My husband, from whom I have been separated for a year, absconded from Dubai at the end of last year, leaving debts of around Dh100,000. It is mostly owed to his landlord, who I believe has filed a police case against him. I have been living in Ireland for the past three years and we have lived apart for all this time, although we have a child. I have now been offered a really good job in Dubai and I would love to take it. My problem is if I take the job would I be arrested and held liable for my husband's debt? None of the debt was in my name. I understand to sponsor my children I need to provide his passport documentation and a no-objection letter from him. I just worry that I will get to Dubai and the authorities will refuse my request to sponsor my children because of his debt. I would add that I have since visited Dubai on holiday last month and everything was fine. GH, Ireland
Unless the debt was in joint names, or GH was a guarantor, she is not legally responsible for her husband’s bad debts and there should not be an issue with her returning to Dubai to work, as her recent visit shows. She can check this by getting a friend who is in Dubai to go to a main police station with a copy of her passport to confirm that no police cases are registered against her. Although the husband’s permission is required to sponsor the child, the issue of a debt is separate and I would not expect this to cause any issues regarding sponsorship, as the permission is really just a formality.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded