Legal system of the United Arab Emirates
Open-knowledge reference entry
The legal system in the United Arab Emirates is based on civil law and Sharia law in the personal status matters of Muslims and blood money compensation. Personal status matters of non-Muslims are based on civil law. The UAE constitution established a federal court system and allows all emirates to establish local courts systems. The emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have local court systems, while other emirates follow the federal court system. Some financial free trade zones in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have their own legal and court systems based on English common law; local businesses in both emirates are allowed to opt-in to the jurisdiction of common law courts for business contracts.
The justice system in the UAE has been characterized as opaque. International money launderers, criminals, corrupt political figures and sanctioned businesspeople are prevalent in the UAE where it is easy to hide wealth and engage in moneylaundering.
Judicial structure
Under the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, each emirate is allowed to establish its own judiciary or to follow the federal court system.
Federal system
The UAE federal system includes courts of first instance (trial court), courts of appeal and the Supreme Court.
The federal court system is the sole court system in the emirates of Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.
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