United Arab Emirates: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

Investment disputes often become particularly difficult when a promising business ends in substantial financial loss. For the investor, the disappearance of expected returns may naturally create suspicion that the money was mishandled; for the person managing the business, the same result may be explained as an ordinary consequence of commercial risk. The legal question, however, cannot usually be answered by looking at the loss alone. A proper assessment requires examination of what happened to the investment, how the business was actually managed, and whether the available evidence establishes conduct going beyond an unsuccessful commercial venture.

When a deceased person leaves property in multiple countries or has heirs living abroad, resolving their estate becomes significantly more complex. Questions arise about which country's laws apply, whether foreign wills are recognized in the UAE, and how overseas heirs can participate in local proceedings without relocating.

Recovery of engagement gifts under UAE law requires item classification, proof of value and conditions, the correct court route, defenses, and deadline review.

The key legislation governing extradition and international judicial cooperation in the UAE is Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 (amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2023). It deals with the surrender of wanted persons, judicial assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of convicted persons.

When a deceased person leaves property in multiple countries or has heirs living abroad, resolving their estate becomes significantly more complex. Questions arise about which country's laws apply, whether foreign wills are recognized in the UAE, and how overseas heirs can participate in local proceedings without relocating.

Where a cheque is returned unpaid in the UAE, the holder has two routes to recover the amount: a criminal complaint against the person who issued the cheque, or an application to the execution court for an order that the amount be paid. Which route is available depends on the reason the bank returned the cheque.

A message sent in anger, a social media post, a recorded conversation or access to another person’s online account can sometimes lead to a criminal complaint in the UAE. Once a cybercrime complaint is made, the matter may move quickly from a police investigation to the Public Prosecution.

A defendant's uncertain statement about possible drug use abroad became the basis for his conviction when the court treated it as a confession. The Court of Cassation examined whether qualified words like "might have used" constitute an admission, and whether the evidence established when and where any consumption occurred.

When does delayed repayment cross the line into criminal breach of trust? The Federal Supreme Court examines whether non-payment alone proves criminal intent, or whether courts must assess the full circumstances, defenses, and supporting evidence before reaching a conviction.

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.