Appeal

An appeal is a challenge to a judgment of the Court of First Instance brought before the Court of Appeal. Under the UAE Civil Procedure Law, an appeal can be filed against final judgments on the merits and certain interlocutory decisions within 30 days of service (15 days in summary matters). The Court of Appeal reviews both questions of fact and questions of law and can confirm, vary, quash, or substitute the first-instance judgment; it cannot grant relief that worsens the appellant's position unless the other side also appealed. An appeal suspends enforcement of most monetary judgments unless the Court of First Instance ordered provisional execution. Appeals in Labour and small claims follow expedited procedures with shorter deadlines and narrower grounds.