Is signing a blank or undated cheque risky in the UAE?

Signing a blank or undated cheque in the UAE carries real risk, and you should treat such requests cautiously. Because a cheque is legally regarded as payable, a blank or undated cheque can later be completed and presented for an amount or on a date you did not specifically agree to, leaving you exposed to enforcement for that figure. Since the 2022 reform under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2020, an unpaid cheque is enforced as an executory instrument through the civil execution court, so even though ordinary bounces are no longer automatically criminal, the financial obligation remains binding and can be pursued. The practical protections are straightforward: avoid signing blank cheques where possible, and if you must give a guarantee cheque, document in writing the exact purpose, conditions and any cap so there is a clear record if a dispute arises. Keep copies of everything. Because outcomes depend on the underlying agreement and the facts, get arrangements reviewed before signing. For help with guarantee cheques or a dispute, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.