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Commercial Litigation

DIFC Litigation: Expert Representation for Commercial Disputes in Dubai

The legal landscape of Dubai is a unique “twin-track” system. While the onshore courts operate under a civil law system in Arabic, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts offer an English-language, common law jurisdiction that has become the gold standard for international business. At our firm, located in Aspin Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, we provide specialized DIFC litigation services, representing corporations and individuals in high-stakes commercial disputes in Dubai.

Whether you are navigating a breach of contract, a shareholder deadlock, or the enforcement of an international arbitral award, our DIFC court lawyers combine technical mastery of the DIFC Courts Rules (RDC) with a deep understanding of the broader UAE judicial framework, including the Dubai Court of First Instance and the UAE Federal Court of Cassation.

DIFC Litigation: Expert Representation for Commercial Disputes in Dubai

DIFC Court Lawyers for Complex Business Litigation

When a commercial entity enters the DIFC jurisdiction, they require DIFC trial lawyers for businesses who understand the nuances of the DIFC Court Law (DIFC Law No. 10 of 2004). Our Dispute Resolution Team handles a wide array of matters, from boutique trade disputes to multi-billion dollar infrastructure claims. As DIFC court representation specialists, we ensure that your case is presented with the clarity and precision required by the independent judiciary of the DIFC.

Business Litigation DIFC: Protecting Your Commercial Interests

Business litigation in the DIFC often involves multi-jurisdictional elements. Our location on Sheikh Zayed Road, positioned between Downtown Dubai and the DIFC district, allows us to serve as a bridge for international clients. We assist claimants and defendants in:

  • Contractual Disputes: Interpreting complex service agreements under DIFC law.
  • Shareholder & Partnership Disputes: Resolving internal corporate conflicts through the DIFC Court of First Instance.
  • Employment Litigation: Handling senior executive disputes within the DIFC’s specific employment regulations.

DIFC Litigation Process Explained: From Filing to Judgment

How to File a Case in DIFC Courts

The DIFC claims procedure is governed by the Rules of the DIFC Courts (RDC). To initiate a claim, a Part 7 (for complex claims) or Part 8 (for claims involving interpretations of law) Claim Form must be filed via the DIFC Courts’ advanced e-filing system.

  1. Issue of Claim: The claimant files the claim and pays the DIFC court fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of the claim value.
  2. Service of Process: The defendant is formally notified.
  3. Acknowledgment of Service & Defense: The defendant has a specific timeline to respond.
  4. Case Management Conference (CMC): A judge sets the DIFC litigation timeline, including dates for document disclosure and trial.
  5. Trial and Judgment: Oral advocacy by DIFC dispute resolution advocacy specialists.

DIFC Court Jurisdiction: Can I Sue in DIFC Courts?

A common question from business owners is, “Can I sue in DIFC courts?” Jurisdiction is typically established if:

  • The parties have opted-in via a written contract clause.
  • One of the parties is a DIFC-registered entity.
  • The dispute relates to a contract performed or entered into within the DIFC.

DIFC Enforcement Lawyers: Securing Your Assets

DIFC Judgment Enforcement Across the UAE

Winning a case is only half the battle. Our DIFC enforcement lawyers specialize in the “conduit jurisdiction” mechanism. Under the Judicial Authority Law (Dubai Law No. 12 of 2004), a judgment obtained in the DIFC can be converted into an executory formula for enforcement by the Dubai Courts against assets located onshore in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE.

DIFC Appeal Lawyers: Challenging Lower Court Decisions

If a legal error has occurred at the trial level, our DIFC appeal lawyers represent clients in the DIFC Court of Appeal. This requires a sophisticated understanding of DIFC Courts Practice Directions and the ability to argue complex points of law before a panel of world-renowned justices.

FAQ: DIFC Litigation & Commercial Law in Dubai

1. What is the difference between DIFC Courts and Dubai Onshore Courts?

  • The Matter: DIFC Courts operate in English under common law principles, whereas Dubai Courts (Onshore) operate in Arabic under UAE Federal Civil Law.
  • Our Role: Our lawyers are licensed to practice in both, providing a seamless transition between the Dubai Court of First Instance and the DIFC.
  • Disclaimer: Choice of jurisdiction depends on contract wording and the nature of the entity.
  • Relevant Law: Judicial Authority Law (Dubai Law No. 12 of 2004).

