debt recovery in UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

Research shows that many entrepreneurs are unaware of the intricacies involved in the process of debt recovery in UAE, often leading to costly mistakes and prolonged legal battles. In the business world, every decision can make or break your business, having the right knowledge and guidance is essential. 

Imagine this: you’ve extended credit to a client, only to find yourself chasing after unpaid invoices, facing mounting financial losses, and strained business relationships. Without a solid understanding of procedures of debt recovery in UAE, you could be left vulnerable to exploitation and uncertainty. 

In this blog, we will delve into the procedures of debt recovery in UAE, providing you with the expert guidance and calculated steps necessary to navigate this challenging terrain. 

Step-by-step Guide to Debt Recovery in UAE: 

Time is a precious commodity nowadays in the world of business and acting fast is very important as we work in fast based economic environment, whether you are a Start-up or large corporate you want to dedicate your most time focusing on operation instead of chasing late payments but when it does happen, here is a directory for creditors to follow when starting debt recovery UAE. 

1 – Sending Reminders: 

Start softly with your customers by sending gentle reminders for invoices they need to pay; you must ensure they are notified of them by email or phone calls or receive a hard copy of the invoices they need to pay. 

The invoices should clear the follow: 

• Your contact details 

• Clear description of the amount they need to pay. 

• Payment methods, terms and due date. 

• Contact references (for your company)  

2 – Sending Formal Letters: 

A common action in the process of debt recovery in UAE, if you haven’t received the payment or any respond from the client, then you may stop being nice and send a formal late payment notice, sometimes it called Letter Before Action (LBA). 

• It doesn’t matter what the name is, but it matters what is included, such as: 

• Previous attempts to reach out or remind the client. 

• All the details of the payments to be paid. 

• Referring to intention of legal action if you don’t receive the payments in specific dates as final appointment. 

3 – Negotiations: 

If the debtor responded to your correspondences, you shall consider setting down and talk, whether he asked it or not you have to go on a negotiation round to reach a settlement plan that works for both of you, not all the debtors want to evade the creditors or bypass their due dates, they may really face financial problems prevent them from paying although it against their intention, so while implementing these approaches during debt recovery in UAE try to be open and flexible to get the maximum returns. 

4 – Commence Legal Action:  

If your formal letters haven’t being replied, still no connection or returning to emails or phone calls by the debtor to your communication and debt is still unpaid or settled in the negotiations meet-ups, you may consider taking legal action as a last resort to save your rights. 

The legal process, often a lengthy process and costly not just in the UAE but worldwide, add to that the potential damage to the business relation between you and your client that will definitely harm in future contributions, nevertheless if you didn’t prepare well for the case by collecting all the needed documents and hiring the good lawyer you still have a chance to lose it.