United Arab Emirates: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

Construction projects in Dubai often involve many parts. A single project may include the employer, main contractor, subcontractors, consultants, engineers, suppliers and project managers. When the project runs smoothly, each party knows its role, payment schedule and delivery timeline.

Investing in off-plan property can be an attractive way to buy in Dubai. Buyers can purchase the unit early, take advantage of payment plans, and potentially benefit from the property’s appreciation in value before it is completed. But things don’t always go as promised. Construction delays, project changes, disputes over instalments, cancelled developments and disagreements over refunds can leave buyers unsure of their rights.

Commercial disputes are common in business. A delayed payment, a failed investment arrangement, a disputed variation, a shareholder disagreement or a breach of contract can quickly affect cash flow, business relationships and future plans.

Commercial disputes are common in business. A delayed payment, a failed investment arrangement, a disputed variation, a shareholder disagreement or a breach of contract can quickly affect cash flow, business relationships and future plans.

Being involved in a criminal case in the UAE is stressful for everyone, but for expats, the situation can feel worse. A police complaint, arrest, travel ban, bounced check issue, cybercrime allegation, drug-related accusation, assault complaint, or fraud investigation can impact not only your freedom but also your job, visa, family stability, and future residence in the UAE.

A disagreement can quickly become stressful when money, property, employment, family interests or business relationships are involved. For UAE residents and expatriates, the situation may feel even more complicated because of unfamiliar court procedures, Arabic documentation and strict legal deadlines.

Most people think a prank call is just a joke. But in the UAE, one wrong word, a fake emergency, a threat, or recording the call without permission can quickly turn a harmless prank into a criminal case.

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

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.