Our litigation practice is recognized as one of the leading and most accomplished in the region for commercial, civil, and criminal litigation. We represent clients at all levels of courts across the UAE, including the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal, and the Court of Cassation (Supreme Court), as well as the UAE Federal Courts.
Amer Al Marzooqi Advocates & Legal Consultants also has rights of audience in all GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. We act for clients in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) forums such as arbitration and mediation—particularly in complex disputes related to commercial transactions, construction projects, and real estate matters—working closely with international and regional clients.
With our partner offices in the USA and Canada, we offer a unique ability to handle cross-border litigation seamlessly. We also maintain strong relationships with select law firms in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, collaborating as needed on various matters.
Our litigation services include thorough initial investigations, due diligence, risk assessment, and strategy development for initiating or defending legal actions. We keep our clients closely informed through frequent updates on their cases. Guided by the principle of advancing our clients’ interests practically and cost-effectively, we handle civil, commercial, and criminal disputes for a wide range of clients.
Our Litigation Experience Includes:
Insurance Litigation
Our firm offers comprehensive insurance litigation services covering coverage disputes, policy interpretation, claims handling and reinsurance matters. We represent insurers, reinsurers and policyholders in disputes arising from complex insurance contracts. Our team brings decades of courtroom experience, rigorous knowledge of regulatory frameworks and deep industry insight to ensure that coverage terms are enforced and clients receive their rightful indemnities.
General Commercial Disputes
We handle a wide array of commercial litigation including breach of contract, recovery of unpaid debts, enforcement of distribution agreements, unfair competition, agency termination and infringement claims. Our lawyers are recognised for their strategic approach to litigation and deep understanding of the UAE Civil Transactions Code and Commercial Transactions Law. We help clients recover outstanding payments and protect proprietary rights, drawing on years of experience in local courts and free‑zone jurisdictions.
Corporate Governance Disputes
Our corporate governance practice represents shareholders, directors and officers in disputes involving shareholder agreements, voting rights, fiduciary duties and control of companies. We have a strong track record in resolving internal corporate conflicts through litigation, arbitration and negotiated settlements. We help maintain the integrity of corporate structures by enforcing duties of care and loyalty and by navigating multi‑jurisdictional rules on corporate governance.
Joint Venture & Partnership Disputes
We advise on disputes arising from joint venture and partnership agreements, agency and distributorship arrangements. Our team litigates claims involving restrictive covenants, profit allocation, intellectual property ownership and exit strategies. Drawing on extensive experience with cross‑border ventures, we provide proactive strategies to protect commercial interests and preserve ongoing relationships.
Franchise Litigation
Our franchise litigation practice covers disputes over termination, royalty payments, system standards, non‑compete clauses and intellectual property infringement. We have represented franchisors and franchisees in matters before UAE courts and arbitration tribunals, helping global and regional brands enforce contractual obligations and protect their goodwill.
Trade Finance Disputes
We represent banks, traders and corporates in trade finance litigation involving letters of credit, bank guarantees and other instruments. Our lawyers understand the urgency of trade‑finance disputes and are skilled at navigating both legal and financial aspects. We handle cross‑border claims and advise on regulatory compliance under UAE banking and commercial regulations.
Construction Disputes
Our firm is widely experienced in construction disputes involving developers, contractors and suppliers. We litigate claims under FIDIC and bespoke contracts related to delay penalties, variation orders, design defects and performance guarantees. Our knowledge of construction law and industry practices ensures that clients receive practical and cost‑effective solutions.
Criminal Matters (Financial Crimes)
We defend individuals and organisations accused of financial crimes such as breach of trust, fraud and willful debt defaults. Our criminal defense team meticulously analyses evidence and legal issues to craft strategic defences tailored to UAE penal and financial laws. We provide discreet representation, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected throughout investigations and court proceedings.
General Criminal Cases
Our criminal practice covers a broad spectrum of general offences including theft, assault and other criminal violations. We ensure that due process is observed and provide strong advocacy at police stations, prosecution offices and all court levels. We understand the stakes involved and work diligently to achieve fair outcomes for our clients.
White‑Collar Crime
We provide specialised defence in white‑collar crime cases involving corporate fraud, embezzlement, insider misconduct and economic crimes. Our team has successfully represented executives, board members and financial institutions in high‑profile investigations and prosecutions, offering discreet, strategic and results‑oriented representation.
