How to file a lawsuit in Dubai — step-by-step guide to Dubai Courts

Filing a lawsuit in Dubai can be a straightforward process when you understand the court system, procedural requirements, and documentation standards. This guide walks you through every stage — from identifying the correct court and calculating limitation periods, to submitting your claim online, attending hearings, and enforcing a judgment. All procedures reflect Dubai Courts practice as of June 2026, including applicable Federal and Dubai legislation.

1. Dubai Courts Structure

The Dubai Courts operate under a three-tier hierarchy established by Federal Law No. 11 of 1992 (Civil Procedure Code) as amended, and Dubai Law No. 3 of 1992 on the Establishment of Dubai Courts. Understanding which tier applies to your matter determines where you file, the applicable fees, and the appeal route.

Court of First Instance

The Court of First Instance (Mahkama al-Ibtidaiya) is the primary trial court. It is divided into several circuits including Civil, Commercial, Personal Status, Criminal, Labour, and Real Estate. Commercial and civil claims with a value above AED 500,000 are filed here. Judges sit in panels of three for most commercial disputes, though single-judge panels handle certain civil matters.

Court of Appeal

Parties dissatisfied with a Court of First Instance judgment may appeal to the Court of Appeal (Mahkama al-Isti'naf) within 30 days of notification of the judgment. The Court of Appeal conducts a full merits review — it may admit new evidence in defined circumstances and may set aside, vary, or uphold the lower court's decision.

Court of Cassation

The Court of Cassation (Mahkama al-Tamyiz) is the highest civil court in the Emirate of Dubai. Appeals from the Court of Appeal lie to Cassation on grounds of law only — procedural error, misapplication of law, or breach of fundamental principles. Cassation appeals must generally be filed within 30 days and require representation by an advocate holding a Cassation-level licence.

Civil vs Commercial Division

The distinction between civil and commercial divisions is significant. Commercial claims arise between parties acting in a trading or business capacity governed by Federal Law No. 18 of 1993 (Commercial Transactions Law) and Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (Companies Law). Civil claims typically involve private individuals, property, employment (handled in the Labour circuit), or personal obligations governed by Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Code). Court fees also differ: commercial claims attract 7.5% of claim value whereas civil claims are assessed at a lower rate.

Small Claims Tribunal

Dubai Courts operate a Small Claims and Disputes Tribunal (SCDT) for commercial and civil claims up to AED 500,000. Proceedings are streamlined — a single judge manages the case, pleadings are simplified, and hearings are fewer. Judgments are typically issued within 3 to 6 months. Critically, parties may represent themselves before the SCDT without engaging a licensed advocate, reducing cost significantly. However, companies must still be represented by an authorised employee or an advocate if the opposing party is legally represented and complexity warrants it.

2. Who Can File a Lawsuit in Dubai Courts

Individuals

Any natural person with legal capacity (18 years or over under UAE law, or an emancipated minor) may file a claim in Dubai Courts. UAE nationals, UAE residents, and foreign nationals who are not resident in the UAE are all eligible claimants. There is no domicile requirement for the claimant; jurisdiction is typically founded on the defendant's domicile or place of business in Dubai, the location of the disputed property, or the place of contract performance under Article 31 of the Civil Procedure Code.

Companies and Legal Entities

UAE-incorporated companies (LLCs, joint stock companies, branches of foreign companies, and free zone entities with onshore dispute resolution clauses) may file as claimants. A company must authorise an individual to act on its behalf. This is done through a Power of Attorney executed before a UAE Notary Public (or legalised if executed abroad) and, where required, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The authorised person may be a licensed UAE advocate or a senior employee — though only a licensed advocate can sign pleadings filed by a company in courts above the SCDT.

Foreign Nationals and Foreign Companies

Foreign nationals and foreign corporations may sue and be sued in Dubai Courts. Documents originating outside the UAE must be apostilled (if the issuing state is party to the Hague Apostille Convention) or legalised through the chain of UAE Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant ministry attestation. All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation prepared by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.

Role of a UAE-Licensed Advocate

Under Federal Law No. 23 of 1991 (Advocates and Legal Consultants Law) as amended by Federal Law No. 25 of 2014, only advocates registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice and holding a valid licence may represent parties in onshore UAE courts above the SCDT level. An advocate must hold a valid annual practising certificate and be a member of the relevant emirate bar. Foreign-qualified lawyers may advise but cannot appear as advocates of record in onshore courts unless dual-qualified or acting under special dispensation.

