If you miss an appeal deadline in the UAE—even by a day—you can lose your right to challenge the judgment. That’s not scare tactics; that’s how the system is built to keep cases moving.
What’s Really Going On
Appeals in the UAE are a structured “second look” at a judgment from the Court of First Instance. You go up to the Court of Appeal first; in limited situations, you can then escalate to the Court of Cassation—but only on points of law. Think legal errors, not a full re-trial of facts at the Cassation stage.
How I Navigate Appeals (and How You Can Too)
I’ve seen strong cases fall apart because filings were late or grounds were fuzzy. But here’s the thing: if you move fast and anchor your appeal to clear legal grounds, you can turn a tough judgment around.
How Appeals Work—Step by Step
- File on time. Civil appeals are typically due within 30 days of the judgment. Criminal appeals are generally 15 days, sometimes 30 days in special cases. Urgent matters can be as short as 10 days.
- State your grounds clearly. Focus on errors of law, procedure, or overlooked evidence in an appeal memorandum with facts, legal points, and exhibits.
- Expect a real review. The Court of Appeal can look at both facts and law, ask for fresh evidence, hold hearings, and then affirm, amend, or overturn the ruling.
- Mind the mechanics. Register with the competent appellate court, pay required fees/deposits, and file any counter-appeals before the first hearing.
Which Court Handles What?
- Civil & Criminal: Both go to the Court of Appeal after First Instance.
- Final stop: The Court of Cassation reviews points of law only after the Court of Appeal.
- Criminal note: Both the accused and prosecution can appeal; if only the defendant appeals, the appellate court can’t increase the punishment.
Deadlines You Can’t Miss (Print This)
- Civil appeal to Court of Appeal: within 30 days of judgment.
- Criminal appeal: 15 days (up to 30 in special cases).
- Urgent matters: sometimes 10 days.
- Cassation: within 30 days of the Court of Appeal decision.
Miss these, and the right to appeal is gone. Honestly, this is where many cases die—not on merits, but on timing.
Pro Tips I Use to Keep Appeals on Track
- Calendar backwards. Work from the deadline to today, building internal cut-offs for drafting, approvals, translations, and court fees. (Deadlines are hard stops.)
- Lock your grounds early. Align your memo with recognized grounds: legal misapplication, procedural irregularities, or ignored evidence.
- Prepare for fact review. In appeals that reopen facts, line up supplementary evidence and witness availability early.
- Budget the fees/deposits. Payment delays sink appeals—treat fees like a filing element, not an afterthought.
- Anticipate the other side. Counter-appeals can land before the first hearing—plan your rebuttal in the initial memo.
Quick Visual: UAE Appeal Ladder (Civil & Criminal)
- Court of First Instance → Court of Appeal (facts + law) → Court of Cassation (law only). That’s the ladder—simple, but unforgiving on timing.
Your move: Do you have a judgment in hand? Count your days now. Build your memo next. Then file—properly, promptly, and with purpose. You’ve got this, and the window is still open.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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