UAE Judicial Framework
The UAE operates a dual judicial system — federal courts governed by the UAE Constitution (Articles 94–109) and emirate-level courts managing local civil, criminal, and commercial matters. Dubai and Abu Dhabi additionally maintain independent common law financial courts (DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts) operating in English.
For constitutional law, see our UAE Constitution Articles Guide and UAE Landmark Legal Cases Guide. For family law disputes, see our Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law Guide.
Interlinked Portals
Arts. 94–109
Federal Supreme Court (FSC)
| Location: | Abu Dhabi |
| Jurisdiction: | Highest court for federal constitutional & judicial matters |
Key Roles & Powers:
- ⚖️ Resolves constitutional disputes between federation and emirates
- ⚖️ Reviews federal legislative & regulatory constitutionality
- ⚖️ Arbitrates jurisdictional conflicts between federal & emirate courts
- ⚖️ Tries federal ministers and senior officials
- ⚖️ Issues binding interpretations of the Constitution
Frequently Asked Questions (UAE Judicial System)
The Federal Supreme Court (FSC), established under Articles 94–109 of the UAE Constitution, is the highest judicial authority for federal constitutional matters and inter-emirate disputes.
The DIFC Courts apply English common law principles as adapted by DIFC legislation. They operate entirely in English and are independent of the Dubai civil court system.
The UAE has a 3-tier judicial hierarchy: Courts of First Instance, Courts of Appeal, and Courts of Cassation at the emirate level, plus the Federal Supreme Court for constitutional matters.
Dubai Courts apply UAE civil law (Arabic proceedings). DIFC Courts apply English common law (English proceedings). A mutual enforcement arrangement between both systems was established in 2009 under our DIFC Wills Registry Guide.
UAE Ministry of Justice Verified
• UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ Federal Courts): moj.gov.ae
• Dubai International Financial Centre Courts (DIFC Courts): difccourts.ae
• Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM): adgm.com