Best Maritime Lawyers In Dubai
Resolve Disputes Fast.
Facing a shipping or maritime dispute? Our maritime lawyer Dubai team, backed by deep UAE maritime law expertise, handles vessel arrests, cargo claims, and charter disputes. Trusted shipping lawyers in Dubai. Contact us today for a private consultation.
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20+ Years Handling Maritime Cases in Dubai
- Practice Areas
The Maritime Cases Our Dubai Advocates Handle
We handle all types of shipping and maritime matters in Dubai courts, DIAC arbitration and the DIFC Courts. Every case goes to a named maritime lawyer from day one.
Ship Arrest in Dubai
Applying for vessel arrest in UAE ports to secure unpaid debts and cargo claims. We also defend shipowners against wrongful arrest applications.
UAE Specific
A vessel may, subject to the requirements of UAE Maritime Law, be provisionally arrested in the UAE as security for a qualifying maritime debt, including where the underlying dispute is subject to foreign arbitration.
Cargo Claims and Damage Disputes
Representing cargo owners, insurers and shipping lines when goods arrive damaged, late or not at all. We handle the full claim from survey to settlement.
UAE Specific
You have one year to file a cargo claim in the UAE. Miss that date and your claim is lost.
Charter Party Disputes
Handling disputes between shipowners and charterers over freight, off-hire, demurrage, early redelivery and charter party terms.
UAE Specific
The law and jurisdiction applicable to a charter-party dispute depend on the terms of the charter party, applicable conflict-of-law and jurisdiction rules, and any valid dispute-resolution agreement.
Bill of Lading Disputes
Advising shippers, consignees and freight forwarders on bill of lading problems including misdelivery, fraud and conflicting contract terms.
UAE Specific
Delivery of cargo without presentation of the required bill of lading may expose the carrier to liability, subject to the circumstances of the delivery, the applicable contractual terms and UAE Maritime Law.
Demurrage and Laytime Claims
Calculating and claiming demurrage for shipowners and defending charterers against inflated demurrage demands at UAE ports including Jebel Ali.
UAE Specific
Compliance with the applicable notice-of-readiness and laytime requirements can materially affect the validity and calculation of a demurrage claim.
Crew Claims and Seafarer Rights
Representing seafarers with unpaid wages, injuries or wrongful dismissal and advising shipowners on crew compliance under UAE maritime law.
UAE Specific
Unpaid crew wages can lead to vessel detention in UAE ports. Act fast to protect your ship.
Collision and Marine Accidents
Handling liability claims after vessel collisions, groundings and accidents in UAE waters including damage assessment and insurance claims.
UAE Specific
The court may appoint marine or technical experts to provide expert findings in collision disputes. The court determines the dispute after considering the evidence and expert findings in accordance with applicable law.
Vessel Sale and Purchase Disputes
Advising buyers and sellers in disputes over ship sale contracts including title problems, condition disputes and deposit recovery.
UAE Specific
Under the new UAE Maritime Law 2024, vessel sale disputes are now listed maritime debts. You can arrest a ship to secure this type of claim.
- For Expats & Internationals
If You Are a Foreign Company Dealing with a Maritime Matter in Dubai
Many maritime disputes in Dubai involve foreign companies. Here is what you need to know about UAE maritime law before you take any action.
You can arrest a ship in Dubai even if your contract says disputes go to a foreign court or foreign arbitration. UAE law allows it.
UAE Maritime Law changed in March 2024. If your last legal advice on this was before 2024, you need an update.
Claims arising from maritime carriage of goods are generally subject to a one-year limitation period. The application and interruption of that period must be assessed under UAE Maritime Law and the circumstances of the claim.
Dubai courts may appoint marine or technical experts to assist with specialist issues. The court remains responsible for determining the dispute. How your lawyer prepares and challenges those experts often decides the outcome.
All court filings in Dubai are in Arabic. We handle everything in Arabic on your behalf. You deal with us in your language.
- Your Situation
Are You Dealing with One of These?
Maritime problems do not wait. A ship gets arrested. Cargo arrives damaged. A charterer stops paying. If any of these sounds like your situation right now, we can help.
- Know Your Rights
How Maritime Law Works in Dubai
Maritime law in the UAE is its own area. It is different from regular commercial law. Here is a simple explanation of how it works.
Dubai Maritime Law
The UAE Maritime System
UAE maritime law is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023. This came into force in March 2024. It covers ship registration, cargo claims, ship arrest, charter parties, crew rights, collisions, salvage and more. Dubai courts handle maritime cases through specialist commercial chambers.
Proceedings before the Dubai Courts are conducted in Arabic. Our maritime lawyers advise and represent clients in maritime disputes before the competent courts and dispute-resolution forums.
