Answer: Yes, it can.
According to Article 20 of Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 on Civil Procedure, UAE courts have international jurisdiction over a claim against a foreign defendant if:
- the dispute involves funds located within the UAE; or
- the obligation was concluded, performed, or was to be performed in the UAE.
If the money was transferred through a UAE-registered money transfer system, a claim may be filed in a UAE court even if the recipient is located abroad.
Relevant case law:
Case No. 1353 of 2024 / Federal Supreme Court / Civil.