United Arab Emirates: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

In the UAE a breach of contract may occur for non-performance, delayed performance, defective performance or refusal to perform an obligation when it is due. The legal consequences depend on the terms of the contract, the nature of the breach, the loss occasioned and the remedy sought.

The DIFC Court has issued its first substantive guidance on how courts should exercise discretion when setting aside arbitral awards under Article 41 of the DIFC Arbitration Law. Building on the landmark Oheo Bank v Parker decision, this new framework distinguishes between errors that materially affect award outcomes and those that do not, establishing when intervention is appropriate and when deference to arbitral tribunals should prevail.

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.

Traditionally, judicial systems around the world relied on conventional court procedures across all types of courts, including civil courts, personal status courts, criminal courts, and specialized courts.

The DIFC Court has issued its first substantive guidance on how courts should exercise discretion when setting aside arbitral awards under Article 41 of the DIFC Arbitration Law. Building on the landmark Oheo Bank v Parker decision, this new framework distinguishes between errors that materially affect award outcomes and those that do not, establishing when intervention is appropriate and when deference to arbitral tribunals should prevail.

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.

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.