Court FAQs
Registering New Cases
How can I register a new case?▼
Cases are subject to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Fees Law. Fees vary according to the nature of the case and the type of claim. Some cases are exempt from court fees. When registering a case, you will be notified of the fees before completing the procedures
Are there fees for filing cases? ▼
Cases are subject to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Fees Law. Fees vary depending on the type of case and requests. Some cases, such as alimony, labor, and family, mediation and guidance cases are exempted from court fees. When registering a case, you will be notified of the fees before completing the procedures.
What to expect after registering the case, obtaining its number, and hearing date? ▼
After registering the case and paying the court fees (if applicable), the court will notify the other parties (defendants) of the hearing date and other details via a court notice. At the first hearing, all necessary documents are prepared through the Case Management Office (Case Preparation Section), attendance of the parties or their representatives (lawyer or attorney) is documented, and any settlement or reconciliation between the parties is proposed in some types of cases.
The number of hearings varies from case to case until a court judgement is obtained.Also, registration services are different, e.g. petitions in urgent matters (provisional alimony, seizures, travel bans), are presented to the judge without a hearing date being set.
How do I attend the hearings? ▼
Most hearings are held remotely. You will receive a link to attend via a videoconference call. You will be contacted regarding the necessary arrangements if the competent court decides your personal attendance is required.
How do I obtain an urgent request pending the consideration of the case file? ▼
These requests are often known as petitions or interim orders. You can request them before filing the original case, provided you pledge to file the case within a specified period (8 days). You can review the frequently asked questions related to (Registration of Petitions) for more information.
Post-Judgment Requests
The judgment has been issued but was ambiguous, making it difficult to enforce one or more of the judgment clauses. What is the procedure to be followed? ▼
You can submit a request to register a file for post-judgment requests called (request for Judgment Interpretation). This service allows parties to a case to obtain clarification from the judge regarding the content of the judgment issued in their case.
What is a petition for reconsideration? ▼
It is an extraordinary method of appeal against a final (last stage) court judgement. It allows one of the parties to request a reconsideration of the judgement if new reasons or facts not previously presented to the court emerge, provided that they would change the outcome of the judgement under specific legal circumstances
What are the cases in which the law permits filing such request (petition for reconsideration)?▼
- 1.If a litigant committed fraud that would have affected the judgment.
- 2.If, after the judgment, a confession is made that the documents upon which the judgment was based were forged or that they were deemed forged by the court.
- 3.If the judgment is based on a witness testimony which is deemed after the judgment to be perjury.
- 4.If, after the judgment is issued, the petitioner obtains decisive documents in the case that the litigant had prevented their submission.
- 5.If the judgment grants something not requested by the parties or more than what they requested.
- 6.If the operative part of the judgment contradicts itself.
- 7.If the decision was issued against a natural or legal person who was not represented with a valid representation in the lawsuit, except in the case of conventional representation.
For those against whom the decision issued in the case is considered evidence and have not been joined or intervened in the case, provided that fraud, collusion, or gross negligence of their representative is proven.
What is meant by a motion for omission of claims, which is filed after the issuance of a judgment in a case? ▼
It is a request submitted by either party to the court to consider any claims (explicitly made) that have been neglected by the court or not respond to whether by rejection or acceptance, i.e. they were mistakenly neglected.
How can I submit post-judgment motions (e.g., motion for omission of claims, motion for reconsideration, interpretation of judgment)? ▼
This is currently possible through licensed law firms registered with the Judicial Department or through certain registered typing offices.
Attending sessions and hearings
Am I required to attend court sessions in person? ▼
Most court sessions will be held remotely via videoconferencing. In exceptional cases decided by the court, the competent employee will contact you to arrange your physical entry to the relevant court.
If the notice to appear at the court remote session is not received, what is the required procedure?▼
Procedure to follow if the notice to appear at the court session is not received:
Check the contact information (such as phone number and email address) registered with the competent court or judicial entity and correct it if there is an error, via the smart application or website.
- - Please note that updating contact information (phone number or email address) will result in its being used in the future for sending all court notices and announcements.
Submit an electronic request to obtain a copy of the session link or resend the notice. The relevant employee will send the attendance link on the specified date and time.
Also, the relevant party can directly access the session through the official website of the Judicial Department (www.adjd.gov.ae) by following these steps:
- 1. Select (Alternative Solutions, Courts, and Enforcement)
- 2. Then (Video Court Sessions)
- 3. Enter the case number or session information and follow the displayed instructions.
