DIFC Courts Record Growth With 480 Cases Worth AED 1.02 Billion In First Half Of 2024

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have reported their figures for the first half of 2024, showing a rise in case numbers. The total value of cases across all divisions reached AED1.05 billion, with 480 cases filed. In the Court of First Instance (CFI), 57 cases were filed, totalling AED1.02 billion, with an average case value of AED39.3 million.

There has been increased use of additional services like the tejouri digital vault service, driven by Dubai Government’s paperless mandate. Launched in 2022, tejouri saw over a 20 percent rise in registered digital vaults in early 2024. This platform offers secure storage for life admin documentation using advanced cryptography and biometric information.

Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, stated, "Following a record year for the DIFC Courts in 2023, we have continued to record strong uptake of core and ancillary services of the DIFC Courts for the first six (6) months of 2024. We have also committed to further research and development of new innovative, efficient and cost-effective mechanisms in 2024 to assist our court users, whilst also maintaining core judicial excellence through our case management and skilled bench of judges."

The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) maintained robust operational capacity with 265 claims filed worth AED27.2 million in total during the first half of 2024. The average claim value at SCT was AED109,000. These claims mainly involved disputes over breach of contract, employment issues, and property and tenancy matters.

The UAE's top ten position in global competitiveness rankings highlights its effective dispute resolution mechanisms. This ranking underscores the UAE's dynamic economy and effective legal frameworks that support various economic sectors.

Digital Transformation Initiatives

DIFC Courts have embraced a digital strategy issuing all Orders and Judgments digitally in early 2024. They issued over 913 Orders and 85 Judgments during this period. Remote hearings were conducted for 96 percent of CFI cases, while SCT had 100 percent remote hearings.

In February 2024, Moro Hub awarded the Green Certificate to DIFC Courts for their commitment to sustainability through Moro Hub's Green Cloud adopted in 2023. This initiative supports energy-efficient solutions for private and public enterprises.

Wills Service Expansion

The Wills Service registered 810 Wills in the first half of 2024, marking a six percent increase from the same period in 2023. Established through a partnership between DIFC Courts and Dubai Government in 2015, this service allows non-Muslims to register Wills to manage their assets and appoint guardians for their children.

In April 2024, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Decree No. (29) on ‘Judicial Authority for Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts between DIFC Courts and Judicial Authorities in Dubai’. This decree applies to various judicial bodies including DIFC Courts and aims to provide clarity on jurisdictional conflicts.

International Cooperation

In May 2024, DIFC Courts signed a cooperation agreement with The Law Society of Hong Kong during a visit by Hong Kong officials including Mr Paul Lam SC. This memorandum aims to foster investor confidence and enhance access to justice between two leading financial centres.

The DIFC Courts’ commitment to innovation continues as they celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2024. Their efforts ensure businesses operate smoothly within a stable environment supporting both federal and local strategic goals.

With inputs from WAM