How long do I have to claim an unpaid debt in the UAE?

The UAE applies limitation periods to debt claims, meaning a right to sue can lapse if you wait too long — but the applicable period depends on the type of debt and the nature of the relationship (for example, commercial transactions, certain recurring obligations, and ordinary civil debts can be treated differently). Because the period varies by category and the clock can start, pause, or restart depending on acknowledgments or part-payments, you should not assume a debt is either alive or time-barred without checking the specific rule that applies to your situation. The safest approach is to act promptly: send a written demand, preserve your evidence, and, if needed, file before any deadline can be argued against you. Even an apparently old debt may still be recoverable if it was acknowledged or partly paid. A lawyer can confirm the correct limitation period and whether it has run. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to review your claim. The UAE Government justice portal sets out the civil-law framework.