Anti‑Money Laundering
We advise on compliance with the UAE’s anti‑money‑laundering regime. Under the UAE Decree‑Law on Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, money‑laundering offences include knowingly transferring, concealing or acquiring proceeds of crime. We assist businesses in implementing anti‑money‑laundering policies and represent them before specialised federal and local courts established to hear money‑laundering cases. Our team also advises on investigations by the Central Bank’s AML department and the Executive Office for AML/CFT.
Negligence & Malpractice (Criminal)
We defend clients in criminal proceedings arising from gross negligence or malpractice, including industrial accidents and medical malpractice cases. Working with technical experts, we challenge allegations and pursue fair outcomes under UAE criminal and health regulations.
Maritime Disputes
We maintain a leading maritime law practice, representing shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, insurers and P&I clubs in shipping and admiralty matters. Our lawyers handle vessel arrests, enforcement of maritime liens, collisions, salvage claims, demurrage and charter party disputes across UAE and GCC ports. We act swiftly in urgent matters, securing provisional arrest orders and release of ships. We represent clients in maritime cases before UAE courts and in arbitrations under DIAC Rules and other international frameworks.
The UAE’s maritime sector has recently been modernised through Federal Decree‑Law No. 43 of 2023, which streamlines vessel registration via digital platforms and introduces new regulations to enhance safety, environmental protection and dispute resolution. The law also extends the statute of limitations for maritime injury claims and clarifies arbitration and dispute‑resolution mechanisms. This modern framework, together with the DIAC 2022 Arbitration Rules, positions Dubai as a leading global maritime dispute‑resolution hub.
Negligence & Malpractice (Civil)
We pursue and defend civil negligence and malpractice claims, including medical, legal and professional negligence. Our team combines rigorous legal analysis with strategic negotiation to secure favourable settlements or judgments while safeguarding professional reputations.
Consumer Protection & Product Liability
We represent manufacturers and consumers in product liability and consumer protection disputes. Our firm is well‑versed in UAE consumer protection regulations and health and safety standards, ensuring compliance and advocating for victims harmed by defective products or deceptive practices.
Environmental Litigation
Our environmental litigation practice advises businesses and governmental entities on compliance with local and federal environmental regulations, permitting, pollution liabilities and sustainability initiatives. We litigate claims arising from environmental damage and advise on regulatory investigations.
Securities Litigation & Regulatory
We represent clients in securities disputes, including insider trading, market manipulation and fraud. We also advise on investigations and enforcement actions brought by UAE and free‑zone regulators, integrating deep knowledge of financial markets with strong litigation capabilities.
Intellectual Property Disputes
We litigate complex intellectual property cases involving trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Our lawyers secure injunctions against counterfeiters, enforce licensing agreements and defend clients accused of infringement. We help businesses build robust IP portfolios and protect their innovations.
Defamation
Our team represents individuals and corporations in defamation cases involving libel or slander in traditional and digital media. We combine legal advocacy with reputation management strategies to secure retractions, damages or injunctions.
Personal Status & Inheritance
We advise on family law and inheritance matters, including marriage, divorce, alimony, child custody and inheritance claims. For non‑Muslim residents, the UAE’s Federal Decree‑Law No. 41 of 2022 created a secular personal status regime covering civil marriage, no‑fault divorce, joint child custody and equal inheritance shares for men and women. Our team guides clients through these rules and represents them before specialised family courts.
Landlord–Tenant Disputes
We act for landlords and tenants in rental disputes before rent committees and tenancy tribunals across the UAE. Our services include eviction proceedings, lease enforcement, rent arrears recovery and resolution of maintenance issues.
Real Estate Disputes
Our real estate litigation practice covers disputes arising from sale and purchase agreements, mortgages, common‑area regulations and broker commissions. We represent landlords, tenants, investors, developers and property sellers in onshore and free‑zone disputes. UAE law mandates the use of standard property sale forms (e.g., Dubai Land Department’s Form F) and requires developers of jointly owned properties to disclose service charges and provide accurate information under the Dubai Jointly Owned Property Directions and Abu Dhabi Law 3/2015. We litigate claims arising from misrepresentation, delay, defective construction and non‑payment of service charges while ensuring compliance with Dubai Land Department and Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport regulations.
