Filing a civil case
You want to start proceedings and need the steps, the documents and the right court. First we check: the forum, your evidence and the other side’s location. Filing steps · Talk to us about filing
Civil litigation & court representation · Dubai & Sharjah
Court Representation Lawyer Dubai: Civil Litigation
Received a claim or a court notification? Check the deadline for your response before you do anything else.
Filing a civil case in Dubai, or defending one? Court representation lawyers for individuals and companies, from claim to enforcement, including matters before the DIFC Courts.
- High success rate in the matters we handle
- Free first consultation
- Claimants & defendants
- Dubai & Sharjah offices
Tell us about your civil case
Tell us what is happening in your own words. We will explain where you stand and what the sensible next step is.
Civil litigation
Court representation lawyer in Dubai: are you filing a claim or defending one?
If you need a court representation lawyer in Dubai, the first step is to be clear about which side of the case you are on and which court will decide it. MBM acts for claimants and defendants in civil and commercial disputes: filing a civil case in Dubai, answering a claim that has been filed against you, appealing a judgment and enforcing one. MBM also acts for companies in free zones, the DIFC and the ADGM, and for matters before the DIFC Courts, and we tell you which forum applies before anything is filed.
Your first consultation is free and confidential. You do not have to work this out alone, and you do not need a complete file. Tell us what has happened, what you have received and what you want, and we explain where you stand, the realistic route and the deadlines that matter. MBM has offices in Dubai Media City and in Al Khalidiya, Sharjah, and you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp. We take the legal work off your shoulders, and you will always know where your matter stands.
Are you in the right place?
A claim against you
You have been served and the response clock is running. First we check: the response date, the amount claimed and the documents behind it. Defending a claim · Talk to us about a claim against you
A business dispute
Higher-value, cross-border or multi-party disputes between companies. First we check: who is bound, what the contract says about disputes and where the assets are. Commercial litigation · Talk to us about a business dispute
A smaller claim
A lower-value claim where a simpler route may fit. First we check: the claim value, the contract and whether DIFC jurisdiction applies. Small claims · Talk to us about a small claim
A judgment to enforce
You have a judgment, or an award, and the money has not arrived. First we check: the judgment itself, what has been tried and what the debtor holds. Enforcement · Talk to us about enforcing a judgment
Unsure about the court
Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts or arbitration under the contract. First we check: the jurisdiction and arbitration clauses and who the parties are. Where it is heard · Ask which court applies
How to file
Filing a civil case in Dubai: step by step
Filing a civil case in Dubai follows a sequence, and most of the work that decides the result happens before the claim is lodged. The procedure for the onshore courts is set by the Civil Procedure Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022), in force since 2 January 2023. As we understand it, Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025 amended the Civil Procedure Law with effect from 1 January 2026, so we check the current text for your claim. The steps below are a map, not a promise of timing, because the detail depends on the type of claim, its value and the forum.
- Step 01
Check the claim and the forum
We review the facts and the contract or relationship, identify the right court (or whether the contract sends the dispute to arbitration) and give you a straight view of the merits and the value at stake.
- Step 02
Try to resolve it first
A formal legal notice or a negotiation often settles an undisputed claim. It also becomes part of the record if it does not, so it is drafted with the later claim in mind.
- Step 03
Prepare the claim and the evidence
The statement of claim, the contract, the invoices and the correspondence are put in order. Court papers in the onshore courts are generally in Arabic, so documents in another language usually need translation.
- Step 04
File the claim and pay the court fees
The claim is lodged with the relevant court together with the supporting documents. In Dubai Courts matters the court fees are generally calculated by reference to the claim value.
- Step 05
Case management or mediation, where it applies
Some civil claims are directed through a case management office or mediation stage before a full hearing. Whether this applies depends on the type of claim and the court’s own procedure. As we understand it, where a case management office is involved the first hearing is generally set within about 15 days, but timings vary, so we confirm the current position for your claim.
- Step 06
Notification, defence, hearings and evidence
The other side is notified and answers. The court hears the parties, may appoint an expert on technical or accounting questions, and sets further hearings as the case requires.
- Step 07
Judgment, then appeal or enforcement
The court issues its judgment. Either side may appeal in appropriate cases within strict time limits (an appeal must generally be filed within 30 days of the judgment), and a successful claimant then turns to enforcement.
Which court, if the other side is in another emirate or abroad?
