Under Federal Decree-Law No. (42) of 2022

Under Federal Decree-Law No. (42) of 2022 promulgating the Civil Procedure Law, amended by the Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025 enforcement of judgments and other executory instruments takes place under the supervision of the Execution Judge, who also decides disputes arising during enforcement on an expedited basis. For judgment creditors, the execution stage is where paper victory becomes actual recovery. For debtors, it is the last opportunity to raise genuine objections. However, the Law draws a clear line between objecting to enforcement and stopping it: raising an execution dispute does not, in the ordinary case, suspend execution. Understanding the types of disputes, the deadlines, the security required and the limited route to a stay is therefore essential for creditors and debtors alike.
 

Execution disputes in the UAE: Why an objection does not automatically suspend enforcement

Under Federal Decree-Law No. (42) of 2022 Promulgating the Civil Procedure Law, amended by the Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025, a court judgment is only the beginning of the recovery process. In commercial and banking disputes, where the outcome often depends on how quickly assets can be attached, the way the Execution Judge handles objections can decide whether a creditor recovers or a debtor gains time. The Law is deliberate about one point: the execution court enforces the writ, it does not retry the merits. Understanding how the process is structured, and where its deadlines and costs sit, is essential for anyone litigating in the UAE.
 

The execution judge and the starting point

Execution is carried out under the supervision of the Execution Judge, who has sole competence to enforce writs of execution and to decide execution disputes summarily, save for real property lawsuits (Articles 206 and 207). Enforcement ordinarily begins with service of the writ on the debtor, who is required to satisfy the demands within seven days (Article 233). The execution court does not re-examine the merits of the underlying judgment, so objections must relate to the enforcement itself, such as payment, set-off, identity of the debtor, defective service or attachment of protected assets.
 

Two types of execution disputes: Procedural and substantive objections

The Law distinguishes between procedural (interim) and substantive execution disputes. Where an objection concerns an interim enforcement procedure, it is referred to the Execution Judge, and the bailiff may not complete the procedure concerned until the judge decides (Article 239). Where the judge finds that the objection is in fact a substantive execution dispute, the objector is directed to register it as a separate claim within seven days of that determination. In the meantime, execution continues unless the court hearing the dispute orders a stay.
 

Security requirements and the costs of filing an objection

The Law also discourages tactical objections. A security of AED 5,000 must be deposited when registering an interim execution dispute, except in personal status cases. It is refunded if the objection succeeds and forfeited if it fails (Article 241). For creditors, this is a useful deterrent. For debtors, it is a reminder to object only on solid grounds.
 

The effect of execution disputes on enforcement

The general rule is that an objection does not suspend enforcement. A narrow exception applies to procedural objections raised in real property proceedings, where execution is stayed unless the court orders otherwise (Article 239(4)). Subsequent objections, and objections raised after a substantive dispute has been registered, do not automatically suspend execution unless the Execution Judge orders otherwise or the law provides for suspension. In practice, a debtor who wants enforcement paused must ask for it expressly and be ready to justify it.
 

Alternative remedies available to judgment debtors

A stay can also be sought where a judgment is under appeal or grievance. The court may order a stay if substantial harm is feared, and it may require security to protect the creditor's right (Article 221). A debtor may also request time to pay or payment by instalments, and decisions on such requests are open to challenge under the procedure in Article 209. Finally, creditors should keep the execution file active, since a writ may not be enforced once 15 years have passed from the last execution step or from its issue (Article 212).
 

Conclusion

The Civil Procedure Law strikes a deliberate balance: debtors keep a genuine route to challenge irregular enforcement, but creditors are protected against delay by short deadlines, security requirements and the rule that objections do not automatically stop execution. For practitioners, the practical risk lies in missing the registration deadline for a substantive dispute, or assuming that an objection alone freezes enforcement. Choosing the right route early, and supporting any stay request with evidence, is in most cases the most effective way to protect a client's position.

Note: This Legal Update / Newsletter is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is based on laws and legal interpretations in effect as of the date of publication. Laws and regulations may change over time, and their application can vary depending on individual circumstances. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek specific legal counsel before acting on any of the information provided herein.