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.