Employment Disputes
We represent employers and employees in all employment law disputes, including claims for unpaid salaries, end‑of‑service gratuities, commissions, wrongful termination and disciplinary issues. UAE labour law requires employers to settle all dues—including unused leave, unpaid salary and contractual allowances—within 14 days of contract termination. End‑of‑service benefits are calculated based on basic salary and years of service. Our team is highly experienced with proceedings before labour courts and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and provides strategic advice on drafting employment contracts, policies and settlement agreements to prevent disputes.
Maritime Labour and Crew Claims
In addition to commercial maritime disputes, we handle maritime labour cases involving crew wages, injury claims and the application of international conventions. The new maritime law’s extension of the statute of limitations for injury claims enhances seafarers’ ability to seek compensation. We represent crew members and shipowners in wage disputes, maintenance and cure claims and negligence suits.
Family and Personal Status Matters (Sharia) and Civil Code.
For Muslim clients, we handle Sharia‑based family law matters including marriage contracts, divorce, child custody, guardianship, maintenance and inheritance. We ensure compliance with UAE Personal Status Law and help clients navigate inheritance rules under Sharia and local civil codes in relation to non-Muslim personal status matter.
Banking Litigation & Financial Disputes
Our banking litigation team offers specialised representation to banks, financial institutions, lenders, borrowers and asset managers across the full spectrum of financial disputes. We represent major banks, investment firms and corporate borrowers in high‑stakes matters before UAE courts, regulatory bodies and arbitration tribunals. Leveraging deep knowledge of UAE banking laws, capital markets regulations and the broader financial services framework, we provide strategic counsel that aligns with our clients’ commercial objectives. We handle loan‑recovery actions, derivative mis‑selling claims, enforcement of securities and collateral, insolvency proceedings, regulatory investigations into financial misconduct and intricate breach of contract cases. Collaborating closely with clients, we assess case strengths, mitigate risks and pursue outcomes through steadfast litigation, pre‑emptive negotiation or facilitated settlement.
Our practice also addresses lender liability and debt‑recovery claims, breach of trust, unfair banking practices, fraud investigations, mortgage enforcement, credit disputes, disclosure violations and regulatory non‑compliance. We work with forensic accountants, damage experts and fraud investigators to build robust, evidence‑driven cases and achieve practical, result‑oriented solutions. Beyond litigation, we advise banks and financial entities on contractual issues, IT‑related disputes, venue selection for arbitration or litigation and broader commercial risk management. Our team assists with regulatory investigations, compliance enforcement, bankruptcy proceedings, restructuring litigation and privacy, data‑protection and financial‑disclosure matters. By staying ahead of evolving banking laws and regulations, we safeguard clients’ interests and ensure full compliance with local and international financial laws.
Cybercrime & Technology Law
Our cybercrime practice defends clients against charges of electronic extortion, online threats, hacking and data privacy violations. Federal Decree‑Law No. 34/2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes imposes penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of AED 250,000–500,000 for electronic extortion and threats. It also penalises insults or slander via digital platforms, with penalties increasing to provisional imprisonment for serious offences. We advise on compliance with UAE’s cybercrime and data‑protection laws and represent clients in investigations and prosecutions.
Data Protection & Privacy
We advise businesses on compliance with the UAE Personal Data Protection Law and free‑zone data regulations. Our practice covers drafting privacy policies, obtaining consents, cross‑border data transfers, breach response and regulatory investigations.
Information Technology & Media
Our IT and media law practice covers software licensing, e‑commerce, fintech, digital marketing, media regulation and content clearance. We help tech companies comply with regulatory frameworks and litigate cases involving platform liability, domain name disputes and online defamation.
Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution
We are highly experienced in arbitration representing clients in proceedings under DIAC rules. The Dubai International Arbitration Centre’s 2022 Rules, effective from 21 March 2022, modernised procedures and brought DIAC into line with global best practices. We advise on drafting arbitration clauses, act as counsel and arbitrators, and handle recognition and enforcement of awards in the UAE courts.
Mediation Services
Our firm offers mediation services as a cost‑effective alternative to litigation. We facilitate amicable settlements in commercial, family, employment and construction disputes, ensuring confidentiality and preserving business relationships.
