United Arab Emirates: Trials & Appeals & Compensation

On 3 August 2026, the Conflicts of Jurisdiction Tribunal issued a watershed decision in Application No. 005/2026, confirming a principle that will shape enforcement strategy across Dubai’s dual court system, namely, “procedural tools follow enforcement jurisdiction, not the reverse”.

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.

Breach of trust cases in Dubai carry serious legal consequences under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, involving criminal penalties, civil compensation claims, and potential deportation for expatriates.

A UAE court case examines how divorced parents share custody of their children and manage financial responsibilities after separation.

Plaintiff files the instant case against his ex-wife defendant, requesting the court to reduce the custodial rent required to be paid by him, and declare that he is the owner of a jointly owned property, and claim compensation from the defendant. The plaintiff explained that the couple was married and subsequently divorced and he was required to pay the custodial rent.

The legislative landscape in the United Arab Emirates has witnessed, in recent years, numerous amendments to laws and regulations aimed at achieving a clear vision toward global competitiveness.

With the rapid growth of digital scheduling tools, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, it is easy to assume that delay analysis has become a purely technical exercise.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates a multi-layered judicial system that combines civil law principles, Islamic Sharia, and modern statutory legislation.