Key takeaways
- Court memos are filed in Arabic; other-language evidence needs an MOJ-registered legal translation.
- A defendant's defence is due within 10 business days of being served, under Article 48 of the Civil Procedure Code.
- A memo usually covers the case details, facts, arguments, evidence and requests.
- Parties or their lawyers can file through Dubai Courts e-services.
- Apart from close relatives, only licensed advocates represent others in court.
The usual structure
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Heading | Court, case number, parties, hearing date, type of memo |
| Facts | A dated, factual account of what happened |
| Arguments | Why the facts support your position, point by point |
| Response | Replies to each point in the other side's claim or memo |
| Evidence list | Numbered documents attached, with translations |
| Requests | Exactly what you ask the court to order |
| Signature | The party or their advocate |
Language and deadlines
Documents presented to UAE courts must be in Arabic, and anything in another language must be translated by a legal translator registered with the Ministry of Justice. Under Article 48 of the Civil Procedure Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022), the defendant submits its defence within 10 business days of being served, and translated documents must be duly certified. Follow any dates the court or case manager sets.
Mistakes that weaken a memo
- Mixing opinions with facts, or leaving out dates and amounts.
- Not answering each point in the other side's claim.
- Evidence attached without Arabic translation.
- Requests that are vague or don't match the claim.
- Filing after the deadline.
Filing
Parties or their lawyers file through their Dubai Courts e-services account. Companies need an authorisation letter or POA for the person filing. See how to file a case in Dubai Courts.
Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives. We type memos in Arabic from your instructions for you or your advocate to review and file. See court memo typing.
Sources
- UAE government portal: civil cases
- Dubai Courts: e-services account registration
- UAE Legislation: Civil Procedure Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022)
- UAE Legislation: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022
- UAE Legislation: Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2022 on the translation profession
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.