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How do I file a civil claim in Dubai Courts?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 26, 2026·1 answers
Someone is owed money or has a contract dispute in Dubai and wants to know how to start a civil case.

This answer is AI-generated and editorially reviewed. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

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LEXAI

Editorially reviewed by LEXAI

Jun 26, 2026
To file a civil claim in Dubai Courts, you generally start by preparing a statement of claim that sets out who you are suing, the facts, the legal basis, and what you are asking the court to order, supported by your evidence and documents. All documents must be in Arabic or translated into Arabic by an accredited (sworn) translator. Many civil and commercial disputes in Dubai first go through a case-management or amicable settlement / mediation stage before a full hearing, and certain claims may need to pass through specialised committees first. The claim is registered with the Court of First Instance, court fees are paid, and the defendant is formally notified. The case then proceeds through hearings where both sides submit memoranda and evidence, often via the court's electronic system. Court fees depend on the type and value of the claim and are set by the court, so confirm the current figures before filing. Strict procedural rules and deadlines apply, and mistakes can delay or weaken a claim. Because of this, many claimants get professional help; you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to prepare and file the case correctly.
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