Power of Attorney Requirements

A Special Power of Attorney (Wakala Khassa) is required for an advocate to file, sign, and pursue proceedings on behalf of a client. For individuals, the POA must be notarised before a UAE Notary Public or, if executed abroad, legalised. For companies, the POA must be signed by the authorised signatory under the company's constitutional documents (Memorandum of Association or Board Resolution confirming authority), notarised, and attested. The POA must expressly authorise filing, prosecuting, and settling the specific proceedings. A General POA is acceptable but must include explicit litigation authority.

3. Pre-Filing Steps

Limitation Periods

Missing a limitation deadline extinguishes the right of action. Key periods under UAE law are:

• General civil claims (Article 473, Civil Code, Federal Law No. 5 of 1985): 15 years from the date the right becomes actionable, unless a specific shorter period applies.
• Commercial claims (Article 95, Commercial Transactions Law, Federal Law No. 18 of 1993): 10 years general commercial limitation, reduced to 3 years for claims arising from commercial contracts between merchants.
• Labour claims (Article 54, UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021): 1 year from the date the employment right became due or from termination of the employment relationship, whichever is earlier. Labour claims must first pass through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) conciliation stage before a court referral is issued.
• Insurance claims: 3 years under Federal Law No. 6 of 2007.
• Cheque disputes: 6 months from due date for direct criminal complaint; civil action follows ordinary commercial periods.

Limitation periods may be interrupted by a written demand, acknowledgment of the debt by the debtor, or filing of a claim. Keep records of all communications that may interrupt limitation.

Pre-Action Demand Letter

Although not strictly required by statute for most civil and commercial claims, sending a formal written demand (Inkhar Rasmi) is strongly advised and in some cases legally required (e.g., under Article 188 of the Civil Code for specific performance). A demand letter:

• Puts the defendant on formal notice and may trigger interest running;
• Demonstrates good faith and may support a cost award;
• Provides evidence of the dispute's existence for potential attachment orders;
• Is a prerequisite for certain pre-judgment precautionary attachments under Article 252 of the Civil Procedure Code.

Send the demand by registered mail or notarial service (Inkahar Rasmi through a UAE Notary Public) to create a verifiable record.

Evidence Gathering and Document Certification

Compile all documentary evidence before filing. Dubai Courts require that exhibits be submitted with the Statement of Claim or at the first hearing. Key document categories include:

• Contracts and agreements — original or certified copies. If signed electronically, ensure the electronic signature complies with Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 on Electronic Transactions.
• Correspondence — emails, WhatsApp messages, and letters. Digital evidence must be authenticated; a printout alone may be challenged.
• Invoices, delivery notes, and financial records — in Arabic or with certified Arabic translation.
• Corporate documents — trade licences, Memoranda of Association, Board Resolutions, and company registers, all attested as required.
• Expert reports — independent valuations, engineering reports, or forensic accounting can be submitted as exhibits but the court may also appoint its own expert.

Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. UAE-issued documents in a language other than Arabic must also be translated. Translations must be certified by a Ministry of Justice-approved translator.

4. Filing the Case

Dubai Courts Online Portal

Since 2019, Dubai Courts have progressively digitised the filing process. The primary portal is dubaicourtsonline.ae (also accessible through the Dubai Courts app and the Dubai Now superapp). Registered advocates and parties may create an account, submit case documents, pay fees, track case status, and receive notifications. New case registration (Tatbeeq al-Da'awa) is completed electronically for most civil and commercial matters. Physical filing counters remain available at the Dubai Courts complex in Bur Dubai for complex matters or where electronic submission encounters difficulties.

Required Documents

To register a new civil or commercial case you will typically need to upload:

1. Statement of Claim (Saha'ifa al-Da'awa) — in Arabic, signed by the advocate of record (or by the party if self-represented in the SCDT). The statement must identify parties, set out the facts, specify the legal basis, and state the relief sought with a precise monetary value where applicable.
2. Original Power of Attorney — notarised and attested as required.
3. Exhibits — indexed and numbered, with certified Arabic translations of any non-Arabic documents.
4. Proof of corporate status — for company claimants: trade licence, Memorandum of Association (or equivalent), Board Resolution authorising the action.
5. National ID or passport copy — for individual claimants.
6. Fee payment confirmation — generated by the portal upon calculation and payment.

