Statement of Claim Format Requirements in the UAE Onshore Courts
Page-by-page format guidance for a self-prepared statement of claim in the UAE onshore courts: what the Arabic document must contain, which translations are required, and the points that send a file back from the registration counter.
United Arab Emirates - onshore courts
How it works
- Draft the statement of claim in Arabic. Arabic is the language of the onshore courts, so the claim itself is registered in Arabic; the interface language you read here does not change that.
- Set the page: A4 paper, 2.5 cm margins on all four sides, 12 point type, numbered paragraphs starting at 1.
- Open with the court and the circuit, the case number if one has been assigned, then the parties with their identity or trade licence details and service addresses.
- Follow with the dated account of the events, one numbered paragraph per event, then the documents relied on, the attachment index and the requests.
- Attach a certified Arabic translation for every document written in another language, sign the claim in ink, and pay the fee through the judicial department's e-payment channel.
Next
Do the UAE onshore courts accept a statement of claim written in English?
No. Arabic is the language of the onshore courts, so the claim is registered in Arabic. A document written in another language is only accepted with a translation certified by a translator approved by the Ministry of Justice, and the court may rely on a translator it appoints.
How many copies of the statement of claim are filed?
The original plus a copy for each party to be notified and one copy for the court file. The court serves the copies, so the addresses of the other side must be complete.
Does the statement of claim have to be signed by hand?
Yes. The signature line is completed in ink by the person registering the claim or by the representative holding a power of attorney, and the printed name goes underneath.
Format requirements for this court
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- Federal Law No. 42 of 2022 on the Civil Procedure Law (UAE), provisions on the language of proceedings, on the registration of claims and on representation before the courts
- UAE Ministry of Justice portal, guidance on filing claims, court fees, service of process and approved translators
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, court registration counters, e-services and forms for the Court of First Instance
- Dubai Courts, case registration requirements, e-services and small claims circuits
- Official Gazette of the United Arab Emirates, publication of federal laws and their amendments