: Collect All Evidence and Documentation

The success of any civil case in the UAE largely depends on the quality of evidence presented. Before proceeding legally, the client must compile:

• The original contract, quotation, or job order signed with the workshop

• Invoices and payment receipts

• Correspondence such as WhatsApp messages, emails, or written instructions confirming the scope of work

• Before and after photos of the vehicle or property

• Any formal complaint or follow-up sent to the service provider

  
  

These documents form the evidentiary foundation for your claim and will be annexed to your statement of claim when the case is filed before the competent court.

Step 2: Issue a Formal Legal Notice

Prior to filing a civil case, it is advisable — and often strategically beneficial — to send a formal legal notice through a law firm.

This notice should:

• Describe the breach in detail;

• Demand completion of the agreed works or a refund of the payment made; and

• Provide a specific timeframe (e.g., 7 days) for compliance.

  
  

The legal notice serves as both a warning and an opportunity for amicable settlement. If the workshop fails to respond or refuses to cooperate, the notice becomes a powerful piece of evidence demonstrating your effort to resolve the matter amicably before resorting to litigation.

Step 3: Filing the Civil Case Before the Court

If no settlement is reached, the next step is to file a civil claim before the competent court (for example, the Civil Court of Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi).

Your lawyer will prepare a Statement of Claim setting out:

• The contractual relationship between you and the workshop;

• The obligations of the workshop under the contract;

• The breach committed;

• The damages you have sustained; and

• The specific reliefs sought from the court.

  
  

You may claim the following:

• Refund of payments made for incomplete or defective work;

• Compensation for material damages, such as additional repair costs or rental expenses;

• Moral damages for inconvenience, stress, and loss of time;

• Legal costs and interest as determined by the court.

  
  

The case will be registered electronically, and the court will serve a notice of summons to the defendant (the workshop) to appear and respond.

Step 4: Court Proceedings and Expert Appointment

Upon registration of the case, the court will conduct hearings to allow both parties to submit memoranda and evidence.

In disputes involving technical matters — such as car repairs, maintenance quality, or defective workmanship — the court often appoints an independent technical expert. The expert’s role is to:

• Inspect the car or property,

• Review documents and invoices,

• Evaluate the quality of the work done, and

• Submit a technical report to the court with conclusions on responsibility and damages.

The expert report carries significant weight and often forms the basis for the court’s final judgment.

Step 5: Judgment and Execution

After reviewing the evidence and expert findings, the court will issue a judgment determining liability and the amount of compensation.

If the court finds that the workshop breached its contractual obligations, it may order:

• Refund of the paid amount,

• Payment of compensation for material and moral damages, and

• Reimbursement of legal costs and court fees.

  
  

If the defendant refuses to comply with the judgment, your lawyer may file for execution, enabling the court to enforce the ruling through measures such as:

• Freezing the workshop’s bank accounts,

• Seizing movable or immovable assets, or

• Blocking trade license renewals until payment is made.

  
  

Consumer Rights Under UAE Law

The UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. 15 of 2020) reinforces the customer’s rights by obligating service providers to:

• Deliver the service according to the contract terms;

• Maintain quality and standard of workmanship;

• Use appropriate materials and parts; and

• Avoid misrepresentation or negligence.

  
  

Failure to comply may result in civil liability, administrative penalties, or fines imposed by the competent authorities such as the Ministry of Economy or local consumer protection departments.

How Key Corner Legal Can Help

At Key Corner Legal, we assist individuals and businesses in:

• Drafting and sending formal legal notices

• Filing civil claims against garages or workshops

• Ensuring fair compensation for damages and losses

  
  

Whether your car wasn’t repaired properly, or your maintenance contract was breached, our legal team ensures your rights are protected — from initial consultation to final judgment..

Contact Key Corner Legal

If you have paid a garage or maintenance workshop in the UAE and they have failed to deliver the agreed work, don’t let the issue go unresolved. Our legal team is ready to assist you in filing a civil case and claiming the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Key Corner Legal — Your Partner in Justice

📱 +971-55-288-3313

📧 info@keycornerlegal.ae