Common-law commercial forums within the UAE
The DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts provide English-language common-law forums for disputes falling within their jurisdiction. For businesses operating across mainland UAE, financial free zones and international markets, the correct forum can be a central strategic issue.
Our team includes registered practitioners with experience in DIFC and ADGM matters and advises clients on the procedural and commercial implications of using these courts.
Jurisdiction should be analysed early
Jurisdiction can depend on the parties, the transaction, the place of performance, the wording of contractual clauses and the applicable statutory framework. A dispute may become significantly more expensive if forum questions are addressed only after proceedings begin.
We advise on jurisdiction clauses, opt-in arrangements and forum strategy both when contracts are drafted and after a dispute has arisen.
Commercial claims, procedure and appeals
We advise on contractual, corporate, shareholder, finance, real estate and other commercial claims before the financial-centre courts. The work may involve pleadings, disclosure, witness and expert evidence, interim applications, hearings, judgments and appeal strategy.
Where related proceedings exist in arbitration or another UAE forum, the overall dispute strategy should consider how the proceedings interact rather than treating each case in isolation.
Enforcement and practical outcomes
The value of litigation should be considered against the client’s ultimate enforcement objective. We therefore consider asset location, judgment enforcement, settlement opportunities and cross-forum issues as part of the litigation strategy from an early stage.