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Ajman Courts in UAE: Types of Cases, Location, Timings & More

Ajman Court plays a key role in resolving disputes for residents, workers, and businesses. As part of the UAE’s federal judicial system, the courts handle a wide range of cases, including civil and labour disputes, as well as criminal, administrative, and family matters.

Whether you’re filing a case, checking timings, or trying to understand which court handles what, this guide walks you through the essentials clearly and easily.

man writing and reviewing legal documents

Types of courts and case categories

Ajman follows the UAE’s three-tier federal structure, providing parties with several levels of judicial review and ensuring a fair and transparent legal process.

Three-tier court system

The Court of First Instance is where most cases in Ajman are initially heard. Judges review the facts, examine documents, and hear witness statements before issuing the initial ruling.

It covers disputes related to:

  • Civil cases (contracts, debts, financial claims)
  • Commercial and real estate disputes
  • Labour complaints
  • Administrative challenges
  • Criminal offences
  • Personal status and family law cases

Because it delivers the first judgment, it becomes the basis for any appeal.

Court of Appeal

If a party believes the ruling was incorrect, the case is then transferred to the Court of Appeal. Judges review whether the law was correctly applied, whether procedures were followed and whether the evidence was assessed fairly. They may: 

  • Confirm the original judgment
  • Amend it
  • Or overturn it entirely

This ensures fairness and a second level of legal review.

Federal Supreme Court

Ajman does not have its own Court of Cassation; the highest stage of appeal is the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. It examines complex legal issues, federal law disputes and cases requiring a final, binding decision.

Its rulings are definitive and cannot be appealed further.

Judicial circuit specialisations

Each category of dispute is handled by a specialised circuit within the courts.

a man discussing a contract with a lawyer

Civil cases

The civil circuit handles disputes between individuals or companies that do not involve allegations of criminal wrongdoing. These cases typically include rights, contracts, or financial obligations.

This includes:

  • Disputes over contracts
  • Outstanding payments or unpaid debts
  • Compensation claims
  • Property-related financial disagreements
  • Family financial disputes

Personal status for Muslims is handled under Sharia principles, while non-Muslims may choose:

  • Their home-country laws, or
  • UAE civil laws

This flexibility helps ensure fairness for all nationalities living in Ajman.

Criminal cases

The criminal circuit deals with actions that violate UAE criminal law. These are offences prosecuted by the state and can range from minor violations to major crimes.
Examples include:

  • Theft and burglary
  • Fraud, forgery, and breach of trust
  • Assault and physical harm
  • Cybercrime
  • Vandalism or property damage

Penalties vary depending on the severity of the offence and may include fines, rehabilitation measures, or imprisonment.

Labour disputes

The labour circuit handles conflicts between employers and employees, particularly when MoHRE mediation has not resolved the issue.
Common cases include:

  • Unpaid salaries or delayed wages
  • End-of-service benefit disputes
  • Compensation and workplace injury claims
  • Unfair termination or contract breaches

Important:

Labour disputes usually start at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Only unresolved cases are transferred to the court.

Administrative cases

Administrative cases arise when individuals or businesses challenge decisions issued by government departments. The court examines whether the decision followed UAE legal procedures.
Examples include:

  • Objections to fines or penalties issued by government departments
  • Appeals against permits, licensing, or residency decisions
  • Disputes involving regulatory compliance

These cases help ensure transparency in government decision-making.

Personal status cases

Personal status courts cover all family-related legal matters. Common cases include:

  • Marriage contracts and authentication
  • Divorce and separation
  • Alimony and financial maintenance
  • Child custody and visitation rights
  • Guardianship of minors
  • Inheritance and wills

Muslim personal status cases follow Sharia law, while non-Muslims may apply their own laws or use the UAE’s civil family law.

Judge Swearing Oath in Courtroom

Commercial and real estate cases

This circuit focuses on disputes arising from business dealings or property matters.
Typical cases involve:

  • Business contract breaches
  • Disputes between companies or commercial partners
  • Issues over commercial transactions
  • Tenancy disputes
  • Real estate sale disagreements
  • Service charge and property management disputes

This circuit is critical in Ajman due to the emirate’s growing commercial and real estate activity.

Ajman Court location and contact details

The main Ajman Court complex is easily accessible and situated within one of the emirate’s key administrative zones. Its central position makes it convenient for residents handling legal, government, or documentation-related appointments nearby.

Location

It is located in Al Jerf 2, Ajman.

Contact information

Phone: 06 714 3333

Opening hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Friday: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

These timings apply to case filings, public counters, enquiries, and general court services.

Cases in Ajman are generally registered through licensed lawyers who specialise in the relevant legal category.

  • Filings go through the Court of First Instance
  • All proceedings take place in Arabic
  • Written judgments are issued for each case
  • Digital and in-person services are available
  • Case status updates can be tracked online

Step-by-step litigation procedure

Understanding the court process helps set expectations for timelines and hearing schedules.

Step 1 – Filing the case

Your lawyer submits the claim either online or in person. Court fees are calculated at this stage.

Step 2 – Hearings scheduled

Hearings are typically spaced every 2–3 weeks, depending on complexity and document requirements.

Step 3 – Evidence & testimonies

Both parties present documents, statements, witnesses, and any supporting evidence.

Step 4 – Judgment issued

The judge delivers a written ruling.

Step 5 – Appeal stage

If one party disagrees with the judgment, they may escalate the matter to the Court of Appeal.

Step 6 – Final escalation

For high-level reviews, the case moves to the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi.

Residents can access multiple digital services through the UAE’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ), including:

  • Case status enquiry
  • Hearing schedules
  • Payment of judicial fees
  • Judgment downloads
  • Personal status service updates

Nearby services

Close to the Ajman Court complex, you’ll also find:

  • Public Prosecution
  • Traffic Court
  • Identity and residency services (ICP – Ajman branch)

This makes it convenient to manage related legal and administrative tasks in one area.

Key takeaways

Ajman Courts operate under the UAE’s federal system, handling civil, family, criminal, administrative, commercial and labour disputes through a structured three-tier system. The central court operates from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with shorter hours on Fridays.

Cases move through scheduled hearings and can escalate from the Court of First Instance to the Court of Appeal, and finally to the Federal Supreme Court. Residents can also access digital case services through the Ministry of Justice, as well as nearby government facilities that cater to related legal needs.

FAQs

What types of cases do the Ajman Courts handle?

The types of cases are civil, criminal, labour, family, administrative, commercial and real estate disputes.

Where is the Ajman Court located?

It is located on Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Street, Humaideya 1, Ajman Municipality.

What are the Ajman Court timings?

– Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
– Friday: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
– Closed weekends

How are cases filed and processed?

Cases are filed through lawyers, processed via the Court of First Instance, followed by appeals if necessary.

Does Ajman Court offer online services?

Yes, it offers through the UAE MOJ platform, including case tracking, fee payments and schedule enquiries.

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