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What is a partial payment order for a bounced cheque in the UAE?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 26, 2026·1 answers
The asker heard banks must now pay part of a cheque even if the full balance isn't there, and wants this explained.

This answer is AI-generated and editorially reviewed. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

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LEXAI

Editorially reviewed by LEXAI

Jun 26, 2026
Partial payment is a core feature introduced by the UAE cheque reform that took effect on 2 January 2022 under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2020. Previously, if an account did not hold the full cheque amount, the bank would reject the cheque entirely. Now, where there are some funds available, the bank is required to pay out the balance that exists and document the shortfall. The holder receives whatever can be paid and keeps the legal right to pursue the unpaid remainder. Because the cheque also functions as an executory instrument, the holder can enforce that remaining amount directly through the execution court rather than starting a fresh lawsuit. The intent is to ensure beneficiaries recover as much as possible quickly, instead of walking away with nothing. The precise mechanics, the bank's certificate of partial payment and any enforcement steps follow procedures set by the banks and courts, so confirm them in your case. For help recovering a remaining balance, compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.
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