26/06/2026
Two parallel court systems operate in Dubai. They sound similar. They are very different.
— DIFC COURTS
Language: English. Law: common-law (English-modeled). Procedure: modern, document-heavy,
written submissions dominate. Jurisdiction: DIFC-registered entities by default; opt-in for any party by
written agreement.
— DUBAI COURTS
Language: Arabic (all filings, evidence, judgments). Law: UAE civil code. Procedure: oral hearings,
expert-led, judges manage evidence. Jurisdiction: all mainland matters and any party not opted into DIFC.
Choosing the right forum is half the battle. Your contract's jurisdiction clause or its absence - often
dictates the answer long before a dispute arises.
Registered with both DIFC Courts and Dubai Courts, we represent clients across either system.