Changes To The UAE Civil Procedure Code

Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2018 (the "Cabinet Resolution") has amended the Executive Regulations of the Civil Procedure Law No. 11 of 1992 (the Executive Regulations) resulting in an extensive revision of the civil procedure for onshore UAE Courts with a focus on modernising the court process.

The amendments to the Executive Regulations became effective on 16 February 2019 and set out a clearer framework for commencing claims, service of legal proceedings and responding to a claim. In addition Decision No. 9 of 2019 concerning the minor civil circuit (equivalent of small claims courts) came into force on 1 April 2019.

While the changes are yet to be fully tested, the amendments are likely to ensure a more efficient and expeditious judicial process resulting in significant time and cost savings for both the Court and litigants. This Article explores the main changes made to the Executive Regulations.