Tell us where the other party is based, and where the contract was signed and performed, at the first consultation. Those facts can affect where a claim can be filed and how a judgment will later be enforced. A claim generally has to be filed where the defendant is based unless a rule allows otherwise, and we confirm which rule applies to your case. With offices in Dubai and Sharjah, we can discuss matters that cross emirates, and cross-border questions are covered in the enforcement section below.
Where do claims usually go wrong at the filing stage?
- Starting without checking the contract for an arbitration clause or a court clause.
- Filing in the wrong forum, which costs months and decides nothing.
- Describing the claim loosely, so the court cannot see exactly what is sought and why.
- Relying on conversations when there are no documents, or on documents that the court cannot read because they are untranslated.
- Missing the strict deadlines that apply once a case is under way.
Filing a civil case in Dubai, or just served with a claim? Ask us to review your documents first. Your first consultation is free.
Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts and the Civil Procedure Law
Where your matter will be heard
Most civil claims are heard in the onshore Dubai Courts, but the contract or the relationship between the parties can send a dispute somewhere else. Civil court procedure in the UAE is governed by the Civil Procedure Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022), in force since 2 January 2023, which sets out how claims are filed, defended, decided and enforced in the onshore courts.
Where the underlying contract or relationship falls within DIFC jurisdiction, the matter may instead proceed before the DIFC Courts, including their Small Claims Tribunal for lower-value claims (see small claims below). MBM acts in matters before the DIFC Courts and explains which forum applies to your dispute; for more on that route see our DIFC lawyer page.
| Forum | Where it usually applies | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Courts | The default for most civil and commercial claims, under Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 | The value of the claim, the nature of the dispute and the other party’s location |
| Payment order track | Debts supported by clear written proof, where an enforceable order may be available without a full trial | Whether your documents amount to clear written proof. See debt recovery |
| DIFC Courts | Where DIFC jurisdiction applies under the contract or the relationship | The exact wording of any jurisdiction clause, and the parties involved |
| DIFC Small Claims Tribunal | Lower-value claims within DIFC jurisdiction: up to AED 500,000, or AED 1,000,000 by agreement | The claim value, and whether the parties have agreed to the higher limit |
| Arbitration | Where the contract contains an arbitration clause. See arbitration | The clause itself: the institution, the seat and the scope |
| Rental Disputes Center | Tenancy matters, which run on their own timetable. See rental disputes | Whether the dispute is really about a tenancy |
What we establish first
- The correct forum. Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts, or arbitration under the contract.
- The merits. What can actually be proved, and what the other side is likely to argue.
- The value. Which affects both the forum and the applicable fees.
- The deadline. Filing and response deadlines are frequently strict and short.
- The realistic outcome. Including whether a judgment, once obtained, can practically be enforced.
This page describes the general framework. It is not advice on your matter, and positions can change.
Claimants
Civil court lawyer Dubai: what MBM does for claimants
A civil court lawyer for a claimant does concrete things in a set order, and none of them is a promise to win. If you are a claimant, this is how MBM handles a civil lawsuit from the first call to the enforcement of a judgment.
- Step 01
Assess the merits and the forum
We review the facts and the contract or relationship to identify the right court and the strength of the claim, including how much of the claim you can actually evidence.
- Step 02
Prepare the claim properly
Pleadings, evidence and supporting documents are prepared to the standard the relevant court expects, including any translation the documents need.
- Step 03
Pursue mediation where it is realistic
Where a case management or mediation stage applies, we assess whether early resolution is genuinely realistic before committing to a full hearing.
- Step 04
Represent you at the hearings
We prepare and present the case in the Dubai Courts. For matters within DIFC jurisdiction we act in the DIFC Courts and explain what the route involves.
- Step 05
Enforce the judgment
A judgment is not the end of the matter until it is satisfied. We take the steps needed to enforce it.
Civil lawsuit lawyer Dubai: the kinds of claim we take
A civil lawsuit lawyer is usually instructed on one of a few kinds of claim. Money owed under a contract or an invoice is the most common, followed by claims for damages after a breach or a wrongful act, and disputes over property, shares or a business. If your claim is only for unpaid money, a faster route may exist: see debt recovery and payment orders. If it turns on a broken agreement, see contract disputes and compensation.
