Writs in the United Arab Emirates are powerful judicial orders issued by UAE courts to protect rights, prevent harm, enforce obligations, and ensure fair administration of justice. While the UAE operates under a civil law framework and does not follow the common law writ system exactly, similar legal instruments exist across federal and emirate-level courts. These court orders serve the same purpose as traditional writs in many jurisdictions.
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As Dewey & LeBoeuf, a global law firm with a strong regional presence, we support clients who require urgent court actions, protective orders, or enforcement writs. Whether you are a business owner, investor, or individual, understanding the legal mechanics of UAE writs helps you navigate your rights within the UAE legal system.
This comprehensive guide explains the types of writs available in the UAE, the legal grounds for obtaining them, relevant case patterns, and how our firm can assist you in securing or defending against a writ.
What Are Writs in the UAE
In the UAE, a writ is a formal legal order issued by a competent court directing an individual, business, or governmental body to take or stop specific actions. These writs ensure legal compliance, protect rights, and prevent wrongful harm.
Although the UAE does not explicitly use the term writ in legislation, several procedural mechanisms serve the same function. They include:
- Judicial orders
- Precautionary and execution measures
- Injunctions
- Enforcement writs
- Payment orders
- Travel bans
- Attachment orders
Each of these has different standards of proof, urgency levels, and legal effects.
Types of Writs in the UAE
Below are the major types of writs and court orders recognized in both federal courts and emirate-level courts such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
1. Payment Order Writs
Payment order writs are issued when a creditor has a clear, specific, and undisputed monetary claim. Under the UAE Civil Procedure Law, payment orders are ideal when:
- The debt is documented
- The amount is fixed
- There is no reasonable dispute
- The debtor has been notified but has not paid
Payment orders are commonly used for:
- Unpaid invoices
- Dishonored cheques
- Commercial debts
- Employment-related financial claims
A payment order is fast, often granted without a full hearing, which makes it a highly effective remedy for businesses.
2. Precautionary Attachment Orders
Precautionary attachment is one of the strongest forms of writs in the UAE. It allows a creditor to freeze assets belonging to a debtor before or during litigation.
Courts issue precautionary attachment orders to prevent debtors from:
- Transferring assets
- Selling property
- Concealing funds
- Leaving the country with movable assets
Assets commonly frozen include:
- Bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Real estate
- Shares in companies
- Inventory and equipment
Attachment is often granted on an urgent basis when evidence shows real risk of asset dissipation.
3. Execution Writs
Once a judgment is issued, courts release an execution writ to enforce that judgment. Execution writs empower enforcement officers to:
- Seize property
- Garnish bank accounts
- Auction assets
- Recover funds due under a court judgment
Execution writs apply to:
- Civil judgments
- Commercial rulings
- Labour court decisions
- Family court financial orders
This is the final step that turns a favorable judgment into actual recovery.
4. Writs of Injunction and Urgent Interim Orders
Injunctive writs are used to stop an ongoing or imminent harm. UAE courts grant temporary injunctions when a party demonstrates:
- Serious harm if no order is issued
- A legitimate right requiring protection
- Urgency
- Balance of convenience is in their favor
Common cases where injunctions are issued include:
- Prevention of intellectual property violations
- Restraining former employees from leaking trade secrets
- Blocking illegal construction or demolition
- Halting fraudulent transfers
In many cases, courts decide injunction requests within 24 to 72 hours.
5. Travel Ban Writs
Travel ban writs prevent a person from leaving the UAE while a case is ongoing or while a debt remains unpaid. They are used in:
- Financial disputes
- Business partnership conflicts
- Criminal investigations
- Family matters involving child custody or support
Travel bans can be issued before filing a case if the situation is urgent and supported by evidence.
6. Writs to Present Documents or Evidence
UAE courts can issue writs requiring individuals or companies to provide:
- Documents
- Financial records
- Contracts
- Internal communications
- Evidence necessary for litigation
Failure to comply can result in further orders, fines, or negative inferences during the trial.
