During that period, most disputes were handled by the rulers of the emirates, heads of local tribes, and unofficial judges following customary law.
After the 1853 truce, disputes pertaining to pearl diving were handled directly by the British political resident in the Persian Gulf.
[7] The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, which came into effect on 2 December 1971, dedicates its entire fifth section for the federal legal system.
"[8] Despite being the highest judicial authority in the UAE, the Federal Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction on local matters in emirates with independent judiciaries.
[10] Federal Courts of First Instance consider "cases, authentications and all urgent matters related to disputes among the people as well as the safeguard of their rights, security and safety.
"[14] In 2016, Ras Al Khaimah courts would now accept English language judgements in dispute resolution services, specifically aimed at business and investments in the region.
[16] The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts are an independent English language common law judiciary, with jurisdiction governing civil and commercial disputes nationally, regionally and worldwide.
[1] allowed the DIFC Courts to hear any local or international cases and to resolve commercial disputes with the consent of all parties.
The direct application of English law makes ADGM the first jurisdiction in the Middle East to adopt a similar approach to that of Singapore and Hong Kong.
First created in 1994 as the "Centre for Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration," the current DIAC is non-profit institution located in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).
Since there are no trade unions in the UAE, collective disputes are handled by a special committee composed of the Minister of Labour, a Supreme Court Judge, and one expert.
In Dubai, individuals can also refer to a similar service provided by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs as a first step before going to court.
In 2015, a new department dedicated to resolving disputes between domestic helpers and sponsors has opened at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) branch in Al Aweer.
Complaints would be related to living conditions, wages, and security and safety of labour accommodations and this service is accessible online.
All divorce applications are handled first through the department where experienced mediators work to resolve the issues between couples and family members.
[27] In 2018, during a television interview lawyer Mukhtar Ghareeb called for an amendment of the law noting that it was "too easy for women to file for divorce."
Consumers can approach CCCP by phone, email or fax to lodge their complaints (and soon through dedicated counters at all retail outlets[29]).
[31] The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) of the DIFC Courts, features a formal session of mediation as part of its procedure.
The academy offers comprehensive training to UAE legal professionals from all backgrounds and levels, from experienced English language Common Law practitioners through to newly qualified lawyers and those currently operating in the Arabic speaking civil system.
[37] The Initiatives aim at enhancing the capacities of individuals engaged in the judicial field, and motivating pioneering in legal work.
The UAE judicial system has faced criticism by human rights advocates, including cases where detainees convicted during mass trials linked to political affiliation have been held in prisons arbitrarily beyond the end of their sentences.