The Abu Dhabi Commercial Court of First Instance has ordered an events management company to refund Dh13,000 to a woman after ruling that the company had confirmed the refund in writing via phone messages but failed to repay the amount.
According to court records, the woman filed a lawsuit seeking recovery of the money she paid to organise a private event, along with legal interest, expedited enforcement, and compensation for court costs and legal fees.
Refund promised after event shortcomings
The claimant told the court that she had entered into a contract with the company to organise a private function. The agreement explicitly stated that payments would be refunded in the event of organisational shortcomings.
She said the company later acknowledged defects in the event arrangements and agreed to return the full amount, but failed to do so despite repeated follow-ups, according to reports.
WhatsApp messages used as evidence
To support her claim, the woman submitted:
- A copy of the signed contract
- A company-issued document
- Bank transfer records
- WhatsApp messages exchanged with the company’s representative
The messages included a written confirmation that the company would refund Dh13,000 within 14 days of the event date.
Company disputes claim
The company’s owner attended the hearing and requested the case be dismissed, arguing that the claimant lacked legal standing. Alternatively, he asked the court to reject the claim, stating the woman was not entitled to interest because she was not a trader.
Court rejects defence, orders payment with interest
In its ruling, the court found that the documents established a valid contractual relationship between both parties. It noted that the WhatsApp messages were sent from the same phone number listed in the contract, confirming they were issued by the company’s representative.
The court said there was no evidence the refund had been made, and ruled that the owner’s appearance did not negate the debt or its value.
On interest, the court held that the unpaid amount constituted a known and confirmed debt, and that delay in payment entitled the claimant to compensation.
The company was ordered to:
- Pay Dh13,000
- Pay delay interest at 3% per year from the date of filing the claim until full settlement (capped at the principal amount)
- Cover court costs and legal fees
The ruling highlights that written commitments made via WhatsApp or phone messages can carry legal weight in UAE courts, particularly when linked to a valid contract.
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