Expat lawyers to be banned from representing clients

Dubai: Expatriate lawyers will no longer be allowed to represent clients before the Dubai Courts of Appeal and Cassation starting early 2009, according to an administrative decision issued on Thursday.

The Director General of Dubai Courts, Dr Ahmad Bin Hazim Al Suwaidi issued the decision which bans non-Emirati lawyers from representing defendants or claimants before Dubai's highest two courts (Appeals and Cassation) starting next year.

A media statement quoted Dr Al Suwaidi as saying: "Expatriate lawyers will be allowed to continue representing their clients before the First Instances' Courts until March 31, 2012."