MBM handles, among other things:
- money claims under contracts, invoices and loans
- claims for damages after a breach or a wrongful act
- property, shareholder and business disputes that end up in court
- urgent applications to preserve assets while the claim proceeds
- settlement negotiations running alongside the proceedings
Civil mediation lawyer Dubai: settling before a full hearing
A civil mediation lawyer helps you decide whether a negotiated outcome is better than a judgment. Many courts direct suitable disputes to a mediation or case management stage first, and many commercial disputes settle once each side understands the evidence. We tell you honestly when settlement serves you and when it does not, and we negotiate from a prepared position rather than a weak one.
In a mediation or settlement stage we typically:
- explain the realistic range of outcomes if the case went to judgment
- prepare you for the mediation or negotiation, including what to say and what not to sign
- record any agreement in writing so that it closes the dispute
- keep the claim on track in case the settlement fails
Defendants
Defending a civil case in Dubai: lawyer support for defendants
Being sued is not the same as owing what is claimed, and the first priority for a defendant is the deadline. People often search "defending a civil case in Dubai lawyer" on the day a court notification arrives; what they need first is the response date, because the work follows a different order from a claim and a missed deadline can significantly weaken your position.
- Step 01
Confirm the deadline immediately
Response deadlines are often short and strict. We confirm the date from the papers you received and act within it.
- Step 02
Assess the defence
We review the claim, the evidence and the applicable law to identify the strongest available defence, and whether a counterclaim exists.
- Step 03
File a formal response
A properly prepared and timely defence addresses both the facts and the legal basis of the claim.
- Step 04
Negotiate where it serves you
Where settlement is genuinely in your interest, we negotiate from a position of preparedness, not weakness.
- Step 05
Appeal where grounds exist
Where a judgment goes against you and grounds for appeal exist, we assess and pursue it within the applicable timeframe.
Common points a defence raises
Which defence is open to you depends entirely on your documents, which is why we read them before we advise. These are the points we look at first:
- a claim for sums already paid, in whole or in part
- an amount inflated beyond what the contract allows
- an obligation that belonged to someone else
- documents that do not establish what they are said to establish
- the other side’s own failure to perform
- the wrong forum, or a court clause or arbitration clause in the contract
Business disputes
Commercial litigation lawyer Dubai: disputes between businesses
Commercial litigation is a different exercise from a routine civil claim because the value, the evidence and the enforceability all weigh more. Higher-value and cross-border commercial disputes need clear answers on case value, on the forum, and on how a judgment or award will actually be satisfied. If you are looking for a commercial litigation lawyer in Dubai, these are the situations we see.
Your company is being sued
Company defence work brings added complexity: directors, group entities and often higher stakes than an individual claim. First we check: the deadline, the corporate position and who signed what. Talk to us about a claim against your company
Complex and high-value disputes
Disputes where the facts, the evidence or the value place them outside a routine civil claim, including supply, service and distribution contracts. First we check: the contract chain, the evidence and what a judgment would be worth. Talk to us about a commercial claim
Cross-border disputes
Disputes involving parties, assets or contracts in more than one jurisdiction, including questions of forum, applicable law and enforcement across borders. First we check: where the assets are, the forum clause and how a judgment would be enforced. Talk to us about a cross-border dispute
Business and shareholder disputes
Where the dispute is specifically a shareholder or partnership matter, see shareholder and partnership disputes. For company, contracts and governance questions, see corporate and commercial law. First we check: the shareholder agreement, the company documents and the exit you want. Talk to us about an owners’ dispute
Commercial disputes often turn on the contract. Many commercial agreements contain an arbitration clause, and some point to the DIFC Courts, so the first question is always where the dispute belongs. See arbitration for the arbitral route and contract disputes for breach and damages claims. MBM handles litigation and arbitration as one team, which means the advice you receive on forum does not depend on which route we happen to offer. Around the case itself, we also handle the practical work:
- reviewing the contract chain and the evidence before a claim is filed
- advising directors on the company’s position when it is the defendant
- planning how a judgment would be enforced, including against assets abroad
- coordinating with our arbitration work when the contract points there
Smaller claims
Small Claims Tribunal and small claims in Dubai
Small claims are designed to be simpler and faster than a full trial, but a lower value does not remove the need to choose the right forum. The first forum to check is the DIFC Courts Small Claims Tribunal and its published limits.
