A civil court in Dubai has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a man seeking more than Dh5.8 million in financial and moral compensation against his wife over a disputed property transfer and sale.
The case stemmed from a general power of attorney the husband granted during their marriage, giving his wife broad authority to manage his affairs, including buying, selling, and gifting property.
Court records showed that the wife used the authorization to execute a formal gift contract transferring ownership of the family home to herself. The transaction was notarized by the Dubai Land Department, completing the legal process.
Nearly two years later, she sold the property for around Dh5 million, according to official records. The husband later revoked the power of attorney and filed a complaint, accusing her of fraud, deception, and breach of trust, and seeking Dh5.64 million in material damages plus Dh250,000 for moral harm.
However, the wife maintained that her actions were fully within the authority granted to her. She presented supporting documents, including email correspondence from her husband expressing his intention to transfer the property as a gift.
In its ruling, the court stressed that a power of attorney is defined by its written scope, and in this case explicitly allowed the wife to transfer property to herself as a gift.
The court also ruled that the legal requirements for a valid gift were met, as the transfer was formally registered and later executed through a lawful sale. It added that gifts between spouses are generally not revocable except under exceptional circumstances, which were not present in this case.
The court further found that the elements of liability—fault, damage, and causation—were not established, concluding that the wife’s actions were legally authorized and no unlawful harm was proven.
With no legal basis for the claim, the court rejected the case in full and ordered the plaintiff to pay court fees, expenses, and Dh1,000 in legal costs.
