Rules of Evidence in Civil Proceedings
Overview
Civil proceedings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are heavily based on written submissions and supporting documentary evidence. Expert and witness evidence are also admissible.
Parties can also exchange written evidence from witnesses prior to the trial. In practice, courts do not hear oral arguments from the parties.
The outcome of a case is determined based on the written submissions and documents filed prior or during the proceedings. All documents and submissions must be in Arabic. English or any non-Arabic documents must be translated by a licensed professional.
Practical Guidance
Oral evidence
While oral evidence is not common in UAE civil proceedings, parties can call witnesses to attend proceedings and testify. To do so a party must follow the steps outlined below:
Submit a request for permission to the court.
The lawyer making the request can do so either orally or in writing.
If permission is granted, the court sets a date and time for the hearing where the witness evidence will be heard.
Usually, the court will not dedicate more than one session to hear witness evidence.
Witnesses do not attend all the hearings. They are only admitted to court for their testimony.