Maktoum Bin Mohammed Unveils Dubai Judicial Authority Annual Report For 2024 With Key Performance Insights

The Dubai Judicial Authority's 2024 annual report was launched by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting improvements in judicial operations and service delivery. This report is crucial for shaping future policies to enhance the judicial system further. It consolidates data from all judicial authorities for the third year, reflecting a commitment to transparency and performance evaluation.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum emphasised that strengthening Dubai's judicial system aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai a global model for swift justice. The report showcases strong performance indicators, underscoring the efficiency of the judicial system and supporting efforts to build an advanced system that meets future ambitions.

Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, noted that Dubai's judicial authorities work cohesively under H.H. Sheikh Maktoum's supervision to ensure high standards in judicial work. The annual reports provide transparent insights into performance and serve as tools for development and addressing challenges, supporting directives for robust governance and efficient justice.

The report highlights several achievements, including adopting judicial career paths and launching an online service system for members and the Judicial Inspection Authority. The Judicial Council issued 84 regulatory resolutions and 50 legislative enactments to enhance governance within the sector. Additionally, 39 studies were completed by the General Secretariat, informing several development projects.

In 2024, Dubai Courts published 19,329 rulings, held 21,091 remote hearings, and conducted 9,672 investigations via video conferencing. The Public Prosecution issued 41,457 smart criminal judgments and processed 9,189 smart bail applications. Smart requests completed by Dubai Courts rose significantly to 1,518,620 from 856,472 in 2023.

Judiciary Growth and Training

The judiciary saw a 17% increase in strength, reaching 429 members by the end of 2024 compared to 366 in 2023. This growth aims to expedite case resolution while maintaining accuracy and quality. Members received 978 hours of training benefiting 385 individuals, highlighting a focus on professional development within the authority.

Dubai Courts experienced a notable rise in case settlement values to AED36.2 billion from over AED25 billion last year. A total of 26,530 civil cases were resolved, representing a resolution rate of 97.58%. Public auction revenues increased to AED2.4 billion from approximately AED2 billion in 2023.

Performance Metrics

The accuracy of judgments from courts of first instance improved to 85%. Appellate courts and the Court of Cassation reduced judgment times by 19% and 9%, respectively. Executed requests totalled 1,288,191 with a completion rate of 100%, while enforcement proceedings collected AED9.3 billion.

The Al Khair Courts initiative disbursed AED60.3 million to those in need—a year-over-year increase of 36.5%. The Public Prosecution intervened in non-criminal cases totaling 1,031 in number during this period while handling a total caseload comprising mainly criminal cases at an impressive rate.

In upholding rights indicators, the Public Prosecution achieved a timely execution rate of criminal judgments at 95.7% with an accuracy rate maintained at an impressive level across investigations conducted throughout this period under review.

Inspection Activities

Guided by its strategy for the years ahead till '26', inspection activities increased significantly within this timeframe: reports rose by about eighteen percent compared against figures recorded previously (579) now standing tall at seven hundred eight inspections done thus far! Complaints addressed numbered two hundred fifty regarding operations undertaken therein too!

The Dubai Judicial Council remains committed towards ensuring justice prevails alongside equality & rule-of-law principles being upheld consistently across all levels involved therein contributing positively towards sustainable development goals set forth accordingly!

With inputs from WAM