AdvoAssist

Can you file a lawsuit in the UAE without a lawyer?
The short answer is — yes, you can. Especially if the case is simple, your documents are in order, and you’re ready to invest the time to understand the local system.
But before you take this route, it’s important to realize: the UAE judicial system operates by its own rules, and a lack of knowledge about the details can cost you not only time and money, but also rights that a lawyer could help you protect.

✅ When it’s realistic to file a claim on your own:
You can try handling the process without a lawyer if:
🔹 the claim amount is up to AED 50,000,
🔹 the case is not criminal and not related to immigration,
🔹 you have all the necessary evidence,
🔹 you are confident using online systems in English or Arabic,
🔹 and you have time for translations, formalities, and dealing with government systems.

📝 Step-by-step guide: how to file a lawsuit in the UAE yourself
1. Prepare your documents and evidence
Gather all supporting materials: contracts, invoices, receipts, correspondence, notifications.
Important: all documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator.
2. Determine jurisdiction
  Where to file your case:
  rental issues — Rental Dispute Center (Dubai Land Department),
labour issues — MOHRE or Labour Court, civil and commercial disputes — Dubai Courts.
3. Register in the eServices system
  Create an account on the Dubai Courts website
or log in using UAE PASS.
4 .File your case through Smart Services
  Go to the Case Registration section, upload your documents, and pay the court fee
  (starting from 6% of the claim amount, with a minimum of AED 500).
  The amount is calculated automatically in the system.
5. Wait for your case to be activated
  You will receive a case number and notification that the pre-trial procedure has begun.
After that, the following steps occur:
   — the defendant is notified,
— then a hearing date is set.
6 .Attend the hearing
  You can: attend in person,
  or join online (in most small claim cases, this is possible).

⚠️ What’s important to keep in mind:
All documents must be in Arabic.
The court does not provide advice, and the system does not forgive mistakes.
An incorrect defendant name, wrong amount, missed deadline — and your case will be rejected.
Sometimes you’ll need to visit a notary or pay additional fees for publication and official notification.

🧭 When it’s better not to take risks and seek support AdvoAssist supports those who want to try going through the
  process themselves.
But if you’re unsure whether you can:
calculate deadlines correctly,
prepare the claim properly,
defend yourself in court, — it’s better to be safe.

📩 A lawyer/advocate can:
review your documents,
offer a legal strategy,
explain what to expect at each stage.
If you realize that you’d rather delegate — we’ll find the right lawyer for you.

The UAE court system is efficient, but it does not tolerate errors.
Awareness and preparation are your best assets.
A lawyer is there — to step in when you need support.

How to File a Lawsuit in the UAE Without a Lawyer and Handle It Yourself