Civil and Commercial Lawyers in Dubai
Claims and defence in contract, debt, compensation and business disputes before the Dubai Courts.
In short: civil disputes in Dubai, such as unpaid debts, breach of contract and compensation claims, are heard by the Dubai Courts under the UAE Civil Transactions Law and the Civil Procedure Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022). Smaller claims can use fast-track procedures such as payment orders. Cases pass through the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal and, where allowed, the Court of Cassation. All pleadings are in Arabic.
Send Your Case Details
Civil Cases We Handle
- Breach of contract and unpaid invoices
- Debt recovery and payment orders
- Compensation for damage caused by another person (tort claims)
- Commercial disputes between companies, partners and agents
- Construction and contractor disputes
- Rental and property claims; see property lawyers
- Enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards
Choosing the Right Procedure
| Procedure | When it fits | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Payment order | Fixed, written and due debt, for example a signed invoice or acknowledgement | Fast |
| Direct execution | Bounced cheques and other enforceable instruments | Fast |
| Small claims / summary procedures | Lower-value claims | Faster than a full case |
| Full civil case | Disputed facts, complex contracts, compensation | Several months or more |
| Arbitration | Where the contract contains an arbitration clause | Depends on the rules |
How a Civil Case Proceeds
- Assessment and notice. We review the contract and evidence and usually send a formal legal notice.
- Filing. The statement of claim is filed in Arabic, and court fees are paid.
- Case management. The case preparation office or judge manages exchanges of submissions.
- Expert review. In technical or accounting disputes, the court often appoints an expert whose report carries great weight.
- Judgment and appeal. Appeals go to the Court of Appeal and, where allowed, the Court of Cassation.
- Execution. The judgment is enforced through attachment of accounts and assets, and travel bans where justified.
Protecting Your Position Before Filing
If there is a risk the other party will move assets or leave the country, the court can grant a precautionary attachment or a travel ban at the start of the case. These must be requested with evidence of the claim and the risk.
Common Mistakes
- Relying on WhatsApp agreements with no written contract.
- Letting limitation periods run while negotiating.
- Not preparing properly for the court expert's meetings.
See also litigation lawyers, contract drafting lawyers and cheque bounce lawyers.
Civil Disputes We Act In
Debt, contract and compensation claims, from the first demand letter to enforcement of the judgment.
- Breach Of Contract Claims
- Debt Recovery
- Damages And Compensation Claims
- Partnership Disputes
- Agency And Distribution Disputes
- Construction And Contracting Claims
- Insurance Disputes
- Summary Payment Orders
- Enforcement Of Judgments
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Litigation LawyersCourt representation in civil, commercial and property disputes.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Cheque Bounce LawyersRecovering bounced cheques through the execution court, and defending claims.
- Property LawyersOff-plan, rental, title and developer disputes in Dubai.
- Contract Drafting LawyersDrafting and reviewing contracts that hold up under UAE law.
- Legal AdvisorOngoing legal advice for individuals and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
How Long Does A Civil Case Take In Dubai?
A straightforward case can be decided at first instance within a few months. Cases with expert reports and appeals can take a year or more.
What Is A Payment Order In Dubai?
A fast-track procedure to recover a fixed, written and due debt without a full trial. It is often the quickest route for unpaid invoices.
Can I Get A Travel Ban Against A Debtor In Dubai?
Yes, the court can impose a travel ban in suitable cases, usually where the claim is supported and there is a real risk the debtor will leave.
Do Dubai Courts Accept English Contracts?
Yes, but the contract must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator for court. The Arabic translation is what the court reads.
What Is The Role Of A Court Expert In Dubai?
In technical, accounting or construction disputes, the court appoints an expert to examine the facts. The expert's report strongly influences the judgment.
Put Your Civil Dispute Before A Dubai Advocate
Send the contract, the correspondence and any court reference. The first question is always what can be proved, not what was promised.
- OfficeSixth Floor, Suite 614
Emaar Business Park Building 4
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE - Telephone+971 54 454 3909 (On Call 24/7)
- WhatsApp+971 54 454 3909
- Emailinfo@htlawyers.ae
- DirectionsOpen In Google Maps
- HoursOffice Hours 08:00 To 16:00