2. How are DIFC court fees calculated for commercial claims?

  • The Matter: Fees are usually based on a percentage of the claim’s value (e.g., $5,000 + 0.5% for claims over a certain threshold).
  • Our Role: We provide a transparent fee schedule and assist in the “Small Claims Tribunal” (SCT) for lower-value disputes to minimize costs.
  • Disclaimer: Fees are subject to change by the DIFC Courts authority.
  • Relevant Law: DIFC Courts Fee Schedule.

3. Can I use the DIFC Courts if my business is located in Downtown Dubai?

  • The Matter: Yes, parties can “opt-in” to DIFC jurisdiction even if they are located onshore in the UAE.
  • Our Role: We draft “opt-in” clauses for our clients during the contract negotiation stage.
  • Disclaimer: Both parties must explicitly agree to this in writing.
  • Relevant Law: DIFC Law No. 10 of 2004.

4. What happens if a commercial dispute involves a criminal element, like fraud?

  • The Matter: While DIFC Courts handle civil matters, criminal acts must be reported to the Dubai Police General Headquarters (CID) and the Dubai Prosecutor’s Office.
  • Our Role: We coordinate with local authorities to ensure civil recovery is aligned with criminal proceedings.
  • Disclaimer: DIFC Courts do not have criminal jurisdiction.
  • Relevant Law: UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987).

5. How does the DIFC handle cybercrime or data breaches in business?

  • The Matter: Unauthorized access to corporate data is a serious offense.
  • Our Role: We assist in filing civil damages in DIFC while reporting the breach under UAE federal laws.
  • Disclaimer: Prosecution for the crime itself happens through the UAE public prosecution.
  • Relevant Law: Cybercrime Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 2012).

6. Can a DIFC judgment be enforced against assets in the ADGM?

  • The Matter: Yes, through the memorandum of understanding between the two financial centers.
  • Our Role: Our DIFC and ADGM lawyers manage the cross-border enforcement process.
  • Disclaimer: Enforcement is subject to the specific rules of the ADGM Court.
  • Relevant Law: ADGM Courts, Civil Evidence and Judgments (Amendment) Regulations.

7. What is the timeline for a standard commercial litigation case in the DIFC?

  • The Matter: Most cases reach a final hearing within 12 to 18 months.
  • Our Role: We utilize the DIFC Courts Practice Directions to expedite proceedings and prevent dilatory tactics.
  • Disclaimer: Timelines vary based on the complexity of the evidence.
  • Relevant Law: DIFC Courts Rules (RDC).

8. Are there specific laws regarding drug offenses for employees in the DIFC?

  • The Matter: While it is a commercial zone, UAE Federal law applies to criminal conduct.
  • Our Role: We advise corporations on internal HR policies and compliance with UAE laws regarding employee conduct.
  • Disclaimer: We do not offer “loopholes” for criminal violations.
  • Relevant Law: Drug Offenses Law (Federal Law No. 14 of 1995).

9. How does UAE Immigration Law affect international litigants?

  • The Matter: Witnesses or parties may require specific visas to attend hearings or manage business interests during a dispute.
  • Our Role: We provide guidance on legal residency and the impact of litigation on corporate visas.
  • Disclaimer: Immigration status is determined solely by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
  • Relevant Law: UAE Immigration Law.

10. What is the role of the UAE Federal Court of Cassation in DIFC matters?

  • The Matter: Generally, the DIFC Court of Appeal is the final court. However, the Union Supreme Court may resolve jurisdictional conflicts.
  • Our Role: We represent clients in “Conflicts of Jurisdiction” petitions before the Judicial Committee.
  • Disclaimer: These cases are rare and involve highly technical constitutional law.
  • Relevant Law: UAE Civil Procedure Law.

Overviews

English

Our firm provides comprehensive legal services for commercial disputes in Dubai, specializing in the DIFC Courts and ADGM. Based in Aspin Tower, we represent a diverse client base ranging from individual entrepreneurs to global industrial entities. Our expertise covers contract law, corporate compliance, and judgment enforcement. We ensure that our clients’ rights are protected under DIFC Law No. 10 of 2004 and the DIFC Courts Rules.

