Can You Get a Refund After Cancelling a UAE Subscription?
When a consumer cancels a subscription in the UAE, the contract should end on the agreed date unless a notice period or minimum commitment applies. If a company continues to charge, the consumer can dispute the payment and seek a refund, following the Civil Transactions Law and card‑dispute procedu…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the United Arab Emirates, subscription services are regulated by the Civil Transactions Law, which sets out clear rules for canceling contracts and handling post‑cancellation charges. A consumer who has followed the proper cancellation steps can expect the service to terminate on the specified date, unless a contractual notice period or minimum commitment period is in force. If a company continues to debit a card after cancellation, the consumer has legal recourse to dispute those charges and request a refund.
How Cancellation Works Under UAE Law
Under Article 237 of the Federal Decree‑by‑Law No. 25 of 2025, which promulgates the Civil Transactions Law, a contract that is rescinded or terminated must return the parties to their pre‑contract state. If this restoration is impossible, compensation is awarded. In practical terms, this means that once a consumer cancels a subscription in accordance with the agreed procedure, the contract is considered terminated from the cancellation date, subject to any notice period or minimum commitment that the parties have agreed upon.
Most subscription agreements in the UAE include a notice period—often 30 days—before the cancellation takes effect. Some services also impose a minimum commitment period, such as a six‑month or one‑year term, after which the consumer can cancel without penalty. If the consumer has not agreed to automatic renewal or continued payments, any charge made after the effective cancellation date is unlawful.
What to Do If You’re Still Being Charged
When a service provider continues to charge a card after a valid cancellation, the consumer should first contact the provider. Provide evidence of the cancellation, such as a confirmation email or receipt, and any correspondence that shows the cancellation was accepted.
If the provider refuses to refund the over‑charged amount, the next step is to file a dispute with the bank or financial institution that issued the debit or credit card. Most banks in the UAE have a formal card‑dispute process that allows consumers to challenge unauthorized or incorrect charges. The consumer must submit the cancellation evidence and any supporting documentation to the bank, which will then investigate the claim and, if justified, reverse the transaction.
It is important to note that the Civil Transactions Law does not specify a maximum period during which a provider may continue to charge a consumer after cancellation. The permissible charging period is determined by the terms and conditions agreed upon in the contract. If no contractual basis exists for the charge, the consumer is entitled to a refund.
When a Refund Is Not Guaranteed
There are situations where a refund may not be granted. For example, if the consumer agreed to a minimum commitment period and the cancellation occurs before that period ends, the provider may retain the remaining balance as a penalty. Similarly, if the consumer authorized automatic renewal or continued payments, the charges are considered legitimate.
In cases where the cancellation is disputed, the consumer may need to provide additional evidence, such as screenshots of the cancellation confirmation or a record of the provider’s acknowledgment. If the provider fails to comply, the consumer can seek legal advice or file a complaint with the UAE Consumer Protection Authority.
Practical Tips for Consumers
- Always read the cancellation policy before subscribing.
- Keep a record of any cancellation confirmation emails or receipts.
- Check your bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
- Use the bank’s card‑dispute process promptly—most banks require disputes to be filed within 60 days.
- If the provider is unresponsive, consider filing a complaint with the UAE Consumer Protection Authority.
By following these steps, consumers can protect themselves from unwanted charges and ensure they receive any refunds they are entitled to under UAE law.
Key facts
- UAE Civil Transactions Law mandates contract termination on the cancellation date unless a notice period applies
- Consumers must provide cancellation evidence when disputing unauthorized charges
- Banks have formal card‑dispute procedures for over‑charged payments
- Refunds are not guaranteed if a minimum commitment or automatic renewal was agreed
- Keeping cancellation records and monitoring statements can prevent future disputes
Why it matters
Consumers rely on clear cancellation rules to avoid unexpected fees. Understanding the legal framework helps protect their rights and ensures fair treatment by service providers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a company keep charging me after I cancel a subscription in the UAE?
No, unless a notice period or minimum commitment period applies. If the cancellation was valid, any subsequent charge is unlawful and can be disputed.
How do I dispute an unauthorized charge on my card?
Contact your bank or card issuer, provide evidence of cancellation, and follow their card‑dispute process. The bank will investigate and may reverse the charge.
What if the provider refuses to refund me?
You can file a complaint with the UAE Consumer Protection Authority or seek legal advice. The Civil Transactions Law requires parties to return to their pre‑contract state.
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE subscription rules: Can you get a refund for charges after cancellation?”