Dubai Maritime Law
Where Maritime Disputes Are Resolved
Where the statutory requirements are satisfied, an application for provisional vessel arrest may be made before the competent UAE court as a precautionary measure, including in support of an underlying dispute subject to another competent forum. For international maritime disputes, arbitration may be appropriate where a valid arbitration agreement applies, depending on the contract, dispute and remedies required. We advise you on which route is right for your case.
Not sure what stage your case is at or what your rights are? Call us now. We will tell you exactly where you stand in plain language, no legal jargon
- Client Outcomes
What Our Clients Say | Real Cases, Real Outcomes
Maritime disputes can involve a lot of money and very tight timeframes. Here is what clients say about working with our maritime lawyers in Dubai.
- Our Team
The Maritime Lawyers Who Will Handle Your Case
Maritime law is a specialist area. It takes a lawyer who understands ships, cargo, charter parties and UAE law all at once. At Leaders Advocates, every maritime case goes to a named lawyer with real experience in shipping and maritime law.
Faris Raian
Founder Partner
Faris Raian has represented clients across Dubai courts for over 20 years, establishing our firm as a top maritime law firm Dubai. As a leading maritime lawyer in Dubai, he has successfully handled hundreds of vessel arrest, cargo, and charter party disputes. Fully fluent in Arabic, he appears regularly before the competent Dubai courts in maritime and shipping disputes.
“Maritime cases demand immediate, decisive action. I understand the commercial weight a shipping dispute carries, and I fight to protect your interests.”
Ekaterina Butseva
Founder Partner
Ekaterina Butseva is a highly sought-after maritime law expert in Dubai, specializing in defense strategies for international shipping clients and expatriates. Within our experienced maritime law firm, she handles complex cross-border cargo claims, charter disputes, and cases requiring deep knowledge of both UAE maritime law and international shipping conventions.
“Every maritime case is unique, especially for shipping clients navigating the UAE system. I take the time to build a strategy tailored precisely to your situation.”
Majed Al Sheikh
Senior Lawyer
Dr. Majid Mohammed Al-Sheikh Al-Khazraji holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Law and Islamic Sharia from Al-Azhar University, Cairo. He served as President of the State Audit Institution in the UAE for 38 years and has been registered as a lawyer with the Ministry of Justice since 1980.
“I make sure no client feels lost in the process. Every question gets a clear, honest answer.”
- How It Works
What Happens After You Contact Our Maritime Law Team
- FAQs
Questions Our Maritime Law Team Gets Asked Every Day
These are real questions from shipowners, cargo owners, freight forwarders and charterers dealing with maritime problems in Dubai.
Can I arrest a ship in Dubai if my contract says disputes go to London arbitration?
Yes. You can apply to arrest a vessel in Dubai waters to secure your claim even if your contract says foreign arbitration. The arrest is a security measure. It forces the shipowner to put up a guarantee. The main dispute can still go to London or wherever your contract says.
My cargo arrived at Dubai port completely damaged. What can I do?
You can file a cargo claim against the carrier. Act fast because Claims arising from maritime carriage of goods are generally subject to a one-year limitation period from delivery or the date on which delivery should have occurred, subject to the applicable UAE Maritime Law.
How do I get a ship released from arrest in Dubai?
A vessel may be released from provisional arrest in accordance with the procedures and conditions prescribed by UAE Maritime Law, including where sufficient security or guarantee is provided and accepted as required. We represent both sides in arrest cases.
The shipping line says my cargo claim is time barred. Is that true?
Possibly. UAE law gives you one year from delivery to file a cargo claim. If you missed that window your claim may be gone. But the exact start date is sometimes disputed. Contact us right away. There may still be options depending on the facts.
What is demurrage and can I claim it in Dubai?
Demurrage is what a charterer pays when a vessel is kept at port longer than the agreed time. Yes, you can claim demurrage in Dubai through the courts or through arbitration. The notice of readiness and the laytime calculation are usually the two things that get disputed. We handle both sides of demurrage cases.
A seafarer is claiming unpaid wages against my vessel in Dubai. What do I do?
Take it seriously. Unpaid wage claims can lead to vessel arrest in UAE ports. Contact us right away. We advise shipowners on how to respond, whether to settle, and how to protect the vessel while the claim is dealt with. Acting fast reduces your risk.
My vessel was in a collision in UAE waters. What are my legal options?
Report the incident to the UAE port authority immediately. Then get legal advice before you speak to anyone else. The court may appoint marine or technical experts to assess specialist matters relevant to the collision, while liability is ultimately determined by the competent court. We represent both sides in collision cases and make sure your position is protected from day one.
Need a Maritime Lawyer in Dubai? We Are Ready to Help
Whether you need to arrest a ship, claim for cargo damage, resolve a charter party dispute or deal with a crew matter, our maritime lawyers in Dubai are ready. Maritime problems do not wait and neither do we. Your first consultation is free.