The Tribunal hears claims up to AED 500,000, or up to AED 1,000,000 where the parties agree, with no value cap at all for employment-related claims. It applies only where the underlying contract or relationship falls within DIFC jurisdiction, so the contract is read before the value.
What about small claims outside the DIFC? Lower-value claims in the Dubai Courts may follow a simplified procedure up to AED 1,000,000 under Dubai Courts Resolution No. 16 of 2024. Whether it is available for your claim depends on the type and value of the claim and on the court’s own rules, so we check it for your case and do not assume it. Tell us the amount and the nature of the claim at the first consultation.
Small claims tribunal lawyer Dubai: what a lawyer adds to a small claim
In a small claim, a lawyer typically helps with:
- choosing the forum and checking whether the Tribunal’s limits fit your claim
- setting out the claim or the defence clearly
- assembling and organising the evidence
- judging whether a settlement offer is reasonable
A small claim is still decided on documents, so the preparation matters as much as in a larger case. How the Tribunal’s procedure works, and what role a lawyer can play at its hearings, is covered on our DIFC small claims page.
After judgment
Civil appeal lawyer Dubai and judgment enforcement lawyer Dubai
A judgment or an arbitral award is only as good as its enforcement, and this is often where a dispute is actually decided in practice. This section covers the two stages after a first-instance decision: challenging it, and turning it into recovery.
Civil appeal lawyer Dubai: challenging a first-instance judgment
In appropriate cases, a first-instance judgment can be challenged in the Court of Appeal and then the Dubai Court of Cassation, and an appeal must generally be filed within 30 days of the judgment. A civil appeal lawyer assesses whether there are real grounds, not merely disappointment with the result, and whether the cost and delay of an appeal are justified by what is at stake. If a judgment has gone against you, ask for advice promptly: the time limits run from the judgment, and they are short.
On an appeal we typically:
- read the judgment and identify what the court decided and why
- tell you honestly whether real grounds exist
- explain the cost and delay against what is at stake
- prepare and present the appeal within the applicable timeframe
Judgment enforcement lawyer Dubai: turning a judgment into recovery
A judgment establishes the right to a remedy, but actually recovering money or securing compliance can be a separate process under the Civil Procedure Law, particularly where the other party does not comply voluntarily. Enforcement, sometimes described as execution of the judgment, involves identifying what the debtor holds and taking the legal steps available against it. We take on enforcement of judgments we have obtained and of judgments obtained by other firms. For debts in particular, see debt recovery.
Our enforcement work typically covers:
- reviewing the judgment and what has already been tried
- identifying what the debtor holds and where it is
- taking the enforcement steps available against it
- negotiating payment terms where that is better than further process
- keeping you informed at each step
Foreign judgments
A judgment obtained abroad is not automatically enforceable in Dubai, but in appropriate circumstances it can be, generally through an application to the competent court. Before costs are committed, we check the judgment, the country where it was obtained and whether a relevant reciprocal enforcement treaty applies, and then tell you what is realistic.
Arbitral awards
Enforcing a domestic or foreign arbitral award generally requires an application to the competent court under Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 and, for foreign awards, the UAE’s accession to the New York Convention. See arbitration for the underlying process.
Asset freezing orders and interim injunctions
If you fear that the other side will move or spend its assets before a judgment can be enforced, ask early about interim measures. A court can grant them to preserve assets or the status quo while the dispute is decided, but only where the applicable legal test is met, and the application usually has to be made quickly. We look at what you need to preserve, how quickly you must move and what you will have to show, and where the matter has a cross-border side, whether wider measures are realistic.
Timing
How long does a civil case take in Dubai?
A civil case in Dubai takes as long as its slowest stage, and the length varies considerably with the value, the complexity, the forum and whether the case is contested. We do not quote a general duration, because any figure would mislead you. Instead, this table shows what drives the time at each stage.
| Stage | What happens | What affects the time it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Before filing | Forum check, evidence review, notice or negotiation | How complete your documents are, and whether translation is needed |
| Case management or mediation | A pre-hearing stage for some claims, where it applies | Whether the dispute is suited to early resolution |
| Notification and response | The other side is notified and files a defence | Whether the defendant can be found and served, and the response deadline |
| Hearings and evidence | The court hears the parties and reviews the documents | The number of hearings, the volume of evidence and the court’s timetable |
| Expert evidence | In some cases the court appoints an expert on technical or accounting questions | Whether an expert is needed, and how long the report takes |
| Judgment | The court issues its decision | The complexity of the case |
| Appeal | Either side may seek review in appropriate cases | Whether grounds exist, and the appeal timetable |
| Enforcement | The judgment is turned into recovery | The debtor’s assets and cooperation, and where they are |
After reviewing your documents we give you an indicative picture of your own matter, and we update it as the case develops.
