Emirati seeks Dh10m from Egyptians who took over his plot of land

ABU DHABI // An Emirati man is suing a group of Egyptian men for more than Dh10 million in damages, claiming they took over a plot of land he owns in Egypt.

The Emirati owns 280 acres in Egypt’s Al Bustan area. He said he spent a significant amount of money to set up an irrigation system and bought agricultural equipment for the area.

On June 2, 2010, the owner appointed another man, A S, as a watchman over the property. However, A S is alleged to have helped an Egyptian, M H, and a group of convicts, to occupy the land and they claimed it as their own.

The Egyptian court ruled that the Emirati man should be able to reclaim his land and issued a restraining order against the occupiers, who did not appeal or object the decision, so it was upheld.

The Emirati owner then sought additional compensation through the UAE courts — where he filed a lawsuit against those who occupied his land for damages relating to their continued presence on his property, and for erecting their own company signs on his land.

He also claims he suffered financial losses for court fees and for travelling often to Egypt to follow the case. He said he also suffered the psychological damage of the risk of losing his land and money.

The case was eventually referred to the Cassation Court, which is considering the case.

The case was adjourned to issue a ruling.