Can I freeze a debtor's bank account before getting a judgment in the UAE?

In the UAE, a creditor can, in appropriate cases, apply to the court for a precautionary (conservatory) attachment to freeze a debtor's assets — such as a bank account — before or during the main case, to stop the debtor dissipating assets before judgment. This is a court order, not something a collector can do, and the court grants it only where the creditor shows a sufficiently serious claim and a real risk to recovery. The creditor usually must then pursue the substantive claim within the framework the court sets. If granted, the attachment secures the asset so that, if you win, there is something to enforce against. Because precautionary measures carry conditions and potential exposure if wrongly obtained, and the procedure and any deadlines are set by the competent court, get advice before applying. Acting early can be the difference between recovering and chasing an empty shell. A lawyer can prepare and file the application in the right forum. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI. See the UAE Government justice portal.