7. Writs Related to Criminal Proceedings
Criminal writs include:
- Arrest warrants
- Search warrants
- Seizure orders
- Detention renewal orders
These writs are issued by prosecutors or courts depending on the stage of investigation.
8. Writs in Family Court Matters
Family courts issue writs for:
- Child custody transfer
- Child protection orders
- Maintenance and alimony enforcement
- Restraining abusive partners
These orders protect vulnerable parties and ensure compliance with family law judgments.
Common Cases Where UAE Courts Issue Writs
Below are practical examples based on common patterns observed in UAE courts.
Case Example 1: Unpaid Commercial Debt
A Dubai trading company supplied goods to a buyer who refused to pay. The creditor submitted an invoice and delivery notes as evidence. The court issued:
- A payment order within days
- Followed by bank account attachment
The creditor successfully recovered the full amount.
Case Example 2: Partner Trying to Transfer Company Shares
A shareholder attempted to sell company shares secretly to avoid liability. The court granted:
- An urgent injunction blocking share transfer
- A precautionary attachment on his dividends
This protected the company and minority investors.
Case Example 3: Employee Misusing Trade Secrets
A former employee tried to disclose confidential data to a competitor. The employer obtained:
- A restraining order
- A writ requiring the employee to surrender devices containing data
This prevented financial and reputational harm.
Case Example 4: Family Dispute and Child Protection
In a custody case, a parent attempted to leave the UAE with the child. The court issued:
- An emergency travel ban
- A temporary custody order
These safeguarded the child’s rights during litigation.
Case Example 5: Criminal Investigation Asset Freeze
In a fraud investigation, prosecutors secured:
- Arrest warrants
- Bank account seizures
- Freezing of real estate
These measures protected victims and ensured the accused could not dissipate assets.
Procedure to Apply for a Writ in the UAE
The application generally follows these steps:
- Consult a UAE-qualified lawyer to assess the legal grounds
- Prepare supporting documents and evidence
- File the application through the court’s electronic system
- Court reviews urgency and legal basis
- Court issues the writ, often within hours for urgent matters
- Writ is executed by enforcement officers or agencies
Having complete documentation and strong legal arguments increases your chances of swift approval.
How Dewey & LeBoeuf Assists Clients in UAE Writ Cases
Dewey & LeBoeuf has extensive experience supporting clients with UAE writ applications, including urgent orders. We assist with:
- Drafting strong writ applications
- Preparing evidence and documentation
- Filing and monitoring cases electronically
- Representing clients in hearings
- Enforcing execution writs
- Defending against wrongful writs
Our Dubai team works closely with regional courts, enforcement departments, and police authorities to secure the fastest possible outcomes. If you need emergency legal action, our lawyers can prepare and file writ applications on the same day in most cases.
FAQs on Writs in the UAE
Does the UAE use common law writs like habeas corpus or mandamus?
The UAE uses similar judicial mechanisms but follows civil law principles. Different forms of court orders serve the same function.
Can a foreigner apply for a writ in the UAE?
Yes. Any resident, visitor, or business entity can apply for writs if the case falls under UAE jurisdiction.
How long does it take to get a writ issued?
Urgent orders can be issued within hours. Standard writs typically take a few days depending on case complexity.
Can a writ be challenged or appealed
Yes. The opposing party may file a grievance, appeal, or request cancellation if the writ was wrongly issued.
Can the court freeze assets without notifying the debtor?
Yes. For precautionary attachment and fraud-related cases, the court may freeze assets without advance notification.
Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf for UAE Writ Matters
Writs are powerful but complex legal tools. Mistakes in drafting, improper evidence, or procedural errors can lead to rejection or delays. Dewey & LeBoeuf ensures your request meets all legal standards and is filed with maximum urgency.
Our Dubai team handles:
- Emergency injunctions
- Asset freezes
- Payment orders
- Travel bans
- Enforcement writs
- Corporate disputes
- Commercial recovery cases
If you need fast and strategic legal action in the UAE, our lawyers are ready to support you with precision, discretion, and complete legal compliance.
Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf today to receive immediate assistance and protect your rights through the proper UAE writ mechanism.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE