United Arab Emirates: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

The DIFC Court of Appeal has set aside a EUR 1 million arbitration award after finding that the tribunal decided the case on a theory raised only in post-hearing submissions, denying the losing party a fair opportunity to respond. This landmark ruling examines the boundaries between arbitral flexibility and procedural fairness, establishing when late-emerging legal theories cross the line from permissible argument to trial by surprise.

A court’s successful verdict is just the start of the dispute settlement process. The UAE legislature has issued Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 on the Civil Procedure Law, which came into effect on January 2, 2023, replacing Federal Law No. 11 of 1992, in an effort to solve the problems related to assets and procedural delays.

Regional conflict, trade tariffs, disrupted supply chains and sanctions are testing businesses across the Middle East and beyond. When contractual obligations cannot be performed, the governing law and key contract clauses determine available relief, including whether parties can rely on force majeure, frustration or hardship. Recent litigation is testing these boundaries across England and Wales, DIFC, ADGM and the UAE Civil Code.

Visa applicants in the UAE often provide incorrect mobile numbers during registration, creating serious legal and administrative complications. When government notifications, court summons, and authentication codes are sent to numbers the resident doesn't control, deadlines run without their knowledge and legal rights may be forfeited. This analysis examines how a seemingly minor administrative detail can have profound consequences for residents' ability to manage their legal affairs.

A financial loss, damaged property, personal injury, or serious breach of contract can leave a person dealing with more than the immediate problem. There may also be medical expenses, lost income, repair costs, business losses, or emotional distress. UAE law allows an injured party to seek compensation in appropriate cases, but compensation is not automatic.

The DIFC Court of Appeal has set aside a EUR 1 million arbitration award after finding that the tribunal decided the case on a theory raised only in post-hearing submissions, denying the losing party a fair opportunity to respond. This landmark ruling examines the boundaries between arbitral flexibility and procedural fairness, establishing when late-emerging legal theories cross the line from permissible argument to trial by surprise.

A financial loss, damaged property, personal injury, or serious breach of contract can leave a person dealing with more than the immediate problem. There may also be medical expenses, lost income, repair costs, business losses, or emotional distress. UAE law allows an injured party to seek compensation in appropriate cases, but compensation is not automatic.

The DIFC Court of Appeal has set aside a EUR 1 million arbitration award after finding that the tribunal decided the case on a theory raised only in post-hearing submissions, denying the losing party a fair opportunity to respond. This landmark ruling examines the boundaries between arbitral flexibility and procedural fairness, establishing when late-emerging legal theories cross the line from permissible argument to trial by surprise.

Who is the best extradition lawyer in Dubai for urgent Red Notice checks, UAE criminal procedure, evidence review, and a coordinated cross border defense.

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.