In a move aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency and regulating litigation procedures, Administrative Decision No. (90) of 2020 concerning repetitive lawsuits between the same parties has been issued, introducing specific rules governing the registration of repeated claims and the applicable service fees.

The decision seeks to reduce the filing of identical disputes before the courts, prevent unnecessary duplication of proceedings, and ensure that judicial resources are directed toward cases involving genuine new issues or different legal grounds.

When Is a Lawsuit Considered Repetitive?

The decision applies to lawsuits that meet the following criteria:

• The claim is filed between the same parties to a previous dispute.
• The claim is based on the same cause of action or legal grounds as a previous lawsuit.

Accordingly, re-filing the same dispute between the same litigants, without a new legal basis or substantial change in circumstances, will be subject to the procedures and fees established under the decision.

Important Exception for Alimony Cases

The decision excludes claims for increasing or decreasing alimony provided under Article (97) of the applicable Personal Status Law, provided that the new claim is filed after one year has elapsed from the date the alimony judgment became final.

This exception reflects the special nature of alimony cases, where financial circumstances and living conditions may change over time, allowing for a possible review of the awarded amount under legally recognized conditions.

Fixed Service Fee for Re-Filing a Repetitive Claim

The decision establishes a fixed service fee of AED 2,000 when a new lawsuit registration request is submitted and:

• It is filed by the same claimant.
• Against the same defendant.
• Relates to the same cause of action or legal basis as a previous lawsuit.

This measure aims to discourage repeated litigation of matters that have already been addressed or that do not present any new substantive grounds.

Progressive Fees for Further Repetitive Lawsuits

The decision further provides for a progressive fee system, whereby the service fee shall be doubled each time a new repetitive lawsuit is approved for registration by the same claimant or against the same defendant.

However, the decision establishes a maximum limit, ensuring that the service fee payable for any new lawsuit shall not exceed AED 10,000 under any circumstances.

A Regulatory Step Toward More Efficient Litigation

This decision represents an important regulatory measure aimed at maintaining the balance between the right to access justice and the need to prevent the misuse of judicial procedures through repeated claims without new grounds.

It also provides clearer guidance for legal practitioners and litigants when assessing whether a new claim should be filed, emphasizing the importance of establishing a genuine legal basis before initiating further proceedings.