Does your dispute belong in the DIFC Courts?
The DIFC Courts conduct proceedings in English. Dubai Law No. (2) of 2025 sets out their jurisdiction, including specified civil and commercial connections to DIFC bodies, establishments, contracts and transactions.
The law also permits parties to agree expressly in writing to DIFC Courts jurisdiction for civil and commercial claims, before or after a dispute arises. An English contract or a Dubai business address alone does not establish that agreement or another jurisdictional gateway.
Legal practitioner in the DIFC Courts
Advocate Suhail Rana is a legal practitioner in the DIFC Courts and Partner at IAB Advocates & Legal Consultants. His approach combines legal analysis with an understanding of commercial documents, financial records and the practical outcome a client seeks.
The first review identifies the parties, the relevant jurisdictional basis, any procedural deadlines and whether the relief sought fits the available claim. It also addresses the scope and cost of the proposed engagement.
Contracts, shareholders and financial disputes
- Contractual claims: disputed performance, payment, termination, contractual notices and the evidence supporting the alleged breach.
- Shareholder and company disputes: competing interpretations of agreements, business records, authority and claims involving commercial relationships.
- Investment and trading disputes: broker agreements, disputed transactions, withheld account funds and allegations of misrepresentation or misconduct.
- Construction and trade: commercial claims under contracts that fall within DIFC Courts jurisdiction.
- Judgments and awards: assessment of recognition, enforcement and the location of assets, subject to the applicable requirements.
Investment losses alone do not establish broker liability. An initial assessment should distinguish market movement from a potentially actionable breach, and identify the correct contracting entity and records.
Build the case around the documents
We assess the contract and dispute clause, correspondence, payment evidence, accounting records and the remedy requested. For trading matters, account-opening documents, statements and original trade records can be especially important. A dated chronology helps identify the issues that actually need to be proved.
Case preparation can include pleadings, witness evidence, document disclosure, expert issues, settlement discussions and enforcement strategy. The applicable court rules and directions determine the procedural steps for each matter.
Questions before bringing a DIFC Courts claim
Can parties outside the DIFC use the DIFC Courts?
An express written agreement can provide a basis for civil and commercial jurisdiction. The complete wording, parties and nature of the dispute must still be assessed.
Does choosing English law mean choosing the DIFC Courts?
No. Governing law and the forum are different questions. Review the governing law clause alongside the court or arbitration clause.
What should I do if I have received a claim?
Contact the office promptly, identify the response deadline and provide the claim and supporting documents. A general enquiry does not extend a court deadline.
Official sources & further reading
Updated 12 October 2026. General information; the applicable law, rules and your documents require assessment for your matter.
General information only; not legal advice. An enquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship.