UAE launches new inheritance courts in major overhaul of civil justice system

The UAE has issued a new Federal Decree-Law introducing extensive reforms to the Civil Procedures Code, marking a significant step in modernising the country’s civil justice system.

The amendments strengthen judicial efficiency, expand appeal rights and introduce new mechanisms to support accuracy, speed and transparency in civil proceedings.

The legislation reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to aligning judicial practices with contemporary international standards.

The new law regulates the direct establishment of inheritance courts through a decision issued by the President of the Federal Judiciary Council or the head of the local judicial authority, without requiring agreement from the litigants.

UAE civil procedures

This reform is designed to expedite the resolution of inheritance disputes and simplify related procedures.

The legislation also permits the creation of specialised courts to hear specific civil or commercial cases, upon the request or agreement of the parties.

These courts operate under the same procedural rules, supporting judicial specialisation and improving the overall efficiency of dispute management.

The amendments further strengthen the role of technical expertise in judicial decision-making.

Competent courts may now engage local or international experts to prepare or review expert reports, discuss those reports directly with the experts, and request corrections or clarifications. The measure ensures that court decisions are grounded in accurate, robust and reliable technical findings.

UAE court update

To reinforce procedural discipline, appellants must now include in their appeal brief the appealed judgment, its date, the grounds for appeal and any requests.

Appeals that do not meet these requirements will be deemed inadmissible. This replaces the previous process, which allowed parties to complete the grounds for appeal at the first hearing, and raises the standard of seriousness and compliance in appellate proceedings.

A major change introduced by the law concerns the right of appeal before the Court of Cassation. This right now extends not only to judgments but also to decisions issued by the Courts of Appeal.

The expanded scope enhances judicial review and provides litigants with stronger safeguards against impactful decisions.

The amendments also strengthen the authority of the Attorney-General, who is now empowered to file appeals independently or at the request of the Minister of Justice or the head of the local judicial authority.

This applies even when the parties have not exercised their right to appeal or have missed the appeal deadlines, reinforcing the integrity and accountability of the judicial system.

By adopting these reforms, the UAE underscores its commitment to building a modern, efficient and transparent justice system.

The amendments advance the principles of swift justice, protect litigants’ rights and support the development of a robust legal ecosystem aligned with the nation’s legislative progress.