Reconstruct the obligation to pay

Put the agreement, purchase order, approved scope, delivery records, and acceptance evidence in date order. Identify the customer’s correct legal entity and the event that triggered payment. A quotation or invoice alone may leave important questions unanswered. Explain changes to the work, disputed items, and any promise made by someone whose authority to act for the customer is unclear.

Calculate a balance someone else can follow

Match every invoice to receipts, credit notes, partial payments, and agreed adjustments. Separate the principal balance from any proposed interest, charges, or costs and ask whether those additions have a contractual or legal basis. Keep an account statement showing the calculation. If several projects or group companies are involved, avoid combining their balances in a way that obscures who owes each amount.

Make a documented request for resolution

Send a clear request identifying the contract, invoices, balance, and the response you seek. Retain proof of delivery and the complete reply. If the customer disputes performance, record the precise issue and the supporting documents rather than treating all non-payment as the same problem. Ask counsel whether a particular form of demand or preliminary step is required before a chosen proceeding.

Check the forum and procedural route

Review the governing-law and dispute-resolution clauses alongside the parties’ locations and the nature of the claim. Ordinary proceedings, an eligible expedited debt process, arbitration, or settlement may involve different conditions. Do not assume an invoice automatically qualifies for a payment order. Dubai Courts’ civil-claims guidance also highlights document and translation requirements; the correct route needs its own current checklist.

Assess recovery as well as obtaining a decision

Discuss the likely cost, available evidence, debtor identity, and practical enforcement position before committing to proceedings. A favourable decision does not guarantee prompt payment. If instalments or a settlement are proposed, document the amount, dates, authority to agree, and effect of default. Obtain advice before releasing security, withdrawing a case, or signing terms that may compromise more than the identified invoices.

Bring the details together

Before your next step.

  • Agreement, scope changes, delivery, and acceptance evidence.
  • A reconciled invoice schedule with payments and credits.
  • Demand correspondence and the customer’s stated objections.
  • Advice on jurisdiction, procedural conditions, and recovery options.

Reference points: Dubai Courts, civil-claims services; DIFC Courts, jurisdiction guidance. The availability of a debt procedure depends on its legal conditions and the evidence. Reviewed September 30, 2026.