COVID-19 – Dubai Courts Suspend Hearings and Arrange to Work Remotely

The Dubai Courts has decided to postpone court hearings for all court levels (Cassation, Appeal and First Instance), and that some services to be accessed remotely as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.

The Managing Director of the Dubai Courts has issued Decision Numbered 30 of 2020 on 17 March 2020 (the “Decision”), declaring postponement of the ongoing proceedings and court hearings from March 22, 2020 until April 16, 2020 (the “Suspension Period”). All applications for certifications relating to personal affairs are put on hold during the Suspension Period.

The Decision excludes from suspension: summary and interim relief cases, the smart applications and all criminal proceedings (whether trials or appeals) that involve imprisoned individuals and detainees. The Decision also mandates all judges deliver judgments on the scheduled sessions during the Suspension Period. Please note that all time limits for filing appeals and cassation challenges still stand.

The Dubai Courts will not accept new claims and applications through its premises if such claims or applications can be made through the online e-filing system. Litigants are instructed to use the e-filing and follow-up smart systems of the courts.

Another decision was issued by the Head of the First Instance Criminal Court which suspends all criminal cases before the Criminal Court of First Instance from 25 March 2020 until 16 April 2020.

At Al Tamimi & Company, we are actively monitoring the situation and we will remain in full effect as the situation develops. Our clients should rest assured that we will be taking care of their interests, and will ensure that all submissions are made on time.

Key Contacts:

Ahmed Allouz
Partner, Head of Litigation – Dubai
a.allouz@tamimi.com

Naief Yahia
Partner, Litigation
n.yahia@tamimi.com