Legal system in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The legal system of lawyers in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is based on a combination of civil law, Islamic law, and tribal law. The country’s constitution, called the Basic Law, outlines the general principles of the legal system and establishes the powers of the federal government and the individual emirates. The legal system is enforced by the courts, which are divided into several levels, including the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal.
The UAE’s civil law system is primarily based on French law and is primarily used to regulate commercial transactions and civil disputes. The country’s commercial law, known as the Commercial Transactions Law, sets out the legal framework for business activities and contracts. In addition, the UAE has enacted several laws to regulate the country’s rapidly growing tourism and real estate industries.
Islamic law, or sharia law, is also a significant part of the UAE’s legal system. Islamic law primarily governs personal status issues, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family law. The interpretation of Islamic law is left to the discretion of the country’s religious authorities, who provide religious rulings (fatwas) on various legal matters.
Tribal law, also known as Bedouin law, is still practiced in some areas of the UAE, particularly in rural regions. Tribal law is based on the customs and traditions of the country’s Bedouin population and is primarily used to resolve disputes between members of the same tribe.
The UAE’s legal system has come a long way in recent years, with the country implementing several reforms to modernize its laws and regulations. The UAE is also a signatory to several international treaties, including the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
In conclusion, the legal system in Dubai and the UAE is a unique combination of civil law, Islamic law, and tribal law. The country’s legal system has been designed to balance the needs of the local population with the demands of a rapidly growing business and tourism sector. With its modern laws and regulations, the UAE is well-positioned to continue its growth as a hub for business and trade in the Middle East.