The husband and son were convicted of stealing more than 100 pieces of gold and diamond jewellery, luxury watches and cash during a marital dispute.
A bitter family dispute in Dubai has resulted in a husband and his son being ordered to pay Dh16.1 million to the man’s wife after stealing jewellery, luxury watches and cash from her home.
The Dubai Court of First Instance directed the two men to jointly repay Dh15.1 million, representing the value of the stolen belongings, and pay a further Dh1 million in compensation for the financial and emotional harm caused to the woman.
According to court records, the theft occurred against the backdrop of marital disagreements. The husband and his son took more than 100 pieces of gold and diamond jewellery, luxury watches and cash, with the stolen items valued at Dh15.1 million.
The case was first heard by the criminal court, which found both men guilty of theft and sentenced each to one year in prison. They were also jointly ordered to pay a fine of Dh15.1 million, equivalent to the value of the stolen property.
The Court of Appeal later upheld the convictions.
Civil lawsuit
After the criminal proceedings concluded, the wife filed a civil case seeking Dh50 million in compensation. She argued that the theft had not only cost her valuable possessions but had also caused significant psychological distress.
She informed the court that gold prices had risen by at least 70 per cent since the theft, claiming she had lost potential gains of approximately Dh11 million as a result.
She also demanded around Dh23.9 million for emotional and moral damages, describing the distress caused by the betrayal of her husband and son.
While examining the civil claim, the court noted that the final criminal ruling had already established the defendants’ responsibility for the theft. The remaining issue was to determine the compensation payable.
The court found that the woman had been deprived of her valuables and the opportunity to benefit from them for more than 18 months.
It also took into account the psychological suffering and difficulties she experienced while pursuing legal action to recover her belongings.
However, the court dismissed her claim for potential profits arising from the increase in gold prices. It ruled that compensation must reflect actual and proven losses rather than speculative financial gains.
The court therefore ordered the husband and his son to jointly pay Dh15.1 million for the stolen valuables, in addition to Dh1 million for material and moral damages.
The remaining claims were dismissed, bringing the total compensation awarded to Dh16.1 million.