How it works
How MBM runs your case
You will know the route, the likely cost and the next deadline before you decide whether to go ahead. The process is the same whether you are claiming or defending, with different emphasis at each step.
- Step 01
Free first consultation
Call, WhatsApp or send the form. We take the key facts and tell you whether there is a viable claim or defence, at no cost.
- Step 02
Documents and merits review
We read what you have, identify the correct forum, assess the merits and set out the realistic options.
- Step 03
Written plan and fee position
You receive the route, the likely stages and a scope and fee position in writing before any paid work starts.
- Step 04
Notice, negotiation or filing
We serve a notice, open negotiations, file the claim or file the defence, within the applicable deadline.
- Step 05
Hearings
We prepare and present the case and keep you informed of each step and the next date.
- Step 06
Judgment, appeal or enforcement
We advise on the result, assess any appeal, and take the steps needed to enforce a judgment in your favour.
Civil proceedings lawyer Dubai: what to expect at each stage
Civil proceedings move through set stages, and each has its own deadline and its own papers. At every stage we tell you what has happened, what comes next and the date that matters, so that you are never waiting for news. Where the contract or the other side’s position changes the route, for example towards arbitration or the DIFC, we say so early.
Avoid these
Common mistakes in a civil case
Most avoidable problems in civil litigation are decided early, usually before a lawyer is involved. These are the ones we see most.
- Missing or misreading a deadline. The response period usually runs from the notification, not from the day you decided to deal with it.
- Signing first and asking later. Settlements, acknowledgements of debt and payment schedules can have legal effects you did not intend.
- Choosing the forum by assumption. Check the contract for an arbitration clause or a court clause before filing anything.
- Leaving evidence unprotected. Keep original messages, emails, invoices and delivery records. Do not edit or delete them.
- Ignoring translation. Documents not in Arabic usually need translation for the onshore courts, and doing it late causes delay.
- Winning on paper and not enforcing. Ask at the start whether the other side has assets that make a judgment worth having.
- Waiting for the case to resolve itself. Time can weaken evidence and narrow your options.
Before you call
What to have to hand
You do not need any of this to call us, but having it ready makes the first conversation more useful. If a deadline is running or a hearing is listed, call first and gather documents afterwards.
- Any claim, summons or court notification receivedOr the claim you intend to file.
- The underlying contract or agreementWith schedules, variations and any side agreement, if the claim is contractual.
- Correspondence connected to the matterEmails, letters and messages between the parties, in date order.
- Invoices, statements and payment recordsWhatever shows what was owed and what was paid.
- Any case or reference numberIf proceedings have already started.
- A timeline of eventsAs you understand them, with dates where you can.
- Any judgment, order or settlement already issuedIncluding any enforcement steps taken so far.
- Identification and company documentsEmirates ID or passport, and the trade licence if a company is involved.
- Details of the other partyName, address, and whether they are still in the UAE.
Why MBM
Civil litigation lawyer Dubai: litigation is what we do, not a side service
Civil litigation is decided on preparation, deadlines and the forum chosen, and what makes the difference is a team that treats it as a core discipline. Searching for a "civil litigation lawyer near me"? MBM has offices in Dubai Media City and in Al Khalidiya, Sharjah, and we also work by phone and WhatsApp.
Rated 4.9 on Google reviews. MBM is founder-led, by Mohamed Badr, Founder & Managing Partner, who has 17 years of legal experience including commercial litigation. For a court case that means one team from the first call to enforcement, litigation and arbitration handled together, and plain-language updates so that you always know where your matter stands. MBM works with group companies in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf, which helps when a matter has an international side. That matters in litigation when the other side, its assets or the evidence are abroad.
- We act on both sides. Running claimant and defendant matters gives us a practical understanding of how cases are built and defended.
- Litigation and arbitration handled by the same team. Our advice on whether a dispute belongs in court or in arbitration does not depend on which one we offer.
- Straight answers on merits. If a claim or defence is weak, we will tell you early rather than bill a case that cannot succeed. We do not promise the outcome of any case.