Attendance is permitted even if the notice to appear is not received, by directly logging into the system on the scheduled session date.
What should I do if I cannot access the link? ▼
- 1. Make sure you have internet connection and that the device you are using (phone, computer) is connected and supporting access to video calls.
- 2. Try to access the Judicial Department's official website Click here
, then:
- a. Select (Alternative Solutions, Courts, and Enforcement)
- b. Then (Video Court Sessions)
- c. Enter the case number or session information and follow the displayed instructions.
- 3. Contact the competent court or judicial entity immediately via the phone number or email included in the case notifications, and request them to resend the link or provide immediate technical support.
If the problem persists, you can submit a request for technical support, attaching a copy of the error message.
If the notification is sent to the applicant and then he forwards the message to their attorney or representative, can others use the same link to access the session? ▼
Yes, they can access it by following the steps and procedures for accessing video court sessions.
Click here
What is the specific timeframe within which litigants must be notified to attend the sessions?▼
In general, and in accordance with the applicable procedural rules (the Civil Procedure Code), notice of attendance must be sent to litigants sufficiently in advance of the hearing date to ensure they are informed and have the opportunity to prepare and attend. The duration varies depending on the type of case and procedure, but the general rule is:
In civil and criminal cases: litigants are notified at least 3 to 7 working days before the hearing.
In urgent or interim matters (such as petitions, interim orders and travel bans): 24 to 48 hours' notice may be sufficient, depending on the urgency of matter.
In some special cases, or as determined by the judge: the notice may be reduced or extended based on the circumstances and the method of service (by hand or electronically).
What is included in the notice of attendance for a remote videoconference hearing?▼
- 1. Name of the party involved
- 2. Details of the case/claim (case number, type, competent court).
- 3. Exact date and time of the hearing.
- 4. Hearing information (meeting number, password).
- 5. Link to attend the videoconference hearing.
- 6. Email for technical support in case of any technical difficulties.
How can litigants submit their memoranda and documents in the case before starting the hearing?▼
Litigants can submit their memoranda and documents in the case before the hearing date through the following means:
Via the link sent with the hearing notice, designated for electronic filing of memoranda and documents,
Or Via digital court requests, by clicking on the service's dedicated link Click here
Can documents be attached during the hearing?▼
Yes, litigants can attach documents during the hearing using the instant sharing feature.However, it is preferable to submit documents before the scheduled hearing date to ensure that the judge and parties have full access to them. Documents can also be submitted via
- 1. Digital court requests Click here
- 2. Or according to the instructions of the relevant employee given during the hearing.
How can I ensure that the court clerk has received my documents during the hearing? ▼
Documents are automatically attached through the system when submitted during the hearing. To confirm receipt or for more information, you can contact the court clerk or case manager directly.
How can the parties know the judge's decision during the session?▼
The decision is usually issued immediately at the conclusion of the video session. In some cases, the judge may postpone issuing the decision until the end of the session to further study the case. Parties can view the court's decision through the following means:
- 1. By subscribing to the file viewing service.
- 2. By receiving an official notification through approved channels (SMS, email).
- 3. Or through the case inquiry service. Click here
How can I pay court fees if a court decision is issued?▼
When a court decision requires the payment of court fees, litigants can pay through the following means:
- 1. Log in to the Judicial Department's smart application/website using their UAE Pass account.
- 2. Pay fees electronically through available channels, which include:
Payment by credit card or direct debit.
Bank transfer to the approved ADJD bank accounts using the case number or the case's smart account number.
You must ensure that fees are paid within the specified deadline to avoid delaying judicial proceedings or taking any additional legal measures.
How can I submit memoranda or requests during or after the court proceedings or enforcement?▼
You can submit memoranda or requests related to a case file or case (such as requests for certificates, memoranda, certified enforceable copy of judgement, amending hearing dates, photocopying casefile, etc.) through one of the following means:
Through the digital services available on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website Click here
where you can search for the required case number and submit the request.
Requests can also be submitted via the smart application.
I am trying to submit a request in a case or enforcement file, but it does not appear in the list of cases and enforcement files. What is the procedure?▼
If the case or enforcement file does not appear in the list of cases linked to your account, you can follow the following steps:
- 1. Submit a request to link the case using the "Link Cases to MY UAE Pass Account" service. Please note that this service is intended for individuals only.
- 2. If you are an attorney or legal representative of a company, establishment, or another individual, you can submit requests through the Attorney and Legal Representative service available on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's website: www.adjd.gov.ae, or the smart application.
