Legal action in Dubai results in tenant being penalised for making an arson threat.
Dubai: A Dubai civil court has ordered a tenant to pay Dh20,000 in compensation after he threatened to set a warehouse on fire during a rent dispute, following an earlier criminal conviction in the case.
The Dubai Court of First Instance issued the ruling after the defendant had already been fined Dh5,000 by the Misdemeanors Court for making the threat. The criminal judgment was upheld on appeal, making it final and binding.
According to court records, the dispute stemmed from a commercial lease involving warehouse facilities. Tensions escalated after the tenancy expired, when both parties met to negotiate renewal terms.
During the meeting, the landlord proposed a rent increase, which the tenant refused, stating he could not afford the higher amount. The disagreement quickly escalated into a heated verbal exchange.
The tenant then issued a direct threat, telling the landlord he would set the factory on fire and leave the country if the rent was not kept at the same rate. The statement, delivered in English and later translated in court, was deemed an explicit threat to burn down the facility.
Alarmed by the threat, the property owner reported the incident to police. The tenant later admitted making the statement and was referred to the Public Prosecution on charges of criminal threat and intimidation. He was subsequently convicted and fined Dh5,000, with the verdict upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Following the finalisation of the criminal ruling, the landlord filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh20 million in compensation for material and moral damages, along with 12% legal interest, citing psychological distress and concerns over the safety of his properties.
He told the court the incident caused fear, panic, and anxiety, particularly given his wider portfolio, which includes 120 warehouses and 18 labour accommodation facilities. He also claimed potential future security costs due to the perceived risk.
The defendant denied liability in the civil case and requested its dismissal, along with reimbursement of legal expenses.
The court found that the incident caused moral harm to the claimant, including fear and distress. However, it ruled that claims of material damage and related expenses were not sufficiently supported by evidence and therefore remained unproven.
Accordingly, the court awarded Dh20,000 in compensation for moral damages, with legal interest set at 5% from the date the judgment becomes final until full payment. The defendant was also ordered to cover court fees, expenses, and legal costs.
