Maktoum Bin Mohammed Reviews Dubai Probate Court's First Annual Performance Report And Achievements

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, recently reviewed the first annual performance report of the Dubai Probate Court. This review highlights his ongoing oversight of the court, which was established under Decree No. (25) of 2023.

The report revealed that the Probate Court recorded 1,814 estate files, with 68% completed. It issued 1,287 estate inventory certificates. The appraised estate value exceeded AED342 million. The total value of estate claims and judicial committee cases submitted to the Court surpassed AED32.8 billion. Additionally, 71% of rulings by the First Instance Division were approved.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum stated that establishing the Probate Court aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's strategic vision to boost public trust in Dubai's judicial system. This is achieved by delivering exceptional judicial services and ensuring justice for all.

Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts, remarked: "The Probate Court represents a significant advancement in Dubai's judicial system, providing swift and effective legal solutions for all parties involved in inheritance disputes." He highlighted that the court reflects H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's vision to make Dubai a global model for upholding individual rights and delivering prompt justice.

The court has implemented comprehensive improvements like launching a smart applications system to speed up application processing and enhance service efficiency. A training programme with the Dubai Legal Institute aims to improve skills among judicial and administration teams for efficient probate case handling.

Judge Mohammed Jassim Al Shamsi noted that a dedicated office supports the Probate Court and estate administration by offering technical and consultation assistance to optimise workflow. Other enhancements include a two-tier litigation system allowing appeals on final decisions to improve service quality and expedite case resolution.

Training Initiatives

A special training programme trained 38 experts over 12 hours on inheritance guardians' duties and rights as well as estate liquidation procedures. A special diploma for estate guardians was also offered in collaboration with Dubai Legal Institute, with 25 members joining its first cohort.

Professor Abdullah Saif Al-Sabousi, Secretary General of the Dubai Judicial Council, stated that simplified procedures help manage increasing estate claims efficiently. The court provides comprehensive legal solutions while expediting dispute resolution through standardised processes.

Performance Metrics

In its first eleven months, the Probate Court processed 1,814 inheritance cases; 68% were fully completed while another 23% were partially resolved. The court achieved a 77% completion rate for guardianship cases involving non-Dubai national minors.

The Court issued 972 estate inventory certificates for Muslims and 315 for non-Muslims. It processed 34,124 smart applications with an average turnaround time of five hours and 13 minutes.

Amicable Settlements

The court focused on amicable resolutions by receiving 760 settlement requests and resolving disputes related to 626 properties successfully. A total of 344 full and partial agreements were reached resulting in settlements valued at approximately AED2 billion within an average time frame of just 40 days.

The establishment of this specialised judicial body consolidates all inheritance-related matters under one jurisdiction streamlining processes reducing litigation time promoting efficient justice through standardised procedures.

With inputs from WAM