UAE President issues law on judicial fee structure in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued, in his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, law No 16 of 2008 on court fees in Abu Dhabi.

The law, which takes effect immediately, states that no lawsuit, motion or appeal will be accepted unless assigned fees are paid.

The law also exempts lawsuits, motions and appeals filed by federal and local governments and public interest establishments from judicial fees.

Court fees will be waived for lawsuits filed by workers and domestic helpers in regards to their entitlements during litigation and enforcement. Fees will also be waived for money deposited at courts by the receiver in bankruptcy, tenants, bidders, law enforcement officers, local and federal departments.

There are two types of courts in the UAE - civil courts and Sharia courts.

Civil courts have exclusive jurisdiction over civil, commercial, banking and maritime matters, while Sharia courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all family law matters.

However, both the civil and Sharia courts have non-exclusive jurisdiction over criminal proceedings.

Delay payment

According to the law, the Chief Justice of a court or his representative may delay the payment, partially or totally, upon a request filed by the litigants.

The law authorises courts to verify the financial status of litigants applying for a waiver of court fees and costs.

A committee, chaired by the chief justice, may waive, partially or totally, the court fees.

The law authorises the Chief Justice of a court or his representative to delay partial or full payment on request from the litigants.