I have two loans, both of which I have been paying regularly to date. However, I was terminated from my job in February last year and have filed a case against my employer. I was dismissed because they could no longer afford my salary (I was earning Dh8,000 working in the medical profession), however, they had not paid me for several months and they owe me flight tickets, annual leave pay and a gratuity. The court decision to settle my case was delayed because the judge was unwell, so I have to wait a month or two to get paid. I asked both banks for a deferment on both loans but the request was rejected. I have heard how nasty bank collection agents can be and how they create police reports on those that default, so I am scared of missing a payment. In total I owe:
Loan 1: Dh7,544 (monthly payments of Dh232)
Loan 2: Dh24,162 (monthly payments of Dh1,100)
I took out the loans to help sustain my stay in the UAE and for an emergency flight ticket back to the Philippines for a family issue. I have paid both banks until this month but I am now bankrupt and staying with a friend. At one point I did get a new job with a higher salary, but I left before my visa was transferred as I could not function; all I could think about was the labour case.
Once I receive the settlement, I plan to pay off both loans in full. I believe I will get justice in the court because I worked hard and I deserve to get paid, but I need time to pay off these dues. I need a deferment of three months; this will clear up my mind and brighten up my perspective on living. How should I go about securing this deferment? JM, Abu Dhabi
Debt panellist 1: Kunal Malani, head of customer value management at HSBC
It is good you have been meeting your financial commitments until now, which may strengthen your case with your bank.
Given you have been current with your monthly payments so far, the best option you may want to consider is to continue engaging with the bank and trying to speak to senior management to afford you a temporary deferment. You may want to consider providing them with copies of documentation from your ongoing court case and a written guarantee confirming your intention to pay the bank’s dues with the settlement money.
While I appreciate that you are hopeful of a positive outcome in your favour with the court case, for a more long-term solution to your problem, I would advise securing a sustainable monthly income through a job.
You mentioned that you managed to secure a job with a higher salary but could not concentrate. It is understandable you are emotionally distressed with these issues, however, it is in times like these that you need to be stronger and persevere. With a monthly salary of Dh 8,000 plus, and assuming you have contained your monthly expenses to minimum, you may be in a position to furnish a Dh1,332 monthly repayment relatively comfortably. Secure a job, even if part time, to help you with your financial situation. All problems seem insurmountable at first, but if you are committed to finding a solution, with a little bit of courage and consistency you can beat all odds.
To further reinforce your discussions with the bank, if possible consider arranging to dispose of any personal assets you might have either here or back home in Philippines to help contribute to repaying your obligations.
_____
Read more:
The Debt Panel: 'I am struggling to repay Dh500,000 in debt after my salary was slashed by a third'
The Debt Panel: 'The banks harass me and threaten to bounce cheques but is that still a criminal offence?'
Bounced cheques in UAE: new rules 'a progressive step for the justice system'
It is possible to restructure debt directly with UAE banks, a Sharjah resident reveals how
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Debt panellist 2: Keren Bobker, an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets
I am sorry to read that your ex-employer is being unfair and not paying you the money you are owed. This has put you in a difficult position through no fault of your own.
Compared to many cases I see, the Dh31,706 you owe with monthly payments of Dh1,323 is not large. It is also commendable that you have managed to maintain the payment for so long despite not having an income. While defaulting on a credit agreement is a serious matter, a bank will not pursue a police case until three repayments have ben missed. Sadly, some do employ unpleasant tactics to encourage late payers to repay their debts.
How a bank will react to a deferment request will vary depending on the bank and even the member of staff you speak to and how much authority they have. Most personnel that a customer comes into contact with do not have the authority to permit such a course of action, therefore they will automatically say no. When you approached the banks, did you inform them that your employer owes you money and that it is an amount that would repay the debt in full? Was any proof of the court ruling shown to them?
Try to speak to more senior staff at the banks and produce evidence of the money owed to you. Naturally there are no guarantees they will be amenable, but supporting evidence will help. If you are seeking work, then proof of a new position will strongly support your request. Indeed, without this I would think it unlikely any bank will be helpful, even with copies of court papers as payment from employers can take a long time to come through.
Banks are simply interested in recouping the money that they lend and the more evidence you can provide as to the strength of your position the better.
___________
Read more:
The Debt Panel: 'My friends pay my food and transport bills because my salary is eaten up by debts'
A nine-step guide to help you renegotiate bank debts in the UAE
The Debt Panel: 'I bailed out my mum when my dad died and now owe over Dh240,000'
The Debt Panel: 'I borrowed Dh50,000 on credit cards to pay family medical expenses and friends' shopping bills'
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Debt panellist 2: Rasheda Khatun Khan, a wealth and wellness planner
Redundancy together with not being paid your rightful dues is unfortunately a far too frequent problem. It's simply unfair. However, relying on what you may or may not get to pay back debt is not a good move; if you do not receive what you are expecting, the only person it will affect is you.
Firstly, get all communication with the bank in writing including all of your requests for deferment and your explanation of your circumstances and the banks responses. Make sure everything is documented. This way conversation with the banks are clear between both parties. Go into the bank and speak to a manager with all the records of communication you hold. Explain your situation and let them know it's a matter of time with the dismissal case and also that you are actively seeking another job. This willingness to resolve the problem and make repayments will hold well for you if a case is filed.
In the meantime get your thoughts and mind together. Use your frustration and fear and convert it to fuel drive and determination to get out of this situation. You have to find another source of income/employment. Create daily affirmations to keep you motivated and get back on the search for work. Make a promise to yourself that you will do what it takes. Ultimately you are responsible to find a way out of this. Also ask your family and friends for help with your temporary cash flow problem.
Staying out of debt is as important as getting out of debt. Review your lifestyle costs and reduce them if your income does not cover it. Taking on debt to sustain your lifestyle in the UAE is how you ended up in this mess. Go through your expenses to ensure that you can afford the lifestyle you want to live. This way when looking for a job you will know what is the minimum income you need to continue living here.
The Debt Panel is a weekly online column to help readers tackle their debts more effectively. If you have a question for the panel, write to pf@thenational.ae
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
More on Quran memorisation:
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
THE%C2%A0SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%20four-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Starting%20from%20Dh89%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Asia Cup Qualifier
Final
UAE v Hong Kong
TV:
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
The five pillars of Islam
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
MATCH INFO
Burnley 0
Man City 3
Raheem Sterling 35', 49'
Ferran Torres 65'
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
The five pillars of Islam
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Results
United States beat UAE by three wickets
United States beat Scotland by 35 runs
UAE v Scotland – no result
United States beat UAE by 98 runs
Scotland beat United States by four wickets
Fixtures
Sunday, 10am, ICC Academy, Dubai - UAE v Scotland
Admission is free
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
Five famous companies founded by teens
There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:
- Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate.
- Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc.
- Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway.
- Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
- Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Zayed Sustainability Prize
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.