United Arab Emirates: International Law

Dubai's highest court has ruled that a wife may file a fresh divorce-for-harm case in the UAE even after an earlier claim abroad was dismissed, provided she can prove the harm continued or reoccurred. The landmark judgment clarifies that previous dismissals in foreign courts do not automatically bar new claims in Dubai when ongoing or renewed marital harm can be demonstrated with supporting evidence.

Dr. Hassan Elhais examines the legal framework governing international extradition between the UAE and Ireland, exploring how cross-border extradition requests are processed and the procedural complexities that arise when two jurisdictions seek to transfer individuals for prosecution or sentencing. The discussion addresses the bilateral considerations and legal standards that shape extradition outcomes.

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...

Dubai Customs has introduced a voluntary disclosure mechanism allowing businesses to report customs violations before detection by authorities, potentially resulting in full or partial waiver of fines. The system requires companies to identify errors through internal reviews and submit disclosures with supporting documentation within strict timeframes. Understanding the conditions and procedures is essential for businesses seeking to leverage this compliance tool while avoiding penalties.

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.

Dr. Hassan Elhais examines the legal framework governing international extradition between the UAE and Ireland, exploring how cross-border extradition requests are processed and the procedural complexities that arise when two jurisdictions seek to transfer individuals for prosecution or sentencing. The discussion addresses the bilateral considerations and legal standards that shape extradition outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has reclassified the United Arab Emirates under export control regulations, moving it from a restricted category to a trusted partner designation. This significant policy shift affects how American companies can export advanced computing items and dual-use technologies to UAE entities, particularly in the artificial intelligence sector.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule significantly upgrading the export control status of the United Arab Emirates under the Export Administration Regulations. This regulatory change recognizes the UAE as a U.S. Major Defense Partner and facilitates its secure access to certain sensitive items, including advanced computing technology and missile systems, through enhanced favorable treatment and new license exceptions.

On July 14, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule “Enhanced Favorable Treatment for the United Arab Emirates under the Export Administration Regulations” (Final Rule) that amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774) to significantly improve the status of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)...