CIVIL LAW

Civil law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is based on a mixture of Islamic law and civil law, as well
as other legal systems such as the Napoleonic code and English common law. The UAE Federal Civil
Code is the primary source of civil law in the country, which sets out the legal framework for a wide
range of civil and commercial transactions and obligations.

In the UAE, civil law covers a variety of matters, including property law, family law, contract law,
commercial law, and intellectual property law. For example, the Federal Civil Code regulates the
acquisition and transfer of property, the formation and performance of contracts, the protection of
intellectual property rights, and the establishment of companies and partnerships.

Family law in the UAE governs issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. This
area of law is largely based on Islamic law, although the laws of some of the individual emirates
provide for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration.
In the UAE, disputes arising from civil law matters are generally resolved through the country’s court
system. The court system consists of both civil and criminal courts, and the jurisdiction of the courts
is determined by the nature of the dispute and the amount in dispute.

It is important to note that the UAE has a dual legal system, with each emirate having its own set of
laws and regulations, in addition to the federal laws that apply across the country. As a result, the
application of civil law in the UAE can vary from one emirate to another, so it is advisable to seek the
advice of a local legal expert if you have any questions about the specific laws and regulations that
apply in your situation.

In conclusion, civil law in the UAE is a well-developed and comprehensive legal system that provides
for the resolution of a wide range of civil disputes. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the
country, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under the law, and to seek the
advice of a qualified legal expert if you have any questions or concerns.