DIFC and ADGM Courts

Litigation before the DIFC Courts and the ADGM Courts, from a firm registered with both.

We act in a broad range of matters before the DIFC Courts and the ADGM Courts, from contractual and shareholder disputes to enforcement proceedings, and are registered with both. Parties with no other connection to either centre can still bring a dispute there, where its opt-in jurisdiction is applicable.

We advise on which of the two courts suits a given dispute, and on enforcing a DIFC or ADGM Judgment against assets held onshore in the UAE. Our experience spans matters from pre-litigation advisory and first pleadings through trial, appeal and enforcement, often run alongside counsel in other jurisdictions where a dispute extends beyond the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on the DIFC and ADGM Courts.

The ADGM Courts and DIFC Courts are separate common-law court systems operating in different financial free zones, Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, each with its own procedural rules. The right choice depends on the parties and the dispute. We are registered with both and advise on which is the appropriate forum for a given matter.

Yes. A foreign company may bring proceedings before the DIFC Courts where the Court has jurisdiction, including where there is a connection to the DIFC or where the parties have validly agreed to submit their dispute to the DIFC Courts. We advise foreign companies on whether the DIFC Courts are available for a particular claim and the strategic considerations involved in choosing this forum.

A DIFC Court Judgment can generally be enforced against onshore assets through the arrangements connecting the DIFC Courts to the onshore courts. The process requires specific procedural steps at both stages. We advise Judgment creditors on the route available and coordinate with licensed Emirati advocates for the onshore steps.

Within Disputes