Unified UAE Legislation Database

FAQ: Can a UAE court reduce or deny compensation if the victim contributed to the harm?

Status

In force

Issuing Authority

Effective date

XX.XX.XXXX

Official Link

https://

Answer: Yes, it can.

 

According to Article 290 of Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Transactions Law), if the victim contributed to the occurrence or aggravation of the harm through their own actions, the court has the right to reduce the compensation or deny it entirely.

 

If the defendant proves that the actions of the victim (or their legal representative) influenced the outcome, the court is required to consider this as a material argument.

 

Relevant case law:

Cases No. 1352 and No. 1362 of 2024 / Federal Supreme Court / Civil