Arabic

نحن مكتب محاماة رائد متخصص في تقاضي مركز دبي العالمي الفصلي والنزاعات التجارية في دبي. يقع مكتبنا في برج أسبن، شارع الشيخ زايد، ونحن مرخصون للمرافعة أمام محاكم دبي العامة، ومحاكم مركز دبي العالمي المالي، ومحاكم سوق أبوظبي العالمي. نقدم الدعم للشركات والمستثمرين في قضايا العقود، الشركات، وتنفيذ الأحكام وفقاً للقوانين الاتحادية والقوانين الخاصة بالمناطق الحرة.

Spanish

Nuestros abogados especialistas en litigios del DIFC en Dubái ofrecen asesoramiento experto en disputas comerciales. Ubicados en Aspin Tower, representamos a corporaciones en el Tribunal del DIFC y el ADGM. Nos especializamos en derecho contractual, cumplimiento corporativo y ejecución de sentencias, garantizando la protección de los intereses de nuestros clientes bajo las leyes de los EAU.

French

Spécialistes du contentieux au DIFC, nos avocats à Dubái accompagnent les entreprises dans la résolution de litiges commerciaux complexes. Situé sur Sheikh Zayed Road, notre cabinet intervient devant les tribunaux du DIFC et de l’ADGM. Nous maîtrisons les procédures de droit civil et de common law pour sécuriser vos investissements et faire exécuter vos jugements.

German

Unsere Kanzlei für DIFC-Litigation in Dubai bietet umfassende Rechtsberatung bei Handelsstreitigkeiten. Mit Sitz im Aspin Tower vertreten wir internationale Unternehmen vor den DIFC- und ADGM-Gerichten. Wir sind Experten für Vertragsrecht, Compliance und die Vollstreckung von Urteilen in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten.

Italian

I nostri avvocati esperti in controversie DIFC a Dubai offrono assistenza legale per dispute commerciali internazionali. Situati in Aspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, operiamo presso le corti DIFC e ADGM. Ci occupiamo di diritto societario, contrattualistica e recupero crediti, seguendo rigorosamente le normative degli Emirati Arabi Uniti.

Russian

Наши юристы по судебным спорам в DIFC в Дубае специализируются на разрешении коммерческих споров. Находясь в Aspin Tower, мы представляем интересы корпораций в судах DIFC и ADGM. Мы обеспечиваем экспертную поддержку в вопросах контрактного права, корпоративного комплаенса и принудительного исполнения судебных решений.23

Ukrainian

Наші адвокати з судових спорів у DIFC в Дубаї забезпечують захист інтересів бізнесу в комерційних спорах. Розташовані в Aspin Tower, ми працюємо в судах DIFC та ADGM. Ми надаємо послуги з договірного права, корпоративного управління та виконання судових рішень на всій території ОАЕ.

Portuguese

Nossos advogados especialistas em litígios no DIFC em Dubai oferecem soluções para disputas comerciais complexas. Com sede na Aspin Tower, representamos clientes nos tribunais do DIFC e ADGM. Focamos em direito empresarial, conformidade e execução de sentenças, protegendo investidores internacionais nos Emirados Árabes Unidos.

Chinese

我们在迪拜的 DIFC 诉讼律师专门处理商业纠纷。我们的办公室位于 Aspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road，获准在迪拜普通法院、DIFC 法院和 ADGM 法院执业。我们为企业提供合同法、公司合规和判决执行方面的法律支持，确保符合阿联酋法律。

Persian

وکلای ما در بخش دعاوی مرکز مالی بین‌المللی دبی (DIFC) متخصص در حل و فصل اختلافات تجاری هستند. دفتر ما واقع در Aspin Tower، آماده ارائه خدمات حقوقی در دادگاه‌های دبی، DIFC و ADGM می‌باشد. ما در زمینه‌های حقوق قراردادها، انطباق شرکتی و اجرای احکام قضایی فعالیت می‌کنیم.

Hebrew

עורכי הדין שלנו לליטיגציה ב-DIFC בדובאי מתמחים בפתרון סכסוכים מסחריים מורכבים. משרדנו, הממוקם ב-Aspin Tower, מייצג תאגידים ואנשי עסקים בבתי המשפט של ה-DIFC וה-ADGM. אנו מספקים מענה משפטי מקצועי בתחומי חוזים, ציות ודיני חברות בהתאם לחוקי איחוד האמירויות