In Dubai, most civil and commercial money claims of up to AED 500,000 must first go to the Dubai Courts Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD) before a court case can be registered (Law No. 18 of 2021, Article 28, and Dubai Courts Resolution No. 4 of 2025). Claims against banks and other financial institutions are excluded. Separately, the DIFC Courts Small Claims Tribunal hears claims of up to AED 500,000 that fall within DIFC jurisdiction.
Who this guide is for
- Individuals and small businesses owed a modest sum: unpaid invoices, a deposit, a failed purchase or a loan between people.
- People who were told to go to the "small claims court" and are unsure which body that means.
- Anyone comparing Dubai Courts with the DIFC Courts.
It does not cover rent disputes, which go to the Rental Disputes Center, or salary claims, which start with MoHRE (see our unpaid salary checklist).
Is there a "small claims court" in Dubai?
The name causes confusion. On the official pages we checked, the Dubai Courts route for smaller money claims is the CASD, which Dubai Courts lists as its "Settlement of Civil Disputes" service. The only body officially called the "Small Claims Tribunal" in Dubai is part of the DIFC Courts. Some websites describe other Dubai Courts small-claims circuits and limits; we could not confirm those on official pages, so confirm with Dubai Courts before relying on them.
What the CASD handles. Under Resolution No. 4 of 2025 (issued 3 March 2025), the CASD has jurisdiction over, among other things:
- disputes with claims of up to AED 500,000, except substantive disputes where one party is a financial institution under the Central Bank law (the Dubai Courts service page says none of the parties may be a bank, financial institution or finance company);
- disputes of up to AED 1,000,000 involving UAE nationals over 60;
- disputes involving people with disabilities or recipients of social benefits under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2012;
- approval of settlement agreements of any value, and appointing experts before a court case.
The CASD does not handle urgent or summary applications, cases against the government, family disputes, or disputes that another centre or committee must hear (Law No. 18 of 2021, Article 5).
Why it must come first. No claim within the CASD's jurisdiction may be registered with the courts unless it was first brought before the CASD or an authorised entity (Article 28). If settlement fails, the supervising judge either decides the dispute or refers it to the competent court. Limitation periods are paused while the dispute is at the CASD (Article 29).
Fees. Law No. 18 of 2021 (Article 30) sets a AED 250 registration fee, refunded if a settlement is approved. As of September 2026, the Dubai Courts "Settlement of Civil Disputes" page confirms the AED 250 fee and adds that, if settlement fails, a further fee of 6% of the dispute value is charged, minimum AED 500 and maximum AED 20,000 per request.
How the options compare
| Dubai Courts CASD | DIFC Courts Small Claims Tribunal | ADJD Small Claims Court (Abu Dhabi) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main limit | Up to AED 500,000 (AED 1 million for UAE nationals over 60) | Up to AED 500,000; up to AED 1 million if all parties agree in writing; employment claims above AED 500,000 by written agreement | Civil, commercial or labour claims under AED 1,000,000 |
| Who can use it | Disputes within Dubai Courts' jurisdiction | Claims within DIFC Courts' jurisdiction | Disputes within Abu Dhabi courts' jurisdiction |
| First step | Conciliation sessions, held remotely | Consultation with an SCT judge, usually within 14 days of service | Hearing within 15 days of filing |
| Outcome | Settlement with force of an execution writ, or a judge's decision or referral to court | Settlement, or judgment after a hearing | Judgment at the hearing |
| Filing fee | AED 250, refunded on settlement; 6% (AED 500 to 20,000) if settlement fails | 5% of the claim (2% for employment), minimum USD 100 | Check with ADJD |
| Language | Arabic; a dual-language agreement is possible | English | Arabic |
Sources for the table: Resolution No. 4 of 2025 and Law No. 18 of 2021 (CASD); the DIFC Courts SCT page and Part 53 of the DIFC Courts Rules; and the ADJD Small Claims Court leaflet (2023). In Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Courts says its One-Day Court has heard civil and commercial claims of any value since early 2024.
When the DIFC applies. The DIFC Courts hear claims involving DIFC establishments, contracts performed in the DIFC, or where the parties agreed in writing to DIFC jurisdiction (Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, Article 14). A dispute with no DIFC link usually belongs to Dubai Courts.
Step by step
- Check the forum. Look at the contract for a DIFC or other court clause, and check whether the other side is a bank or finance company.
- Work out the amount. Add up the principal and anything else you claim, with a short calculation.
- Write the statement of dispute. Dubai Courts asks for both parties' names and full addresses, the facts, the amount and your final requests.
- Collect evidence. Contracts, invoices, receipts, messages and proof of payment.
- Translate. Dubai Courts asks for legal Arabic translations approved by the Ministry of Justice, and attestation for documents from abroad.
- Register online. Sign in to the Dubai Courts website with UAE Pass, upload the PDF file and pay the registration fee.
- Attend the sessions. CASD sessions are held by video call. Be ready to discuss a realistic settlement.
- Sign or move on. A signed settlement approved by the judge can be enforced like a judgment. If there is no settlement, follow the judge's decision or referral.
- Enforce if unpaid. Open an execution file; see our judgment execution guide.
The evidence checklist builder can help you put your documents in order.
Documents checklist
- Emirates ID or passport; trade licence for a company
- Statement of dispute with the amount and final requests
- Contract, quotation, purchase order or written agreement
- Invoices, receipts and bank transfer records
- Messages or emails that show the debt or the promise to pay
- Legal Arabic translations of non-Arabic documents
- Power of attorney if someone files for you
Common mistakes
- Going straight to court. A claim within the CASD's jurisdiction cannot be registered with the courts first.
- Choosing the DIFC without a DIFC link. The SCT hears only claims within DIFC jurisdiction.
- Claiming a vague amount. Put a clear figure and show how you calculated it.
- Skipping translations. Untranslated documents can delay the file.
- Relying on old articles online. The CASD's jurisdiction was reset by a 2025 resolution; check the current rules.
- Signing a settlement you do not understand. An approved settlement ends the dispute and can be enforced.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to register a dispute, but advice helps if the amount is near a threshold, the other party disputes liability, a contract names another court, or the other party is abroad. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit in Dubai?
For Dubai Courts, claims up to AED 500,000 go first to the CASD, and the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal hears DIFC claims up to AED 500,000, or up to AED 1 million by written agreement.
Do I have to try settlement before suing in Dubai Courts?
Yes, for disputes within the CASD's jurisdiction, because a claim cannot be registered with the courts until it has gone to the CASD or an authorised entity first.
How much does it cost to file at the CASD?
AED 250 to register, refunded if a settlement is approved; if settlement fails, Dubai Courts lists a further 6% of the dispute value, minimum AED 500 and maximum AED 20,000.
Can I use the CASD against my bank?
No, substantive disputes where one party is a financial institution under the Central Bank law are excluded; see our Sanadak complaint guide.
Do I need a lawyer at the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal?
Parties must attend the consultation in person and may be represented by a lawyer only with the SCT judge's permission.
Is a CASD settlement binding?
Yes, once the judge approves it and adds the execution formula, it has the force of an execution writ and ends the dispute.
Which language is used?
Dubai Courts works in Arabic, so documents need legal translation; the DIFC Courts' official language is English.
Official sources
- Dubai Legislation Portal — Resolution No. 4 of 2025 on disputes within the CASD's jurisdiction (PDF)
- Dubai Legislation Portal — Law No. 18 of 2021 Regulating Conciliation in the Emirate of Dubai
- Dubai Courts — Settlement of Civil Disputes
- DIFC Courts — Small Claims Tribunal
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — Small Claims Court (PDF)
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.