UAE Litigation: Enforcing Foreign Judgments: Exploring The Process And Challenges Of Enforcing Foreign Judgments In The UAE

With the expansion of globalisation and the growing presence of multinational corporations operating and holding assets across multiple jurisdictions, cross-border disputes have become increasingly common. While obtaining a judgment against a debtor may be relatively straightforward, the more pressing question is what follows. In particular, it is crucial to determine whether the judgment debtor holds assets within the jurisdiction where the judgment was issued. If no such assets exist, the focus must shift to enforcing the judgment in a jurisdiction where the debtor's assets are located.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as a leading global commercial hub, has emerged as a key forum for the enforcement of foreign judgments. What distinguishes the UAE is its multi-forum enforcement regime – foreign judgments may be enforced through the UAE Federal Courts, which operate under a civil law system, as well as through the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts and the Abu