Everything you need to know about the courts in Dubai
Landmark developments in intellectual property, companies, industries, employment laws and other sectors in Dubai make it necessary for the emirate to have its own judicial system. The city is also one of two emirates, the second being Ras al Khaimah, that does not conform to the UAE’s federal judicial system. An understanding of the judicial justice system and courts in Dubai can help claimants file court cases in the city.
Court Circuits
Judicial courts in Dubai consist of the Court of Appeal, the Court of First Instance and the Court of Cassation.
Each of these has different purposes that determine the nature of applicable laws which include Civil, Criminal and Sharia law. Court circuits are major or minor and differ depending on the type of case, its value and the number of presiding judges:
Commercial Court
This type of court in Dubai handles issues like commercial commitments and contracts, bankruptcy and banking processes.
Civil Court
The civil court in Dubai handles cases that relate to the financial rights of individuals and legal bodies like companies, government departments and institutions. Disputes in this regard may be about issues like intellectual properties, cancellation of contracts, mortgages and more. For more insight, consider our guide for filing civil lawsuits in the UAE.
Criminal Court
Criminal courts handle criminal cases brought forth by the local or federal prosecution in Dubai
Labour Court
The labour court in Dubai handles cases that are filed by private-sector employers or employees against each other and usually relate to issues like unpaid salaries, compensation for abrupt dismissals and others. Before bringing their case to court, claimants can file and track their complaints via MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).
Personal Status Courts (Sharia Court)
These courts deal with family cases concerning matters like divorce, marriage, alimony, visitation, custody and others. Disputes that fail to reach amicable agreements are put on trial at the Court of First Instance.
Real Estate Courts
Real Estate Courts preside over lawsuits and disputes that arise from contracts related to property rights. If it is an issue pertaining to the tenancy contract or unfair rent increases, you can follow the RERA complaint procedure in Dubai, before taking the case to a higher jurisdiction.
Levels of Courts in Dubai
Litigants are advised to be aware of the categories that their claims fall under. This determines which judicial circuit will hear their case. There are three levels of courts in Dubai:
- Court of First Instance (local and federal)
- Court of Appeal (local and federal)
- Court of Cassation (local) and the Federal Supreme Court (federal)
The Court of Cassation and Dubai Court of Appeal both operate within different circuits. If rulings made in the Court of First Instance are found to be unsatisfactory, they can be challenged before the Court of Cassation and the Court of Appeal. Here is a description of each:
Court of First Instance
The Court of First Instance is for the first degree of litigation. It has the authority to head all lawsuits pertaining to commercial, administrative, civil, personal and labour matters. The jurisdiction of the Dubai Court of First Instance involves the examination of document authentication, claim statements, safeguarding the rights of the people and all important matters under dispute. For example, commercial matters concerning debt recovery cases may be brought to this court for first instance proceedings.
Court of Appeal
The second degree of litigation, the Dubai Court of Appeal, entitles litigants affected by the Court of First Instance to bring their cases to a higher court. Both major and minor cases may be brought forth at this court. When facts are found to be in dispute, the Court of Appeal will consider a second appeal with the parties allowed to file more evidence and submissions as needed. Furthermore, only convicted persons are allowed to appeal to court judgments.
WHEN SHOULD I FILE AN APPEAL?
The time frame to challenge a ruling at the Court of Appeal begins from the day that it is officially issued. It’s typically 30 days with 10 days for urgent cases. Those who fail to file appeals during this time risk the cancellation of the right of appeal. Additionally, the time period may be different if required by law.
For a case to proceed at the Dubai Court of Appeal, relevant documents — regarding evidence and pleas — must first be submitted by the parties in dispute. A party may also file a counter appeal provided that they do so before the day of the first hearing. Additionally, all judgments by the appeals court are final.
To calculate how much you will have to pay in court fees for your particular case, please refer to the website of the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
Court of Cassation
The Court of Cassation in Dubai is the highest body and appellate court in the city’s judicial system. All judgements made by the Court of Appeals can be challenged before this court. Additionally, all appeals made at the Court of Cassation are final and cannot be appealed further.
The main purpose of this court is to ensure the right interpretation of the law and its proper enforcement. Litigants at this stage are only allowed to appeal points of law such as erroneous applications or interpretations of legal provisions and legal violations.
WHEN SHOULD I FILE AN APPEAL?
The time frame to file an appeal at the Court of Cassation is within 60 days of the date of judgment by the Court of Appeal unless required otherwise by law. For urgent cases, the time limit is 10 days.
Electronic Services Portal
Additionally, there is an electronic services portal that facilitates the processes for submitting an application and filing a lawsuit. These include:
- Appeals against judgments
- Claims requests
- Personal Status Certificates
- Elementary lawsuits
- Civil settlements and family reform
- Notary services
- Civil certification request issued by a notary
General Electronic Services
General electronic services under the Dubai Courts include:
ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS
- Electronic applications
- Fee payments and trusts for pre-determined cases
- Fine payment for pre-determined cases
- Claims and certification requests
- Payment of certificates, notary fees and general procurement
- Registering issues
Apart from the services mentioned above, a full list of other general electronic offerings, like inquiries made by case number, can be found on the official website of the Government of Dubai. Additionally, the Dubai Courts App feature around 80 e-services which can be accessed by downloading the smart application.
Dubai Courts branches and locations
Court buildings in Dubai are categorised according to their jurisdiction. These include:
Dubai Courts Complex – Main Building
- Location: Al Maktoum Bridge, Riyadh Street
- Service Hours: 08:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Ramadan timings: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-334-7777
Personal Status Court
- Location: Street 5, Al Garhoud, near RTA main building
- Service Hours: 08:00 am to 02:00 pm (Morning shift)
- Personal Status Notarisation Services: 02:00 pm to 05:30 pm
- Ramadan timings: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-334-7777
Wafi Mall Branch
- Location: Umm Hurair 2, Wafi Mall, first floor
- Notary services: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-334-7777
Dubai Courts – Al Barsha Branch
- Location: Al Quoz, Traffic Police Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Service Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Ramadan timings: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Contact: + 971-4-402-0333
Dubai Courts – Al Barsha Mall
- Location: Al Barsha Mall, Al Barsha Second
- Service Hours: 08:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Ramadan timings: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-325-5558
Al Towar Branch
- Location: Al Nahda Street, Al Qusais Second, Al Towar Centre
- Service Hours: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Ramadan timings: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-402-0209
Hatta Branch
- Location: Hatta, near Hatta roundabout
- Service Hours: 08:00 am to 02:00 pm (Morning shift)
- Ramadan timings: 09:00 am to 02:00 pm
This brings us to the end of our review regarding courts in Dubai. Filing a case in a Dubai court becomes easier if litigants are aware of the different categories that their cases fall under. Payments apply, so make sure that you are also aware of court fees in Dubai before you file.
Looking to file a debt recovery appeal? Make sure that you are aware of the new UAE debt law. Tenants looking to appeal cases against landlords must first consider their rights under Abu Dhabi’s tenancy law.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on legal entities in the UAE.
