United Arab Emirates: Court Procedure

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.

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy has expanded its foreign judgment enforcement services in the UAE to support international businesses, law firms and individuals seeking to enforce overseas court judgments against assets and debtors located within the country. The firm's enhanced service offering is designed to assist clients throughout the UAE enforcement process, including assessing the enforceability of foreign judgments, reviewing court documents, preparing enforcement applications, c

The DIFC Court of Appeal has issued a landmark ruling setting aside substantive parts of a DIAC arbitral award, marking the first known instance of such action under the DIFC Arbitration Law. The Court found that a tribunal upheld an unpleaded claim without affording the respondent an opportunity to respond, constituting a denial of due process despite reaffirming minimal judicial interference principles.