What language is used in video court sessions? ▼
Arabic is the official language of the courts.
I don't speak Arabic. How can I communicate during the video court session? ▼
If you are not fluent in Arabic, the Judicial Department will coordinate the provision of interpretation service during the court session. You can also submit an electronic request in advance to request an interpreter, provided the request is submitted prior to the scheduled hearing date to ensure the necessary arrangements.
What is the cost of assigning an interpreter for a video conference session and what languages are available? ▼
Most languages required for interpretation are available at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, including sign language. The ADJD makes the necessary arrangements to provide interpretation services in all languages according to the needs of the parties. The translation fee is AED 100 per hour.Labor and criminal cases are exempt from translation fees, as determined by applicable laws and regulations.
How are translation fees paid?▼
You will receive a link via SMS containing a payment page. Make sure to pay the fees well in advance of the hearing.
How can I use the remote video conference systems to attend hearings? ▼
You can view the user guides via the following link:
Click here 
It is recommended to arrive at the hearing 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure technical readiness.
How do I prepare for a remote video conference? ▼
Out of respect and to ensure efficient attendance of the remote hearing, please follow the following instructions:
- 1. Wear formal and modest attire appropriate to the nature of the court hearing.
- 2. Keep your original Emirates ID card for use when needed for identity verification.
- 3. Use a smart device or computer equipped with a camera and microphone that supports video conferencing technology.
- 4. Ensure a stable and fast internet connection to avoid interruptions during the hearing.
- 5. Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to a power source during the hearing.
- 6. Be in a quiet place free of any uninvolved persons to ensure the confidentiality of the hearing.
- 7. Comply with all instructions and guidelines given by the court or the support team before and during the hearing.
Request for Registration of an Interim Order or a Petition
What is a request for the registration of an interim order?▼
It is a legal procedure that allows either party to a case to apply to the court for permission to take a specific action before/during the hearing of the original case. This type of request is usually filed in emergency cases that require the judge's prompt intervention to protect a right or to take an interim measure before the dispute is resolved. The competent judge reviews the request and decides on it based on the submitted papers and documents, without the need for holding a hearing.
How much are the fees for registering an interim order?▼
Court fees vary depending on the nature and type of the case, taking into account:
- 1. 100 dirhams for orders related to the Personal Status Division, noting that alimony requests are exempt from fees.
- 2. 300 dirhams for a general interim order
- 3. 400 dirhams for a travel ban
- 4. 750 - 75,000 dirhams for a protective seizure order
How long does it take for the court to consider the request? ▼
The judge issues an urgent order by the next business day after the request is submitted.
What are the next steps after the court reviews the request and issues an interim order? ▼
- 1. Enforcement of the interim order:
If the order is subject to immediate enforcement (such as a travel ban or protective seizure), the order is enforced by the competent authority based on a copy of the decision.
- 2. Right to object to the order:
The party aggrieved by the interim order has the right to object to the competent court within the specified legal period (usually within 7 days from the date of notification of the order), requesting reconsideration, cancellation, or modification.
Is there a deadline for implementing the provisions of the interim order? ▼
The interim order must be implemented within fifteen (15) days from the date of its issuance, otherwise the order will lapse (expire). Such lapse does not prevent the issuance of a new order.
Are there any exceptions to the expiration of an interim order?▼
Yes, there are. With regard to a travel ban order over a debt:
- 1. If the creditor does not provide the judge with evidence of filing a substantive claim for the debt within eight (8) days from the date of issuance of the travel ban order, or
- 2. If the creditor does not initiate enforcement of the final judgment issued in their favor within thirty (30) days from the date the judgment becomes final;
In both cases, the travel ban automatically lapses without the need for having a request filed by the debtor or for issuing a special judgement.
What if the interim order expires? Can I file a new request? ▼
Yes, if the interim order expires for any reason (such as the expiration of the specified period or its limitation), you may file a new request for another interim order on the same or a different matter.
Please note that the prescribed court fees must be paid again upon submitting the new request, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Can the aggrieved party object to the interim order issued against them? ▼
The aggrieved party against whom an interim order is issued may file an objection before the competent court or the judge who issued it. This requires the following:
- 1. Clarification of the reasons for the objection and supporting documents.
- 2. Filing the objection independently or as part of the original case, in accordance with the procedures for filing interlocutory applications.
The court then reviews the objection and decides whether to uphold, modify, or cancel the order, depending on the circumstances and conditions of the case.
Does filing an objection to an interim order suspend its enforcement? ▼
In principle, interim orders are enforceable immediately without delay.
