Luxury Car Abandonment Ends in AED 29,000 Dubai Court Order
The Dubai Court ordered two renters to pay AED 29,000 after abandoning a rented luxury vehicle and leaving the country. The ruling highlights the serious legal and financial consequences that rental violations can trigger in the UAE.
According to court findings, the renters failed to return the vehicle after a traffic accident. They also failed to inform the rental company or submit any official accident documentation.
How the rental dispute began
Court records show the dispute started in September 2024 following a short-term luxury car rental agreement. The renters signed a four-day contract that held them fully responsible for accident-related damage.
The agreement required the vehicle’s return in the same condition at the end of the rental period. It also placed the entire liability for repairs, penalties, and fees on the renters. After the rental period ended, the company received no communication from the renters.
Several days later, authorities found the damaged vehicle abandoned on a public road.
Damage, insurance rejection, and mounting losses
The rental company immediately filed a police report to document the abandoned vehicle formally. Inspectors noted visible damage to the front section of the luxury car. Because no official traffic accident report existed, the insurer rejected the damage claim.
The rejection forced the company to cover the repair costs of nearly AED 15,000 personally. Additional losses included unpaid rental days, contractual penalties, Salik toll charges, and refuelling costs. The total losses continued growing as attempts to contact the renters failed.
The company later confirmed the renters had already left the UAE. This development left civil litigation as the only viable recovery option.
Dubai Court appoints financial expert
The Dubai Court referred the case to case management before appointing a financial expert. The expert reviewed contracts, repair invoices, police documentation, and payment records. After the assessment, the expert confirmed the existence of a valid contractual relationship between the two parties.
He concluded that the renters were liable in full under the signed agreement and UAE law. After deducting a partial payment, the expert calculated outstanding dues at approximately AED 29,000. The Dubai Court accepted these findings without objection.
Legal basis behind the ruling
In its reasoning, the Dubai Court relied on the UAE Civil Transactions Law. Judges specifically cited Article 246, which requires contracts to be executed in good faith. The Court explained that contractual obligations extend beyond written clauses alone.
They also include legal duties, customary practice, and reasonable conduct. The Court found that abandoning the vehicle breached these obligations. Failing to report the accident further violated contractual and civil responsibilities.
Judges also confirmed that leaving the UAE does not cancel contractual liability. The Court noted that proper legal notification preserved the validity of proceedings. Based on these findings, the Court ruled that the renters were jointly liable and ordered payment of AED 29,000, plus legal interest, court fees, and lawyer’s costs.
What renters should learn from this case
This ruling sends a clear message to vehicle renters across the UAE. Leaving a damaged vehicle without reporting incidents carries severe consequences. Rental agreements clearly define responsibilities, and courts strictly enforce those obligations.
The Dubai Court continues to reinforce accountability within the rental and transport sector.
Conclusion
The Dubai Court ruling underscores the legal risks tied to abandoning rental vehicles after accidents. Renters must respect contracts, report incidents, and settle obligations promptly.
What are your views on the Dubai court ordering AED 29,000 after the renters abandoned an accidental luxury car? Let us know in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for trusted UAE automotive legal updates.