Disputes & recovery
Debt Recovery
Unpaid invoices are a legal problem before they are a finance problem. We run recovery as a staged process with a decision point at each stage, so you always know the cost of the next step and the realistic prospect of getting paid.
Markets: UAE · Saudi Arabia · Egypt · Cyprus · Delivered through LexTrack
Most commercial debts in the Gulf settle before a claim is filed, provided the demand is credible. A demand letter from counsel that cites the contract, the governing law and the specific remedy available changes the counterparty’s calculation. Where it does not, we move to the fastest available route: payment order procedures for undisputed debts, DIFC or ADGM Courts where the contract allows, onshore civil claims where it does not, and, where the debtor holds assets abroad, coordinated action through our network firms.
We also advise on the front end. Credit terms, guarantees, retention of title and dispute clauses drafted with recovery in mind are the cheapest recovery tool a business has. Clients on a LexFend or LexTend retainer get their standard terms reviewed for exactly this.
What we do
- Pre-action assessment: enforceability, debtor solvency, asset position and a recommended route within days
- Demand letters and structured settlement negotiations
- Payment order applications for undisputed commercial debts
- Civil claims before onshore courts, DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts
- Bounced-cheque and security-cheque strategy under current UAE law
- Enforcement: attachment of assets, travel bans where available, cross-border recognition through network firms
- Portfolio recovery programmes for businesses with recurring receivables
Questions clients ask
Straight answers first.
How long does commercial debt recovery take in the UAE?
An undisputed debt pursued by payment order can be resolved in a few months. A contested civil claim through first instance and appeal typically takes longer, and enforcement adds time where the debtor resists. We give a realistic timeline at the assessment stage rather than a best case.
Is it worth pursuing a debt if the debtor is outside the UAE?
Often, yes. Judgments from the DIFC and ADGM Courts and, increasingly, onshore UAE courts are recognised in several jurisdictions, and our network firms in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the United States act locally. The assessment stage tells you whether the cost is justified before you commit.
Also in Disputes & recovery
Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Commercial arbitration and litigation strategy under DIAC, ADGM, DIFC-LCIA successor, SCCA, CRCICA and ICC rules, managed end to end.
DetailLitigation & Investigations
Commercial litigation, regulatory investigations and internal inquiries handled with discretion and a clear view of the commercial outcome.
DetailTalk to counsel.
Tell us the decision you need to make. We will reduce it to the points that matter and give you a recommendation on each.