The petitioner may request the court or judge, as part of their petition or by means of a separate request, to temporarily suspend the enforcement of the order until the objection is decided. This is subject to the court's discretion and based on serious justifications.
What if the court rejects the request for an interim order – can I still object thereto?▼
Yes, the party whose request was rejected has the right to object to the decision, just as the party aggrieved by an interim order has the right to do so.
The petitioner may submit a request to the judge to reconsider the decision of rejection, provided they attach new documents or facts that support the basis for their request and justify the reversal of the previous rejection.
If the court revokes an interim order previously issued by it after an objection/ petition is filed, can the party concerned objects to this? ▼
The judgement issued in the objection to the interim order shall be subject to objection by way of appeal only.
If the interim order is issued by the Court of Appeal, the objection should be filed before a different panel within the same court. The judgement issued by this panel is final and not subject to appeal by any means.
Can you provide examples of cases that require filing a request to register an interim order?▼
Subject matter:
- 1. Visitation of children (custody matters)
- 2. Temporary alimony
- 3. Travel ban
- 4. Protective seizure
Enforcement
What is the next step after I obtain the executive wording stamp on a judgment? ▼
You must open an enforcement file through the available channels. This file is considered the official means for initiating the procedures of enforcing the judgment or decision.
How can I open an enforcement file? ▼
It can be submitted through law firms or some registered typing offices.
What documents are required to open an enforcement file?▼
A copy of the judgment bearing the executive wording stamp.
A copy of the Emirates ID card.
International Bank Account Number (IBAN)
Any supporting documents related to the enforcement request.
What types of requests can be submitted within the enforcement file?▼
Request for attachment/ seizure of bank accounts or property
Request for imposing a salary deduction
Request for a travel ban
Request for contacting an external authority.
Can the judgment be enforced in another emirate or outside the country? ▼
Yes, the enforcement file can be transferred via the channels of judicial assistance between the courts, depending on the nature of the case and the location of enforcement.
Can I request payment in installments or postponement of enforcement? ▼
Yes, a request for this can be submitted, along with supporting evidence. The request will be presented to the enforcement judge for review.
Can I close the enforcement file? ▼
Yes, the file can be closed based on a request by the owner of right, upon completion of enforcement, or based on a notarized settlement agreement.
Registration of Disputes and cases
What are the channels for filing claims and cases? ▼
Channels of registration vary depending on the type of case, but in general, the following options are available:
The official website of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
Law firms licensed by the Judicial Department
Registered typing centers
when having an electronic referral from the Mediation and Reconciliation Centers for some civil and commercial cases, follow the direct electronic payment link to complete registration after getting the approval.
What documents are required to register a case? ▼
Documents vary depending on the type of case. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the services guide available on:
- 1.ADJD website
- 2.The smart application of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
What is the expected journey after registering a case? ▼
A case goes through several main stages, which vary according to the type of case, including the following:
- 1. Registering a case and paying the court fees after approval.
- 2. Case preparation with the competent case manager, and review of the applications and documents.
- 3. The deliberation stage, where the case is presented before the competent judge to hear the parties and consider the dispute.
- 4. Issuing the court judgement.
- 5. The judgment may be appealed, in accordance with the law, before court of appeal then cassation.
- 6. The enforcement file is registered to initiate the enforcement procedures for the judgment or final decision.
Bank Account and International IBAN
Why are you required to attach a bank certificate of IBAN number or account details in some transactions with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department?▼
For your convenience, as it will:
- 1. Facilitate and expedite the disbursement of financial dues and the transfer of amounts directly to your bank account, such as alimonies, compensation, or awarded amounts.
- 2. Ensure the accuracy of bank data, reducing the possibility of errors in financial transfers.
- 3. Enhance financial security by protecting financial transactions from fraud or unauthorized transfers.
How can I update my IBAN details with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department?▼
You can update your IBAN details through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website by following these steps:
- 1. Go to Digital Services.
- 2. Select Alternative Solutions, Courts, and Enforcement.
- 3. Select the Bank Account Details Update service.
- 4. Fill in the required information and attach:
An IBAN certificate approved and stamped by the bank.
A copy of a valid Emirates ID or passport.
A copy of legal power of attorney or trade license (when necessary) if the application is in the name of a company/ establishment or on behalf of another person.
You can also update it through ADJD smart application, follow these steps:
- 1. Services
- 2. Deposit/ fee Services
- 3. Request to update the IBAN/ bank account number
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