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What You Need To Know About Insurance Litigation Proceedings In The United Arab Emirates?

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What You Need To Know About Insurance Litigation Proceedings In The United Arab Emirates?

The United Arab Emirates is a country located in the Middle East. The legal system in the UAE is based on Sharia law, a religious law derived from the Quran. There are several different courts in the UAE, each with its own jurisdiction. This article will focus on insurance litigation proceedings in the UAE.

What is insurance litigation? 

Insurance litigation is a legal process in which an insurance company and an insured person dispute the terms of an insurance policy. The dispute may involve a claim that the insurance company has denied or a disagreement about the value of a claim. Insurance litigation can be complex and expensive, and it is often best to seek the advice of an attorney if you find yourself in this situation.

What are the procedures for insurance litigation in the UAE? 

The UAE's well-developed legal system relies on court judgments to resolve insurance disputes. The legal system is based on the civil law derived from French and Roman law

The UAE has two court systems: Sharia and civil courts. The Sharia courts apply Sharia law, which is based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The civil courts apply the civil law, which is based on French and Roman law. 

The Sharia courts have jurisdiction over insurance disputes involving Muslims. The civil courts have jurisdiction over insurance disputes involving non-Muslims. 

The UAE's insurance litigation procedures vary depending on the applicable court system. In the Sharia courts, the parties must try to resolve the dispute through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute will be resolved by a judge. In the civil courts, the parties can file a lawsuit directly without first going through mediation. 

Lawyers may represent the parties in a civil court dispute. However, in the Sharia courts, the parties are not represented by lawyers and must represent themselves. 

The following table sets out the procedures for insurance litigation in the Sharia and civil courts in the UAE.

What are the key stages of insurance litigation in the UAE? 

The key stages of insurance litigation in the UAE are as follows:

  1. Filing of the claim: This is the initial stage in the litigation process, and it involves filing a formal complaint with the court.
  2. Exchange of pleadings: In this stage, the parties exchange documents and information in order to build their case.
  3. Discovery: This is a process where the parties exchange information and documents to assess their cases' strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Pre-trial conference: This is a meeting between the parties and the court where the parties try to resolve the dispute without going to trial.
  5. Trial: The case will go to trial if the dispute cannot be resolved at the pre-trial conference.
  6. Judgment: After the trial has concluded, the court will issue a judgment stating its findings and rulings.

 

What are the possible outcomes of insurance litigation in the UAE? 

Regarding insurance litigation in the UAE, there are a few possible outcomes. First, the insurer may decide to take legal action against the policyholder to recoup any funds that have been paid out as a result of the claim. Alternatively, the policyholder may take legal action against the insurer if they feel they have not been treated fairly. In either case, seeking legal advice from a qualified lawyer is important to protect your rights.

How can you prepare for insurance litigation in the UAE? 

There are a few key things that you can do to prepare yourself for insurance litigation in the UAE. Firstly, it is essential to understand the local legal system and how insurance law works in the UAE. You should also be familiar with the relevant court procedures and how to submit evidence. It is also essential to understand the key players in the UAE's insurance industry and a clear strategy for how you will approach the case. Finally, you should ensure you have the necessary resources to fully prepare for and prosecute the matter.

What are the risks of insurance litigation in the UAE?

The risks of insurance litigation in the UAE are significant. The process can be expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is not guaranteed to favor the policyholder. Parties to a dispute can also face high legal costs, even if the case is eventually decided in their favor.