UAE updates Civil Procedures Code: New rules on inheritance disputes, expert reports
<p>The UAE has introduced important amendments to its Civil Procedures Code, focusing on inheritance disputes and the use of expert reports in legal proceedings. These updates aim to streamline court procedures, reduce ambiguity, and ensure faster and more accurate dispute resolution across the judicial system.</p><p>Under the revised provisions, inheritance disputes will now follow more structured procedures, allowing courts to handle succession matters with greater clarity and consistency. The amendments provide clearer guidance on jurisdiction, documentation requirements, and the role of courts in resolving disputes among heirs, particularly in complex family and cross border cases.</p><p>The updated code also introduces stricter regulations regarding expert reports. Courts will have enhanced authority to assess the credibility, methodology, and relevance of expert opinions presented during litigation. Experts are now required to follow defined standards, timelines, and reporting formats, helping reduce procedural delays and conflicting assessments.</p><p>Overall, these amendments reflect the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its legal framework, improving judicial efficiency, and aligning court procedures with international best practices. The changes are expected to benefit litigants by ensuring fairer outcomes, quicker resolutions, and greater confidence in the judicial process.</p><h3><strong>1. Introduction of Inheritance Courts</strong></h3><p>One of the most notable changes allows for the <strong>establishment of dedicated inheritance courts</strong> through a decision by the President of the Federal Judiciary Council or the head of the local judicial authority — <strong>without requiring the agreement of all parties.</strong> Previously, inheritance disputes often relied on general civil courts or required mutual consent among litigants for specialised handling, which could delay proceedings and complicate outcomes. <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/government/uae-updates-civil-procedures-code-streamline-judiciary?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Khaleej Times</a></p><p>This reform is intended to <strong>expedite the resolution of inheritance matters</strong>, which are often time-sensitive and emotionally charged, and to bring more consistency and legal certainty to how estates and succession cases are handled across the federation. It also reflects the UAE’s recognition of the importance of clear and efficient legal frameworks in matters that impact families and financial distributions after death. <a href="https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-revamps-courts-faster-inheritance-specialised-courts-technical-expertise-1.500376454?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Gulf News</a></p><p>These changes resonate with broader trends in the UAE judiciary, such as the creation of specialised courts (e.g., for family law or commercial disputes), designed to ensure subject-matter expertise and faster adjudication. <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/government/uae-updates-civil-procedures-code-streamline-judiciary?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Khaleej Times</a></p><h3><strong>2. Enhanced Role of Expert Reports</strong></h3><p>Another critical component of the update is the <strong>reinforcement of the role of technical experts</strong> in civil proceedings. Under the revised code, courts now have <strong>expanded authority</strong> to:</p><p><strong>Engage both local and international experts</strong> to prepare or review expert reports.</p><p><strong>Discuss reports directly with experts</strong>, allowing judges to clarify, supplement, or correct technical findings before relying on them.</p><p><strong>Task experts with addressing deficiencies</strong> or errors in their reports, enhancing accuracy and reliability.</p><p>Previously, expert evidence could be restricted or less scrutinised, sometimes leading to challenges or appeals based on disputed technical findings. The new framework strengthens judicial oversight, reducing ambiguities and improving the factual foundation of civil judgments. <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/government/uae-updates-civil-procedures-code-streamline-judiciary?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Khaleej Times</a></p><p>This enhanced use of expert testimony is expected to benefit complex cases — including commercial disputes, property valuation, financial accounting, construction defects, and more — ensuring that judicial decisions rest on thorough and defensible technical analysis. <a href="https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-revamps-courts-faster-inheritance-specialised-courts-technical-expertise-1.500376454?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Gulf News</a></p><h3><strong>3. Stricter Appeal Requirements</strong></h3><p>The amendments also introduce <strong>tighter procedural controls</strong> for filing appeals. Under the updated code, an appellant must now include in their appeal brief:</p><p>A clear statement of the judgment being appealed.</p><p>The <strong>date</strong> of that judgment.</p><p><strong>Grounds for appeal</strong>.</p><p>Specific <strong>requests</strong> made on appeal.</p><p>Failure to comply with these requirements renders an appeal <strong>inadmissible</strong>, closing loopholes that previously allowed parties to outline grounds only at the first hearing. This encourages more meticulous preparation of appellate arguments and reinforces respect for procedural deadlines. <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/government/uae-updates-civil-procedures-code-streamline-judiciary?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Khaleej Times</a></p><h3><strong>4. Specialised Civil and Commercial Courts</strong></h3><p>In addition to inheritance courts, the revised code supports the <strong>creation of specialised courts</strong> to hear designated civil or commercial cases. These tribunals can be formed upon the request or agreement of the parties involved or by judicial authority directive. Their purpose is to <strong>improve dispute management</strong> through focused expertise and tailored procedures. <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/government/uae-updates-civil-procedures-code-streamline-judiciary?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Khaleej Times</a></p><h3><strong>5. Alignment with Modern Judicial Standards</strong></h3><p>Overall, these updates reflect the UAE’s commitment to aligning its judicial processes with international best practices. By emphasising specialization, expert evidence quality, and procedural rigor, the UAE seeks to:</p><p>Boost <strong>judicial efficiency and predictability</strong>.</p><p>Reduce case backlogs.</p><p>Minimise appeals based on technical or procedural flaws.</p><p>Improve confidence among residents, investors, and international businesses using the UAE legal system.</p>