United Arab Emirates: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

Many people ask the same question before starting a divorce in the UAE: Can I file for divorce online, or do I have to go to court?

International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026, attended by professional lawyer Dr. Hassan Elhais.The exclusive summit was organized in Singapore by Drew & Napier, led by Shu Mei Hoon. The summit brought together the leading family law practitioners from around the world to discuss the challenging cross-border issues facing the high net worth families.

Dr. Hassan Elhais is one of the best family lawyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for cases involving children cases, especially those requiring cross-border enforcement of custody. He was elected co-chair of the Relocation of Children Committee of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and he recently spoke on key issues for expatriate families at the IAFL Asia Pacific Symposium in Kuala Lumpur. Dr. Hassan Elhais is a professional lawyer who has developed expertise in dealing with cases that are specific to expats living in UAE including cross-border matters such as parental child abduction and the enforcement of foreign financial judgments.

Many people ask the same question before starting a divorce in the UAE: Can I file for divorce online, or do I have to go to court?

International extradition proceedings in the UAE involve complex legal processes where foreign countries request the surrender of individuals for prosecution or sentencing. Understanding the legal framework, grounds for refusal, and the critical importance of experienced legal representation can determine whether a person faces extradition or successfully challenges the request through UAE courts and authorities.

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.

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 Court of Cassation in Abu Dhabi has delivered a landmark ruling clarifying that a woman's independent salary or personal assets do not automatically disqualify her from receiving financial compensation following divorce. The decision, which rejected a former husband's appeal, establishes that post-divorce financial claims must be assessed holistically, considering factors such as marriage duration, financial standing of both spouses, and income disparities rather than employment status alone.

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.