United Arab Emirates: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

On 3 August 2026, the Conflicts of Jurisdiction Tribunal issued a watershed decision in Application No. 005/2026, confirming a principle that will shape enforcement strategy across Dubai’s dual court system, namely, “procedural tools follow enforcement jurisdiction, not the reverse”.

A breach of contract, unpaid commercial debt, shareholder disagreement or failed business transaction can create consequences far beyond the immediate legal claim.

Commercial relationships between foreign suppliers, brand owners, local distributors and commercial agents play an important role in trade within the United Arab Emirates. These relationships may involve the distribution, sale, promotion or supply of goods and services within a specified territory.

An individual wanted in another country may be stopped, detained and referred to the Public Prosecution in the UAE, notwithstanding that the alleged offence was committed elsewhere. What follows, however, is not a handover at the airport. It is a judicial process governed by Federal Law No. (39) of 2006 Concerning International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters...

This insight examines precautionary attachment (الحجز التحفظي/أمر الحجز) as a means of securing a debtor’s assets: whether an attachment can be obtained before a judgment is issued, what the court requires, how a court-appointed expert’s report can strengthen the application, whether the creditor must provide security, and the deadlines on which attachments are most often lost.

Commercial disputes are common in business. A delayed payment, a failed investment arrangement, a disputed variation, a shareholder disagreement or a breach of contract can quickly affect cash flow, business relationships and future plans.

On 3 August 2026, the Conflicts of Jurisdiction Tribunal issued a watershed decision in Application No. 005/2026, confirming a principle that will shape enforcement strategy across Dubai’s dual court system, namely, “procedural tools follow enforcement jurisdiction, not the reverse”.

Most people think a prank call is just a joke. But in the UAE, one wrong word, a fake emergency, a threat, or recording the call without permission can quickly turn a harmless prank into a criminal case.

The Dubai International Financial Centre Court of Appeal has set aside portions of an arbitral award in a landmark ruling, finding that a bank was denied the opportunity to defend against an unpleaded claim introduced only in post-hearing submissions. This decision marks the first time DIFC Courts have intervened on procedural fairness grounds, establishing important precedent for when tribunals must allow parties to respond to new claims raised late in arbitration proceedings.

As parties across the supply chain continue to navigate the consequences of recent geopolitical developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz...

The UAE government, primarily through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships...

Dr. Hassan Elhais explains how under UAE law, committing suicide is a crime.