The vagaries of the UAE Legal system mean that process service of English legal documents is expensive and cost-prohibitive. Consequently, it is often cheaper, and quicker, if the documents are sourced in a UK court, for one of our process servers to travel from England to effect service
Some Notes on Service in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE:
Private process servers may serve documents in most countries, whether a signer of The Hague Service Convention, or not. Service is normally handled in a manner similar to methods used in the United Kingdom, although completion of the service usually takes longer. Customs and traditions in the United Arab Emirates tend to lead to a slower pace and less rigid work habits. Service sometimes may take several months but informal service is generally much faster than formal methods. Further, service in United Arab Emirates (including the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi) has been complicated in the recent period due to tensions in the Arab world. We do all that is possible to insure a timely completion of the service The 15 November 1965 Hague Convention on Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters sets several options for service of process; The United Arab Emirates is not a signer of The Hague Service Convention. There is no formal method of service in the United Arab Emirates as the United Arab Emirates is not currently accepting Letters Rogatory
Most countries require the documents to be translated into the official language of the nation where they are to be served. The UK Courts recommend translation, but it is not a requirement unless the formal method is used. It is possible, although rare, that a demurer could be filed based upon lack of understanding by the defendant as to the nature and meaning of un-translated documents. It is important that the Defendant understand the nature of the documentsS ervice through Central Authority. The Hague Convention's public channel is time-consuming, since it is processed through the Government's Administration. No option for expedited service exists
The cultural sensitivity of conducting business in the Middle East often means that local investigation is unreliable; consequently we are contracted by organisations based in the region to conduct investigation both locally and in Europe, for computer forensic investigation where the content would potentially cause embarrassment to employers under local law.
Of the 25 million people living in Saudi Arabia over 5 million are non-Nationals, many of them from the UK. We vet prospective employees for Saudi organisations, especially where the individual is likely to be working in a position of responsibility. Saudi companies have manifold interests in the UK and we conduct investigation in Britain and Europe on their behalf
Many Kuwaiti parents opt to have their children educated in England, particularly at Higher Education levels. The differences in culture can sometimes lead to doubts about their wellbeing and social activity - a matter which we have sensitively and discreetly investigated, using some of our younger personnel
Investigation in the states that form the UAE - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Kaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain - requires experience in the regions and local knowledge as to how business is conducted and how the local environment functions. Similar expertise is employed investigating client needs in the UK
Extensive experience of physically and legally working in Dubai and undetaking investigation for business and personal matters in the UK and Europe on behalf of Emirati Nationals The cultural sensitivity of conducting business in Dubai often means that local investigation is unreliable; talk to us for reliable and professional advice