The Arabic language requirement for pleadings is mandatory. Article 6 of Federal Law No. 11 of 1992 (Civil Procedure Code) requires all court submissions to be in Arabic. While foreign-language exhibits are accepted when accompanied by certified translation, the Statement of Claim, petitions, and advocate submissions must be in Arabic.

Court Fees

Court fees in Dubai are governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2013 (Dubai Courts Fees Law) as amended. The applicable rates for civil and commercial claims are:

• Commercial claims: 7.5% of the claim value, subject to a minimum of AED 500 and a maximum cap of AED 500,000. For a claim of AED 1,000,000, the filing fee is AED 75,000. For a claim of AED 10,000,000 or above, the fee is capped at AED 500,000.
• Civil claims: Approximately 4% of claim value for monetary claims (minimum AED 200), with different rates for declaratory and injunctive relief.
• Small Claims Tribunal: Fees are lower — typically AED 500 flat fee or 2% of value for claims up to AED 100,000, graduating up to the standard commercial rate for claims between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000.
• Counterclaims: Attract the same fee calculation as original claims.
• Appeal fees: Approximately 50% of the first instance fee (subject to minimum charges).

Fees are payable online by credit/debit card, eDirham, or bank transfer through the Dubai Courts portal. A receipt is generated electronically and serves as proof of payment. Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income litigants upon application.

Translation Requirements

All non-Arabic documents submitted as exhibits must be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. Translations must be prepared by a translator licensed and approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. The translator's stamp and signature, along with their MOJ licence number, must appear on the translation. Machine-translated or uncertified translations will be rejected. Obtain translations before filing to avoid delays at the first hearing.

5. Service of Process

Once a case is registered and fees are paid, the court issues a summons (Tabilgh) to notify the defendant. Service is a critical jurisdictional step — proceedings cannot advance until valid service is established.

Service by Court Bailiff

The primary method of service in Dubai is personal service by a court bailiff (Mahdar al-Mahkama). The bailiff delivers the summons and case documents to the defendant at their last known address (residential or business). For companies, service is effected at the registered address as shown on the trade licence. Service on government entities follows special procedures under Article 11 of the Civil Procedure Code.

Service on Foreign Defendants

Where the defendant is located outside the UAE, service is effected through judicial channels — the Dubai Courts submit a request through the UAE Ministry of Justice to serve via the defendant's home country's competent authority under bilateral judicial assistance treaties. The UAE has judicial cooperation agreements with numerous countries. Service through this route can take 3 to 6 months and in some cases longer, which materially affects the overall timeline.

Publication (Constructive Service)

Where the defendant's address is unknown and cannot be located after reasonable enquiry, or where service has been attempted and failed, the court may order service by publication under Article 12 of the Civil Procedure Code. A notice is published in two Arabic-language daily newspapers approved by the court (typically Al Bayan and Al Ittihad). After publication, the defendant is deemed served after a prescribed waiting period (typically 20 days from last publication). Cases against unknown-address defendants can proceed to default judgment once publication service requirements are satisfied.

Timeline for Service

Service on defendants located in Dubai typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from registration of the case. Service on defendants in other emirates can take 4 to 8 weeks. International service adds the delays noted above. The first hearing date is generally assigned 4 to 8 weeks after valid service is established, subject to court diary availability.

6. Court Proceedings

First Hearing

The first hearing (Al-Jalsa al-Ula) is primarily administrative in nature. The judge confirms service, verifies that both parties are represented, and issues directions for the exchange of pleadings. At the first hearing, the claimant's advocate confirms the claim; the defendant's advocate may request time to file a defence. The court typically grants one or two adjournments of 2 to 4 weeks each for this purpose.

Exchange of Pleadings

After the first hearing, the court sets a schedule for the exchange of written pleadings:

• Defence (Mudhakkira Difa'iya): The defendant files a written response to the Statement of Claim, setting out their factual position, legal arguments, and any counterclaim.
• Reply (Radd): The claimant files a reply to the defence.
• Rejoinder (Ta'qeeb): The defendant may file a further response.

