UAE Legal Dictionary.

01
High caution
Breach of trust.
A criminal or civil concern that may arise where money, property, documents or authority were entrusted to someone and are later allegedly misused, retained, diverted or dealt with contrary to that trust.
When it matters
Often relevant where a manager, employee, partner, agent, contractor or trusted person had access to funds, accounts, cheques, goods, documents or company authority.
Documents usually needed
• Proof of the relationship or authority
• Payment records
• Bank statements or transfer records
• Communications and admissions
• Company records or approvals
• Timeline of entrustment and misuse
02
High caution
Fraud.
A concern involving alleged deception, false representation, concealment or dishonest conduct that causes loss, payment, transfer, reliance or commercial exposure.
When it matters
Often relevant where a person was induced to pay, transfer, sign, deliver goods, release documents or act based on information later said to be false.
Documents usually needed
• Representations made
• Proof of reliance
• Payment or transfer evidence
• Agreements or invoices
• Messages and emails
• Identity and party records
03
Travel ban.
A restriction preventing a person from leaving the UAE while a civil or criminal matter is unresolved.
When it matters
When financial liabilities or open complaints may give rise to a movement restriction.
Documents usually needed
• Identity documents
• Records of the underlying claim or complaint
• Settlement or release correspondence
• Court or police reference numbers if known
04
Freezing order.
A court order that restricts the disposal or movement of assets pending the outcome of a matter.
When it matters
When assets may be moved, hidden or dissipated before a claim is resolved.
Documents usually needed
• Evidence of ownership or interest in the assets
• Evidence of risk of dissipation
• Underlying claim documentation
• Identification of the assets and their location
05
WFO.
A Worldwide Freezing Order — a freezing order extending beyond a single jurisdiction.
When it matters
When assets relevant to a UAE matter may be held in multiple jurisdictions.
Documents usually needed
• Asset trace information
• Documentation linking assets to the matter
• Cross-jurisdictional evidence
• Underlying claim materials
06
Bounced cheque.
A cheque that has been dishonoured on presentation, often due to insufficient funds.
When it matters
When a cheque issued as payment is returned unpaid and recovery is required.
Documents usually needed
• Original cheque
• Bank dishonour memo
• Underlying contract or invoice
• Correspondence around the cheque issuance
• Demand records
07
Legal notice.
A formal written notification setting out a position, demand, or required action to a party.
When it matters
As a structured first step before any escalation in a UAE commercial or recovery matter.
Documents usually needed
• Contract or basis for the claim
• Records of breach or non-performance
• Prior correspondence
• Identity and address details of the recipient
08
Civil claim.
A claim filed before a UAE civil court seeking remedies such as payment, damages or specific performance.
When it matters
When negotiation and settlement attempts have not resolved a commercial dispute.
Documents usually needed
• Contract or claim basis
• Schedule of amounts or losses
• Correspondence trail
• Evidence supporting the claim
09
Criminal complaint.
A complaint filed with UAE authorities alleging conduct of a criminal nature.
When it matters
Where matters such as fraud, breach of trust or cheque dishonour may carry criminal exposure.
Documents usually needed
• Identity records
• Evidence of the alleged conduct
• Documents supporting loss or harm
• Witness or supporting statements
10
High caution
Asset preservation.
Steps taken to protect recovery prospects, evidence or assets before they disappear, move or become harder to enforce against.
When it matters
Relevant where there is urgency, asset movement, dissipation risk, multiple jurisdictions, or a concern that recovery will be frustrated.
Documents usually needed
• Evidence of claim or debt
• Asset information
• Urgency evidence
• Party and jurisdiction details
• Prior correspondence or admissions
11
DIFC Courts.
An independent common-law court system operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre.
When it matters
When parties or contracts have an opt-in or jurisdictional connection to the DIFC framework.
Documents usually needed
• Contract identifying jurisdiction
• Correspondence supporting the matter
• Evidence relevant to the claim
• Identity and entity documents
12
ADGM Courts.
An independent common-law court system operating within Abu Dhabi Global Market.
When it matters
When parties or contracts have an opt-in or jurisdictional connection to the ADGM framework.
Documents usually needed
• Contract identifying jurisdiction
• Supporting commercial correspondence
• Claim materials
• Entity records
13
Medium caution
Execution proceedings.
Steps taken after a judgment, settlement or enforceable order to pursue recovery or compliance through the appropriate court or forum.
When it matters
Relevant when a party has an enforceable outcome but payment, asset recovery or compliance has not happened.
Documents usually needed
• Judgment or enforceable instrument
• Execution file documents
• Payment history
• Asset information
• Correspondence and settlement records

These definitions are general references. They are not legal advice and do not replace a confidential review of your matter. Terms marked “high caution” require careful legal classification before any formal step is taken.