United Arab Emirates: Court Procedure

When a business partner vanishes, a borrower goes silent or an investor suspects funds might have been diverted, the first question is often simple: What happened to the assets?

Dubai's highest court has established a landmark precedent regarding the finality of court-recorded settlements in Muslim personal status disputes. When spouses reach an agreement before a judge and have it recorded with executive force, can they later challenge that settlement in higher courts? This ruling addresses the binding nature of such agreements and the limits of appellate review in family law matters.

Court-appointed experts play a crucial role in UAE civil litigation, particularly in technically complex disputes involving construction, finance, and engineering. While expert reports carry significant persuasive weight, a fundamental principle remains: these reports are advisory only, and judges retain full authority to accept, modify, or reject expert findings.

The UAE has transformed its dispute resolution landscape through comprehensive legal reforms, institutional restructuring, and alignment with international standards. This article examines how Federal Law No. 6 of 2018, the DIFC's common law framework, and Dubai Decree No. 34 of 2021 have created a dual legal system that balances onshore civil law courts with offshore common law jurisdictions, establishing the UAE as a leading center for commercial arbitration in the Middle East.

Foreign judgments can be enforced in the UAE onshore courts under specific legal conditions.

Facing drug charges in the UAE requires understanding Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, which enforces zero tolerance for controlled substances with mandatory sentences.

Facing a criminal case in the UAE can be overwhelming, especially when it involves arrest or detention. One of the most common concerns is whether a person can be released while the case is ongoing.

As a center for international trade and dispute resolution, the UAE has established a clear legal framework for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.

A Dubai court modified a father's child visitation schedule after determining his work commitments made the original arrangement impractical.