Which law and which forum apply?
Start with the contract's governing law and dispute clauses. An arbitration clause normally excludes a court claim. A foreign court clause may limit a UAE filing. If the contract is silent, jurisdiction rules and the place of performance come into play. We map these before spending on a claim.
What changes when documents are foreign?
Proceedings in Dubai are conducted in Arabic. Foreign contracts, emails and corporate documents need certified translation, and some need attestation. Build this into the timeline. Evidence that cannot be presented in proper form carries little weight.
How is a judgment or award enforced abroad?
Enforcement depends on treaties, reciprocity and local procedure in the country where the assets sit. Arbitral awards are generally easier to enforce internationally than court judgments. If your counterparty's assets are abroad, we raise this at the start, not at the end. For the contract side, see breach of contract litigation.
Documents to have ready
- Contract with governing law and dispute clauses
- Corporate documents of the foreign party
- Correspondence in original language
- Proof of payments and shipping or delivery records
- Details of the counterparty's assets and bank accounts
Send us the documentsA short message and the key papers are enough for a first assessment.
WhatsApp usCommon questions
Can I sue a foreign company in Dubai?
Sometimes. It depends on the contract, where it was performed and where the company has assets. We check jurisdiction before filing.
Is arbitration better for cross-border disputes?
Often, because awards travel better than judgments. It depends on the clause, the cost and the value of the claim.
More on commercial disputes
This page is general information based on UAE and Dubai legislation as we understand it at the date of drafting. It is not legal advice. Laws are amended, and the right step depends on your documents and facts. Outcomes are never guaranteed.