Understanding the local procedures is crucial if you’re facing or planning to file a legal case in Dubai.
The legal system in Dubai follows UAE Federal Law and has clear rules for filing, presenting, and resolving lawsuits.
This article provides a practical guide to how legal cases, especially civil cases, work in Dubai and outlines how a law firm can support you at every step in 2025.
Contact our expert lawyers & legal consultants in UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
Table of Contents
Process of a Legal Case in Dubai
Legal cases in Dubai can involve civil, criminal, labor, family, or commercial matters.
We’ll mainly focus on civil legal cases, explaining the entire process from filing to judgment and appeal.
Starting the Case by Preparing and Submitting the Claim
To initiate a civil case, the plaintiff or their lawyer must file a statement of claim and all necessary supporting documents with the Case Management Office or online system.
This must include:
- Full names and addresses of both parties.
- The core issue and legal reasoning.
- Submission date and court details.
- A valid signature from the plaintiff or their representative.
A copy of the agreement must be attached if the case involves a contract, such as requesting its cancellation, enforcement, or validation.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs must attest to the original decision in order for foreign rulings to be enforced in the UAE.
Documents must be in Arabic or officially translated by a certified legal translator.
Once accepted, the court issues a case number and sets a hearing date. A court bailiff officially notifies the defendant within 10 days.
Deciding the Proper Court Location
Jurisdiction refers to which court has the right to hear the case. This usually depends on where the defendant lives or works.
For example, a case against someone residing in Al Barsha would be filed in the court covering that district.
In commercial matters, plaintiffs have options. You may file where:
- The defendant lives or works.
- The contract was signed.
- The agreement was executed (even partially).
For example, A dispute involving delivery failures on a contract signed in Dubai Internet City could be filed in that jurisdiction or where the supplier is based, whichever is more strategic.
If the case is filed in the wrong jurisdiction, the court will transfer it to the correct one, causing delays. Proper assessment beforehand is vital.
Choosing the Right Legal Representative
Only licensed Emirati lawyers in the UAE can represent clients in court proceedings. They must be certified by the Ministry of Justice and registered as practicing attorneys.
To authorize the lawyer, clients need to issue a power of attorney verified by a UAE notary public.
This allows the lawyer to manage all litigation procedures—from filing the case to defending it and pursuing appeals.
For instance, your appointed lawyer can handle everything locally if you’re a foreign investor looking to sue a local partner over contract violations.
Legal professionals also ensure correct translations, adherence to filing rules, and clear presentation of your case in court.
How the Court Calculates the Value of the Dispute
The case’s monetary value is established on the day of the hearing. It includes:
- The original claim amount.
- Any financial losses or damages.
- Lost income or business revenue.
- Associated legal and court costs.
How Defendants Must Respond to the Case
Once notified, the defendant must respond by submitting a written defence at least three days before the hearing date. This includes:
- Refutations of the plaintiff’s claims.
- Evidence such as contracts, communications, and financial records.
- Legal points to counter the claims.
In urgent situations, the timeframe may be shortened to 24 hours or even one hour, particularly when emergency actions are requested, like asset freezes or travel bans.
For example, if a business is sued and risks having its bank accounts frozen, it may have only a few hours to reply and defend against the motion.
All submissions must be signed and submitted through the court’s case system.
Attending Court Hearings and What to Expect
Both parties or their lawyers must attend the assigned court date. The first session is key for presenting legal arguments and documents.
Late document submissions may be accepted, but could result in delays or fines. Courts generally penalize tactics that stall the process.
For example, if the defendant fails to show up, the court may proceed without them and issue a ruling. The court will dismiss the case if neither party attends for 60 days.
The court can delay a case only once for the same excuse and no more than two weeks, unless a serious reason is provided.
Settling the Matter Before Final Judgment
A civil legal case in Dubai can be paused or closed if both parties agree. This requires court approval, and the case is frozen for six months. Neither party can resume it unless both agree.
For instance, in a property dispute, the buyer and seller may negotiate a settlement privately. Once reported, the court pauses the case, and proceedings resume only if necessary.
This mechanism supports mediation and encourages dispute resolution without lengthy trials.
Delivering the Verdict and Appealing the Ruling
Judgment is given in a public session, during which the court determines who will cover the legal costs, usually the losing party.
An example is when A landlord who loses a rental dispute may be ordered to pay the tenant’s legal fees and any compensation ordered.
If the ruling is disputed, the aggrieved party can appeal:
- Within 30 days in standard cases.
- Within 10 days in urgent cases.
- Appeals can introduce new witnesses, documents, or legal arguments.
Asking the Court to Review a Final Decision
A petition for review is rare and granted only if:
- The judgment was based on fraud.
- The evidence used was proven to be falsified.
- A witness was later found to be lying.
For example, if the court’s decision relied on a forged receipt and this is discovered after the judgment, the other party can file for a full review.
Enforcing the Court’s Decision
Once the verdict is final, it is carried out by an execution judge, assisted by court officers. This includes:
- Enforcing payments.
- Seizing assets.
- Carrying out specific rulings like evictions or injunctions.
For instance, a company refusing to pay a court-ordered refund may have its bank accounts frozen or assets seized and sold to satisfy the judgment.
Proper follow-up by your legal team ensures full execution of the ruling.
Learn more about different types of legal cases in the UAE:
- Credit Card Non-Payment Case in UAE.
- Financial Case Dubai.
- Fraud Case in Dubai Punishment.
- Travel Ban Civil Case UAE.
- How to File an Absconding Case in Dubai, UAE.
- Labor Cases Legal Advisors Dubai.
Legal Cases Services in Dubai
Our legal consultants in Dubai guide clients through every phase of a civil legal case in Dubai. We provide support in:
- End-to-End Legal Filing.
We draft and submit your statement of claim with precise legal language and necessary supporting documents, ensuring full compliance with UAE procedures. - Representation in All Court Levels.
Our licensed Emirati lawyers in the UAE appear in the Court of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation to fully represent your interests. - Handling Contractual and Financial Disputes.
We manage cases involving commercial contracts, breach of agreement, delayed payments, and more. - Legal Strategy and Risk Assessment.
Our team builds a solid legal strategy, ensuring the case is filed in the proper jurisdiction and based on strong, admissible evidence. - Appeals, Reviews, and Emergency Actions.
We handle all appellate matters, review petitions, and urgent applications for asset freezes or travel bans. - Judgment Enforcement Support.
We work with execution judges and court officers to ensure full enforcement of rulings in your favor.
Find more services from the best Lawyers in Dubai, UAE.
FAQs about Legal Cases in Dubai
Filing and managing a legal case in Dubai involves strict procedures, short deadlines, and careful legal strategy.
Whether bringing a claim or defending against one, working with experienced lawyers ensures you’re not just compliant but positioned to win.
Our firm is committed to protecting your interests every step of the way.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
