Winning a case does not by itself put money in your account. If the other side does not pay, you open an execution file with the execution judge of the court that issued the judgment, or where the debtor lives or has assets. Under the Civil Procedure Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022), the debtor first gets 7 days to pay (Article 233); the judge can then order asset searches, attachment, a travel ban and, in limited cases, detention.
Who this guide is for
- People and businesses holding an unpaid judgment, payment order, court-approved settlement or other enforceable document.
- Workers and tenants who won at a labour court or rental committee and are still waiting.
- Debtors who have received an execution notice.
This guide covers the onshore courts. DIFC and ADGM courts have their own enforcement rules, although Dubai Courts can execute DIFC Courts judgments where the debtor or his assets are in Dubai. Returned cheques and payment orders have their own guides: see bounced cheques and payment orders.
What can be enforced?
Forced execution needs an "executive document" (sanad tanfeethi) for a right that is certain, fixed in amount and due (Article 212). These include judgments and orders (including compensation in criminal judgments), notarised documents, court-approved settlements, and other papers a law makes enforceable, such as a returned cheque with the bank's statement.
The document normally needs the court's execution formula on it. If the creditor takes no step for more than a year, the judge may close the file temporarily, and an executive document can no longer be enforced 15 years after the last execution step, or after its issue if never executed (Article 212).
What can the execution judge order?
| Measure | What the Code says |
|---|---|
| Notice to pay | The debtor is served with the executive document and given 7 days to pay (Article 233) |
| Asset search | The judge may order enquiries into the debtor's assets, even before the debtor is served (Article 234) |
| Early attachment | Precautionary attachment before service if there are signs the debtor is hiding assets (Article 234) |
| Salary attachment | Wages and salaries, even after transfer to a bank account, can be attached only up to one quarter of the fixed total wage; maintenance debts take priority (Article 242) |
| Travel ban | Possible during execution, and before service if there are signs the debtor plans to leave (Articles 234 and 324) |
| Detention | For a debtor who refuses to pay and does not prove inability, with strict limits (Articles 319 to 321) |
Some property cannot be attached at all, including the debtor's family home (unless it is mortgaged for a debt arising from its price) and basic household items and food for six months (Article 242).
Detention limits. A debtor who proves he cannot pay is not detained, unless he hid assets or defaulted on court-set instalments (Article 319). Each order lasts up to one month and can be renewed. For a resident debtor who is not a flight risk, detention cannot exceed six consecutive months, and the total across coinciding files cannot exceed 36 months, or 60 months for debts from deliberate financial crimes (Article 319). It cannot be ordered in set cases, including a debtor under 18 or over 70, a debt under AED 10,000 (unless it is a fine, maintenance or wages), or where the debtor offers a bank guarantee, an acceptable guarantor or enough declared assets in the UAE (Article 321). The judge may instead allow up to six months to pay, or instalments over up to three years (Article 320). The 2025 amendment to the Code did not change these articles.
Where to open the execution file
| Court system | Emirates | Official channel |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Courts | Dubai | Dubai Courts e-services, "Execution of Judgments" |
| Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) | Abu Dhabi | ADJD e-services with UAE Pass |
| Sharjah Judicial Department | Sharjah | sjd.ae e-services |
| RAK Courts | Ras Al Khaimah | courts.rak.ae e-services |
| Federal courts (Ministry of Justice) | Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain | MOJ "Registration of Execution File", UAE Pass |
The execution judge where the judgment was issued, or where the debtor lives or has assets, is competent (Article 207). As of September 2026, the MOJ page lists a registration fee of 500. The Dubai Courts "Execution of Judgments" page lists 2% of the amount to be executed, minimum AED 200 and maximum AED 5,000 (AED 1,000 for commercial claims of AED 500,000 or less), with workers' claims up to AED 100,000 exempt. Confirm the current fee before filing. Not sure which court applies? See our guide to the UAE court system.
Step by step
- Get the enforceable copy. Ask the court for the copy with the execution formula.
- Choose the execution court. Use the court that issued the judgment, or where the debtor lives or holds assets.
- Register the execution file online. Sign in with UAE Pass and list the measures you want (Article 233).
- Pay the fee. Check the court's service page.
- Wait for service. The debtor has 7 days from service of the notice to pay.
- Ask for enforcement. If unpaid, request asset enquiries, attachment of bank accounts, salary, vehicles or property, and a travel ban if justified.
- Consider detention carefully. Ask the judge only where the conditions in Articles 319 and 321 are met.
- Keep the file active. A file with no step for a year can be closed temporarily. The legal deadline organiser can help you track dates.
- Collect and close. Once paid, confirm the release of funds and ask the court to lift the measures.
How can decisions be challenged?
Some execution judge decisions, such as a travel ban, instalments, postponement or accepting a guarantee, can be challenged by grievance to the court president within 7 working days, and the grievance decision is final (Article 209). Other decisions, such as refusing or ordering detention, attaching property that cannot be attached, or fixing the amount to be executed, can be appealed to the court of appeal within 10 working days (Article 209). A serious dispute about the execution itself, such as a claim that the debt is already paid, goes to the execution judge as an execution dispute.
Documents checklist
- The judgment, order or other executive document, with the execution formula
- Proof of service of the judgment, if the court asks for it
- Emirates ID or passport; trade licence for a company
- Power of attorney if a lawyer or representative files for you
- Debtor's details: address, phone, email, employer and any known bank, vehicle or property
- IBAN certificate for the account that will receive the money
- Legal Arabic translations of any non-Arabic documents
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the debtor to pay voluntarily. Nothing happens until you open an execution file.
- Filing without the execution formula. Most executive documents need it before enforcement can start.
- Letting the file go quiet. A year without steps can lead to temporary closure.
- Expecting detention by default. The Code sets many conditions and exceptions.
- Missing the 7-working-day grievance window. Late grievances may not be heard.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Consider licensed advice if the debtor has moved assets, left the UAE or holds assets in another emirate or abroad, if a company debtor may be insolvent, or if you want to ask for detention. Debtors should get advice before the grievance or appeal deadline. 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
How long does the debtor have to pay after the execution notice?
The Civil Procedure Code gives 7 days from service of the notice (Article 233), although some court pages mention other periods, so read the notice carefully.
Can the court take money from the debtor's salary?
Yes, but wages and salaries can be attached only up to one quarter of the fixed total wage, with priority for maintenance debts (Article 242).
Can the execution judge freeze bank accounts?
Yes, the judge can order attachment of the debtor's funds, and even precautionary attachment before service where there are signs of hiding assets (Article 234).
Can a debtor be jailed for not paying a judgment?
Only in limited cases: the debtor must refuse to pay without proving inability, and exceptions apply, such as debts under AED 10,000 or debtors over 70 (Articles 319 and 321).
What if the debtor has left the UAE?
The court can still act on assets in the UAE, but enforcing abroad depends on that country's rules, so take legal advice.
Can I enforce a labour or rental judgment the same way?
Yes, they are enforced through an execution file at the court or rental dispute body that decided them; see our guides on unpaid salary and Dubai rental cases.
Official sources
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 issuing the Civil Procedure Code
- UAE Legislation — Civil Procedure Code amendments
- Ministry of Justice — Registration of Execution File
- Dubai Courts — Execution of Judgments
- RAK Courts — Introduction to RAK Courts
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.