Abu Dhabi Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find a lawyer?
Ans: It is helpful to take advice from friends and relatives about recommended lawyers. People with similar problems who have been guided well by their lawyers can also offer excellent help. You can also search Directory listings for lawyer names and contacts.

2. What is Sharia or Islamic Law?
Ans: Sharia or Islamic Law is a religious law derived from the teachings in Quran and examples set by Islamic Prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah.

3. Why is mediation or arbitration preferred instead of fighting out in court?
Ans: Mediation or arbitration is preferred when the lawsuit is of sensitive or of controversial nature. It focuses on agreeing upon a mutually acceptable solution, which is less time consuming and effectively deals with the sensitivity of the relationship.

4. If the parents get divorced, who gets the custody of the children under Sharia?
Ans: The custody of the children will remain with the mother until the age of nine for a girl and age of seven for a boy. Subsequently it will be transferred to the father. The mother loses the custody if she remarries. If both mother and father are termed incompetent, then the paternal grandparents are granted custody of the children.

5. Are legal fees covered in my insurance?
Ans: Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) protects the owner of an insurance policy against the impending legal costs. A LEI is categorized as BTE (before the event) and ATE (after the event) insurance.

6. What is the difference between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi court systems?
Ans: A federal court system is exercised by all UAE emirates except for Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, which operate their own court systems. The court is divided into three stages of litigation: The Court of First Instance, The Court of Appeal and The Court of Cassation. The final ruling by the Court of Cassation cannot be challenged.

7. Can non-UAE citizens file cases in UAE courts?
Ans: Non-UAE citizens are allowed to file cases in UAE courts if they are properly represented by an attorney as per the provisions of law.

8. Why human rights in UAE are criticized so much?
Ans: UAE labor laws tilt in favor of the employers rather than employees. The migrant workers (both white & blue collared) are not able to negotiate their salaries, have to work overtime without any additional payment and live in unhealthy conditions. Free zone laws ban employees for six months to one year for leaving the company.

9. When you pronounce talaq three times, it means divorce has taken place, is it still in practice in Abu Dhabi?
Ans: A husband can divorce his wife by the following means: By telling his wife 'I divorce you' three times in person
By sending an SMS through a cell phone affirming they have been divorced
By sending email/written letters stating they have been divorced
By uttering the words talaq three times over the phone

10. Can I have the contact details for Abu Dhabi Judicial Department?
Ans: Address: P.O. Box : 84, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971(2)651-2222
Call Center 800 2353
Email: info@adjd.gov.ae