- A written fee position before you instruct. You know what is covered before paid work starts.
- Two offices. Dubai Media City and Al Khalidiya, Sharjah.
Fees
How fees work
Your first consultation with MBM is free and confidential. If you decide to instruct us, we give you a scope and a fee position in writing before paid work starts, so you know what is covered.
Cost depends heavily on the value, the forum and the complexity of the claim. In Dubai Courts matters, court fees are generally calculated by reference to the claim value, and they are separate from legal fees. Translation, expert and other third-party costs also depend on the matter and are separate. We explain which of them are likely to apply to your case, and we do not publish a price list because no two disputes are alike.
Facing a hearing, a response deadline or a judgment that has not been paid? Tell us where your case stands. Your first consultation is free and confidential.
MBM legal team
The team behind your civil case
Your free first consultation is with a member of MBM’s legal team in Dubai or Sharjah. Litigation and arbitration are handled by the same team.
Mohamed Badr
Founder & Managing Partner
Mohamed Badr leads MBM and has 17 years of legal experience. His career has included roles at law firms and multinational corporations in the UAE, advising businesses on high-stakes disputes, corporate restructuring and commercial litigation.
- Mana Ahmad Al HarmodiLawyer
- Mohamed KhamisLegal Consultant
- Sobhy BadrLegal Consultant
- Abdelsabour ElnasrLegal Associate
- Hamada KhedrLegal Associate
- Yasser ElbakryLegal Associate
- Afreen SiddiquiLegal Associate
Names and titles as published on mbm-co.com. Your first consultation is with a member of MBM’s legal team in Dubai or Sharjah.
Common questions
Civil litigation in Dubai: your questions answered
General information, not advice on your matter. Positions and procedures can change and depend on your specific facts, so please contact MBM to discuss yours.
Which court hears a civil case in Dubai?
Most civil claims are heard in the onshore Dubai Courts, following the procedure set out in the Civil Procedure Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022). Where the contract concerned is subject to DIFC jurisdiction, the claim may instead fall within the DIFC Courts, including the Small Claims Tribunal for lower-value matters. Where the contract has an arbitration clause, arbitration may apply instead of court proceedings.
How do I file a civil case in Dubai?
A claim is generally filed with the relevant court together with supporting documents and, in Dubai Courts matters, the applicable court fees. The correct procedure depends on the nature of the claim, its value and the forum. The usual sequence is a forum and merits check, a notice or negotiation, preparation of the claim and evidence, filing, and then the hearings. See the step-by-step section on this page.
When should I involve a lawyer in defending a civil case?
Early, because the response period is short and a missed deadline can weaken your position. A lawyer can protect the deadline, test what the claimant has actually proved, and raise payment, set-off or counterclaim where they apply. Even a call before you reply to the court is useful.
Can I represent myself in a Dubai civil case?
Whether you may appear without a lawyer, and what the court expects of you, depends on the court and the type of claim, so check before you rely on it. What we can say is that civil cases are decided on written pleadings and documents, and mistakes in the way a claim or defence is framed can be hard to correct later. Ask us at the first consultation.
What is a civil case management office, and is it mandatory?
Some civil claims are directed through a pre-litigation case management or mediation process before proceeding to a full hearing, intended to encourage early resolution. Whether this applies, and at what stage, depends on the type of claim and the court's own procedure. As we understand it, where a case management office is involved the first hearing is generally set within about 15 days, but timings vary.
How do I defend a civil case filed against me?
A formal response must generally be filed within the court's applicable timeframe, addressing both the facts and the legal basis of the claim. Missing the deadline can significantly weaken a defendant's position, so early advice matters. Keep the papers you received, note the date they reached you, and call us before the deadline.
How long does a civil case take in Dubai?
Timeframes vary considerably depending on the value, complexity and forum of the case, and on whether it is contested. Simpler matters, including those before the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal, are generally designed to move faster than a full Dubai Courts trial. Service on the defendant, expert evidence and appeals are common sources of delay. We give an indicative picture once we have reviewed your documents.
Do my documents have to be translated into Arabic?
Onshore court proceedings are generally conducted in Arabic, so documents in another language usually need translation for the court. Which translations are needed, and the form they must take, depends on the document and the court. Ask us early, because translation done late is a common cause of delay.
