Country guide
United Arab Emirates
A federal civil-law system. Federal laws apply across all seven emirates; Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah run their own court systems alongside the federal courts, and the DIFC and ADGM free zones have separate common-law courts.
General information — last reviewed 20 October 2026 — to be reviewed by a licensed lawyer. Not legal advice.
Courts
- Federal courts (first instance, appeal, Federal Supreme Court)
- Local courts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi (ADJD) and Ras Al Khaimah
- DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts (free-zone, common law)
How matters are filed
- Most disputes start with a complaint or settlement step (e.g. MOHRE for labour, a family guidance committee for family cases).
- Claims are filed electronically through the relevant court portal, in Arabic.
Practice areas
Labour & Employment
Private-sector employment is governed by the federal labour law and regulated by MOHRE; free zones may have their own rules. Complaints go to MOHRE first, then to the labour court.
Tenancy & Real Estate
Tenancy is regulated at emirate level (e.g. Dubai’s Rental Disputes Centre, Abu Dhabi’s rental committee). Contracts are registered (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi).
Family & Personal Status
Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status (in force 15 April 2025)
Covers marriage, divorce, custody and maintenance for Muslims; non-Muslims may have separate civil personal-status rules. Cases usually pass through family guidance before court.
Corporate & Commercial
Companies are set up on the mainland (licensed by each emirate’s economic department) or in a free zone. Federal commercial-companies legislation applies on the mainland.
Immigration & Golden Visa
Entry and residence are handled by the ICP and, in Dubai, GDRFA. Residence is usually tied to employment, investment, property, family sponsorship or a Golden Visa.
Criminal Defence
Criminal matters are investigated by the police and Public Prosecution and heard by the criminal courts under the federal penal and criminal-procedure laws.
Debt, Banking & Insolvency
Unpaid debts and bounced cheques can be pursued through payment orders, civil claims and execution proceedings; many cheque cases are now handled civilly.
FAQs
Do I have to go to MOHRE before court?
For most private-sector labour disputes, yes: a complaint is filed with MOHRE, which attempts settlement before referral to the labour court.
Which personal-status law applies now?
Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, in force since 15 April 2025, for Muslims; non-Muslims may opt for civil personal-status rules.
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