Each pleading exchange round typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Advocates may request extensions; the court has discretion to grant or refuse. All pleadings must be in Arabic and filed through the online portal or at the filing counter.

Expert Appointment

In technically complex or high-value disputes, the court frequently appoints a judicial expert (Khabeer Qada'i) from the Dubai Courts Expert Register to examine the evidence and provide an opinion. The expert's role may include assessing damages, reviewing accounts, inspecting property, or opining on technical matters. The court issues a letter of appointment defining the expert's mandate. Parties bear the expert's fees (typically shared equally unless the court directs otherwise), which are deposited with the court before the expert begins work. Expert fees vary from AED 5,000 for straightforward matters to AED 50,000 or more for complex technical or financial investigations. The expert files a report with the court, and parties may file objections (I'tiradaat) to which the expert must respond.

Case Management and Hearings

Dubai Courts follow a written pleadings model — oral advocacy at hearings is limited. Hearings are typically brief (5 to 15 minutes) unless the judge requests oral submissions on a specific point. Between hearings, the judge reviews the case file. Hearings are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks. Parties receive SMS and email notifications of hearing dates through the portal.

Judgment

After pleadings close and any expert evidence is finalised, the judge reserves the matter for judgment. Judgment is typically delivered at a subsequent hearing date (Al-Jalsa lil-Hukm). The written judgment (Hukm) sets out the facts, the legal reasoning, and the operative order. Judgments at the Court of First Instance are publicly available on the Dubai Courts portal.

Typical Timeline

A straightforward commercial case at the Court of First Instance typically takes 12 to 18 months from filing to judgment. Cases involving international service, judicial experts, multiple counterclaims, or complex technical issues may take 24 to 36 months. The Small Claims Tribunal processes cases in 3 to 6 months on average. If the matter proceeds through all three court tiers, total elapsed time including appeal and cassation can reach 4 to 6 years.

7. After Judgment — Appeals and Enforcement

Appeal Rights

A party wishing to appeal a Court of First Instance judgment must file a Notice of Appeal (Istinaf) at the Court of Appeal within 30 days of being formally notified of the written judgment. For SCDT judgments below AED 20,000, there is generally no right of appeal on the merits. For judgments between AED 20,000 and AED 500,000 from the SCDT, appeal lies to the Court of First Instance (acting as an appellate body). Court of Appeal judgments may be challenged at Cassation within 30 days of notification of the written appeal judgment, on grounds of law only.

Filing an appeal does not automatically stay enforcement of the first instance judgment. A party wishing to suspend enforcement pending appeal must apply for a stay order (Waqf al-Tanfidh), which requires the provision of a bank guarantee or cash deposit with the court to secure the judgment sum. The court has discretion to grant or refuse stays.

Enforcement of Judgments

Once a judgment becomes final and enforceable (either because no appeal was filed within time, or upon completion of the appellate process), the judgment creditor may apply to the Execution Judge (Qadi al-Tanfidh) at the Dubai Courts Execution Department to enforce the judgment. The enforcement file is opened upon payment of a nominal fee and submission of a certified copy of the final judgment.

Available enforcement mechanisms include:

• Bank account attachment: The execution judge issues orders to UAE banks to freeze and transfer funds from the judgment debtor's accounts up to the judgment amount. UAE banks must comply within a prescribed period.
• Wage garnishment: For individual debtors employed in the UAE, the execution judge may order the employer to deduct and remit a portion of the debtor's salary (typically up to 25% of net salary under applicable law).
• Asset seizure and auction: Movable and immovable assets may be seized by the execution bailiff and auctioned. Real property requires registration of a prohibition on disposal at the Dubai Land Department before auction.
• Travel ban: The execution judge may issue a travel ban preventing the judgment debtor from departing the UAE.
• Trade licence suspension: Coordination with the Department of Economy and Tourism may result in suspension of the debtor's trade licence until satisfaction of the judgment.

Enforcement of foreign judgments in Dubai requires a separate recognition proceeding under Article 222 of the Civil Procedure Code, subject to bilateral treaty arrangements. Judgments from DIFC Courts benefit from the enforcement protocol established by the Joint Judicial Tribunal (JJT), which provides a streamlined recognition route between DIFC and onshore Dubai Courts.