Can a civil judgment be appealed?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances and within strict statutory timeframes. A first-instance judgment can be appealed to the Court of Appeal and then to the Dubai Court of Cassation, and an appeal must generally be filed within 30 days of the judgment. MBM can assess the grounds available for an appeal following a first-instance judgment. An appeal is not available or sensible in every case, and the time limits run from the judgment, so seek advice promptly.
What happens after a civil judgment is issued? Is that the end of the matter?
Not necessarily. A judgment establishes the right to a remedy, but enforcement, meaning actually recovering money or securing compliance, can be a separate process under the Civil Procedure Law, particularly where the other party does not comply voluntarily.
Is mediation or arbitration available instead of going to court?
In some cases, yes. Certain disputes are directed to mediation before a court hearing, and where the parties' contract contains an arbitration clause, arbitration may apply instead of court proceedings altogether. See arbitration.
How much does civil litigation cost in Dubai?
Cost depends heavily on the value, forum and complexity of the claim, including court fees, which in Dubai Courts matters are generally calculated by reference to the claim value. Translation and expert costs are separate. MBM provides a scope and fee position before you instruct. The first consultation is free.
My company is being sued in Dubai. Is this different from an individual claim?
The same Civil Procedure Law applies, but a claim against a company often involves higher value, more complex evidence, and sometimes cross-border elements such as directors, group entities or overseas counterparties. MBM's approach to a company defence reflects that added complexity. See commercial litigation.
What is a cross-border commercial dispute?
A dispute involving parties, assets, contracts or evidence in more than one jurisdiction. These disputes often raise additional questions about the correct forum, applicable law, and how any resulting judgment or award will be enforced across borders.
Can foreign judgments be enforced in Dubai?
In appropriate circumstances, yes, generally through an application to the competent court, with the specific route depending on whether a relevant reciprocal enforcement treaty applies between the UAE and the country where the judgment was obtained.
How is an arbitral award enforced through the DIFC Courts or Dubai Courts?
Enforcement generally requires an application to the competent court under Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 and, for foreign awards, the UAE's accession to the New York Convention.
What is an asset freezing order or interim injunction, and when is one available?
These are urgent interim measures a court can grant to preserve assets or the status quo while a dispute is resolved, for example freezing a counterparty's assets to prevent dissipation before a judgment can be enforced. Availability depends on meeting the applicable legal test, and these applications typically need to move quickly.
What is the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal, and when does it apply?
The DIFC Courts Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) hears claims up to AED 500,000, or up to AED 1,000,000 where the parties agree, with no value cap at all for employment-related claims. It applies where the underlying contract or relationship falls within DIFC jurisdiction. See our DIFC lawyer page.
Can MBM act in DIFC Courts matters as well as the Dubai Courts?
Yes. MBM represents clients in civil litigation in the Dubai Courts, acts for companies in free zones, the DIFC and the ADGM, and acts for matters before the DIFC Courts, including the Small Claims Tribunal, and we explain which forum applies to your dispute. For the details of how a particular DIFC matter would be run, we confirm the position at the first consultation.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. MBM's first consultation is free and confidential. It is a discussion of your position, the forum and your options. If you then want MBM to act for you, you receive a scope and a fee position in writing before any paid work starts.
Can anyone promise the outcome of my case?
No. No responsible law firm can promise the outcome of a civil case. MBM's role is to prepare and present your case on the facts and the applicable law and to give you straight answers on the merits before you commit.
Free first consultation
Tell us about your civil case
Your first consultation with MBM is free and confidential. Tell us briefly what has happened. A member of MBM’s legal team will review your enquiry and come back to you with the appropriate next step.
If a deadline is close or a hearing is listed, please call rather than waiting for a reply.
- Call +971 4 570 0204Dubai office
- WhatsApp +971 54 596 1111Send a message and the documents you have
- info@mbm-co.comSend the details and documents by email
Dubai · Office 3204, Level 32, Business Central Towers – Tower B, Dubai Media City
Sharjah · Office 2001, Level 20, Al Hind Tower, Al Khalidiya District
Practice area: Civil LawOffices: Dubai & SharjahContent updated: October 2026
Tell us about your civil case
Tell us what is happening in your own words. We will explain where you stand and what the sensible next step is.
Court deadlines do not wait. Advice does not have to either.
Your first consultation is free and confidential. Whether you are filing a claim or defending one, the earlier the file is reviewed, the more options remain open. Call us if a deadline is close.