How long is a cheque valid for in the UAE before it expires?

A cheque in the UAE is governed by the Commercial Transactions Law, which sets time limits for presenting a cheque for payment and for the holder's rights of recourse against the drawer. As a practical matter, a cheque is intended to be presented for payment within a defined period, and there are separate limitation periods after which enforcement rights against the drawer and endorsers can lapse. Because these exact periods are fixed by statute and can differ depending on where the cheque was drawn and presented, you should confirm the current figures rather than rely on a rule of thumb. The safest approach is to present a cheque promptly rather than holding it indefinitely, since delay can weaken your ability to enforce it. If a cheque is unpaid, remember that since 2 January 2022 it can be enforced as an executory instrument through the execution court. To confirm the precise presentation and limitation periods for your cheque, check with your bank or the courts, or compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.