8. DIFC Courts as an Alternative for Commercial Parties

The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts are a common law court system operating within the DIFC free zone, established by Dubai Law No. 12 of 2004 and DIFC Law No. 10 of 2004 (DIFC Court Law) as amended. They offer a fundamentally different dispute resolution environment from onshore Dubai Courts.

When DIFC Courts Have Jurisdiction

DIFC Courts have jurisdiction over:

• Civil and commercial disputes where at least one party is incorporated or operating in the DIFC;
• Disputes arising from contracts that contain an express opt-in jurisdiction clause naming the DIFC Courts, even where neither party is a DIFC entity — following the Court of Appeal of the DIFC's expansive interpretation of the "opt-in" jurisdiction in Article 5(A)(2) of the DIFC Courts Law;
• Enforcement of domestic and international arbitration awards;
• Recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments.

Key Differences from Onshore Courts

• Language: DIFC Court proceedings are conducted entirely in English. Documents may be filed in English without Arabic translation.
• Legal system: DIFC Courts apply DIFC laws (largely modelled on English common law) and may apply English common law and equity as gap-fillers. Onshore courts apply UAE federal and Dubai law (civil law tradition).
• Advocates: Any qualified lawyer from a recognised jurisdiction may register to appear in DIFC Courts, subject to DIFC Court registration requirements.
• Fees: DIFC Courts apply a fee schedule based on claim value. The initial filing fee is 4% of the claim value for the Small Claims Tribunal (claims up to USD 1 million) and different rates apply for the Court of First Instance.
• Procedure: More adversarial and oral-argument focused than onshore courts. Case management conferences, disclosure processes, and witness statements are standard.
• Timeline: Comparable to onshore courts at first instance — approximately 12 to 18 months for a contested commercial case — but with greater procedural predictability.

Enforcement Bridge

The Joint Judicial Tribunal Protocol (2016, as supplemented) provides that DIFC Court judgments are enforceable in onshore Dubai through a streamlined registration process, and vice versa. This makes structuring a contract with a DIFC Courts jurisdiction clause a viable strategic option for international commercial parties who want English-language proceedings but operational presence in onshore Dubai.

9. Costs Overview

Budgeting accurately for litigation in Dubai Courts requires accounting for several distinct cost categories. The table below sets out typical ranges; actual costs depend on case complexity, duration, and the seniority of advocates engaged.

Cost recovery: Dubai Courts have discretion to award costs (legal fees and court fees) to the successful party, but full cost recovery is not guaranteed. Courts routinely award partial costs or decline to award any costs beyond court fees. Factor in the possibility of bearing your own advocate fees regardless of outcome.

10. Filing Checklist

• Confirm the correct court and division (civil, commercial, SCDT, or labour circuit)
• Verify the limitation period has not expired — calculate from the date the cause of action arose
• Send a formal written demand letter (by registered mail or notarial service) and retain proof of delivery
• Gather all contractual documents, correspondence, invoices, and supporting evidence
• Obtain certified Arabic translations of all non-Arabic documents from a Ministry of Justice-approved translator
• Legalise or apostille all foreign-origin documents and obtain MOJ attestation where required
• Prepare or obtain trade licence, Memorandum of Association, and Board Resolution (for company claimants)
• Execute a Special Power of Attorney in favour of your UAE-licensed advocate — notarise and attest as required
• Draft the Statement of Claim in Arabic (to be prepared by your advocate), setting out facts, legal basis, and quantified relief
• Register on dubaicourtsonline.ae (or ensure your advocate is registered) and create a new case file
• Upload all documents in the prescribed format and obtain case number
• Calculate and pay the court filing fee: 7.5% of commercial claim value, capped at AED 500,000
• Retain electronic receipt of fee payment
• Confirm service of process on the defendant and keep track of hearing dates via the portal
• Attend or ensure advocate attendance at every hearing date — missing a hearing without application can result in case struck out
• File a stay of enforcement application with bank guarantee if you intend to appeal

11. Professional Advice

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Related guides in the library

• Arbitration vs Litigation in UAE — 2026 Strategy Guide
• Precautionary Attachment & Freezing Orders in UAE Courts
• Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the UAE
• UAE Employment Disputes & Wrongful Termination — Complete Guide
• UAE Travel Ban — How to Check and Remove a Travel Ban

Published 3 June 2026. General information only — not legal advice. Contact us for matter-specific advice.