Jurisdiction and enforcement of foreign judgments

We advise on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in the UAE and wider Middle East, guiding clients through jurisdictional challenges and procedural requirements for cross-border legal decisions.

Practice Overview

When disputes are resolved in one jurisdiction but assets or parties are located in another, the enforcement of foreign judgments becomes a critical legal step. At Kayrouz & Associates, we support clients in securing recognition and enforcement of international court rulings and arbitral awards in the UAE and across the Middle East.

Our team assesses the enforceability of foreign decisions under UAE civil procedure law, applicable treaties such as the Riyadh and GCC Conventions, and bilateral agreements. We identify potential conflicts with local public policy and guide clients through formal procedures before UAE courts or relevant enforcement authorities.

We also assist clients facing foreign enforcement attempts in the UAE, preparing jurisdictional defences or contesting recognition where appropriate. Whether you are seeking to recover assets, enforce a commercial debt, or challenge a cross-border award, our lawyers deliver pragmatic strategies rooted in local expertise and international awareness.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Assessment of enforceability of foreign court rulings and arbitral awards
  • Filing recognition and enforcement applications in UAE courts
  • Advising on the application of international treaties and bilateral conventions
  • Drafting legal defences against enforcement of foreign judgments
  • Coordination with foreign counsel to streamline cross-border proceedings
  • Assistance with asset tracing and injunctive relief in the UAE
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.
    Pierre Kayrouz
    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva
    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma
    Head Litigator
    Hanan Ahmed
    Practicing Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar
    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Arka Navle
    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen
    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Mark Engelman
    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Rita Semaan
    Legal Consultant
    Carlos Rahme
    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb
    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Geagea
    Legal Consultant
    Saeed Gaber
    Legal Research Analyst
    Muhammed Ali Charif
    Junior Legal Counsel
    Jenifer Abu Nasr
    Paralegal
    Patricia Abi Mansour
    Business Development Manager
    Varalakshmi Balasubramanian
    Operations Assistant
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