Tax Disputes & Regulatory Compliance
We represent businesses and individuals in tax disputes before the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Tax Disputes Resolution Committee. The UAE introduced a new Tax Procedures Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 28 of 2022), effective 1 March 2023, and Cabinet Decision No. 74 of 2023, effective 1 August 2023, overhauling tax procedures We assist clients with tax audits, reconsiderations, objections, and appeals, ensuring compliance with corporate tax, VAT and excise tax regulations.
Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring & Insolvency
We advise on bankruptcy and insolvency matters, including preventive composition, restructuring plans and liquidation. Federal Decree‑Law No. 51 of 2023 on Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy replaces the 2016 Bankruptcy Law and introduces a modern framework effective 1 May 2024. Key features include a dedicated bankruptcy unit, enhanced creditor rights, an extended moratorium period and a new preventive settlement mechanism. We represent debtors and creditors in the new Bankruptcy Court and other tribunals and advise on insolvency of free‑zone entities.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments & Awards
We provide specialist advice in enforcing foreign court judgments and arbitral awards in the UAE. Under Article 222 of the new UAE Federal Civil Procedure Law, recognition of foreign judgments has been streamlined: rather than filing a full lawsuit, a party may request enforcement directly from the execution judge. The judge decides within five working days and will recognize the judgment when the foreign court had jurisdiction, the parties were properly served, the decision is final and does not conflict with a UAE judgment or public order. Our lawyers ensure that all statutory conditions are met, from translation and legalization of foreign judgments to compliance with UAE execution procedures. We also handle enforcement of domestic and international arbitration awards. Domestic awards are enforced before the chief justice of the competent court under Article 55 of the Federal Arbitration Law, while Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2018 allows foreign awards to be executed by filing an application with the execution judge. We guide clients through onshore enforcement requirements—such as legalization, certification and Arabic translation. Our experience in this niche area ensures that judgments and awards are swiftly recognized and executed, providing clients with effective remedies across UAE courts and free‑zone jurisdictions.
Immigration & Residency
We assist individuals and businesses with immigration and residency matters, including work permits, investor visas, golden visas and citizenship by investment. We ensure compliance with UAE immigration laws and free‑zone regulations and handle appeals against visa rejections and overstay fines.
Company Formation & Corporate Advisory
Our corporate team advises on company formation, corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. We assist in establishing mainland, free‑zone and offshore entities, drafting shareholder agreements and advising on foreign investment restrictions.
Banking & Islamic Finance
We provide advisory and dispute‑resolution services in Islamic finance, including Murabaha, Ijara, Istisna’a and Wakala structures. Our team drafts Sharia‑compliant financing documents and represents clients in disputes arising from Islamic banking transactions.
Customs & International Trade
We advise on customs law and international trade, including import/export regulations, trade sanctions, free‑trade agreements and customs duty disputes. Our team assists in obtaining customs rulings, challenging seizures and navigating trade compliance investigations.
Entertainment, Media & Sports Law
We provide counsel in entertainment and sports law, including film production agreements, sponsorship deals, talent contracts, event licensing and e‑sports regulations. We help clients navigate censorship, content regulation and brand‑protection issues.
Wills & Estate Planning
We assist clients in wills and estate planning, advising on drafting wills under UAE and free‑zone regimes, establishing guardianship arrangements and protecting assets through trusts and foundations. We guide non‑Muslim expatriates on registering wills with the DIFC and Abu Dhabi Courts in line with the personal status law for non‑Muslims.
Labour & Human Resources Advisory
Beyond dispute resolution, we provide labour law advisory services to employers on compliance with UAE Labour Law and MOHRE regulations. This includes drafting employment contracts, handbooks and policies; advising on terminations and restructurings; and conducting compliance audits. We support HR teams in implementing new labour reforms, including the alternative end‑of‑service benefits savings scheme and flexible working arrangements.
Compliance & Investigations
Our firm assists clients with internal investigations, regulatory compliance reviews and risk assessments. We advise on anti‑corruption compliance, sanctions, export controls, whistle‑blower policies and corporate governance to ensure adherence to UAE laws and international best practices.
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Our energy practice covers renewable energy projects, carbon trading, green finance and compliance with environmental regulations. We assist developers, financiers and operators in structuring and financing clean‑energy projects and advise on ESG compliance and sustainability reporting.