Bulletin
July - Dec 2025 2025 December
Edition 26
DIFC IACA Courts arrives welcomes in Dubai to inspire global courtand leaders to Dubai innovation elevate Court for IACA 2025 Conference Administration Worldwide
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DIFC COURTS BULLETIN
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Message from the Director
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DIFC Courts Statistics Q1–Q3 - 2025
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DIFC Courts launches new Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service
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DIFC Courts launches new five-year Growth Strategy
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International Association of Court Administrators (IACA) Conference held in Dubai
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Dubai brings together leading global judicial figures at the International Association for Court Administration Conference
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Outreach and partnerships
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Message from the Director The second half of the year has been characterised by continued growth and consolidation, as the DIFC Courts further strengthened Dubai’s role as a global centre for commercial dispute resolution and judicial innovation. Across this period, our focus has remained on providing certainty, enforceability, and procedural clarity to all court users, in a legal environment that is evolving rapidly in both scale and complexity. By the end of the end of third quarter of 2025, the DIFC Courts had recorded 1,050 claims across all divisions – a 37% increase year-on-year. The total value of claims reached AED 17.5 billion, with the average claim value rising to AED 22.2 million, a 42% increase. These figures reflect sustained confidence in the DIFC Courts framework for resolving complex, high-value and often cross-border disputes. Demand for our ancillary services has also remained strong. To the end of Q3, 2025, the DIFC Courts Wills Service registered 1,581 new Wills, bringing the total number of Wills registered since inception to 14,976. The Wills service continues to provide non-Muslim residents and investors with a secure and recognised estate planning mechanism. Over the same period, more than 707 individuals received free legal guidance through our popular Pro Bono Programme, delivered with the support of 39 volunteer law firms. These contributions from the legal community underline our shared commitment to widening access to justice. Illustrating our commitment to public service, was the successful launch of our Notary Service and our Mediation Service Centre. Building on the legislative foundations provided by Law No. (2) of 2025, these services add new routes through which parties can resolve disputes and complete essential legal formalities.
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“The DIFC Courts continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global centre for commercial dispute resolution and judicial innovation.”
Together, they advance our “multi-door courthouse” model, offering users a broader range of options – from court proceedings to mediation and notarial services – within a single, integrated judicial ecosystem. November saw Dubai host the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) Conference, co-organised by the DIFC Courts and Dubai Courts. Bringing together judges, court administrators, policymakers, and technology specialists from more than 40 countries, the conference provided an important platform to discuss modern court administration, digital transformation, and human-centred justice. It also offered an opportunity to showcase Dubai’s experience and the evolution of the DIFC Courts, while strengthening our institutional links with courts and justice systems around the world.
“By the end of Q3 2025, the DIFC Courts recorded a 37% year-onyear increase in claims, reflecting sustained confidence in our framework for resolving complex, high-value disputes.”
integrity in a focused range of matters, further enhancing our ability to respond to disputes arising from the digital economy. These achievements are the result of sustained efforts across the institution – from our bench of internationally respected judges to our registry and administrative teams and the many legal professionals who appear before the Courts. I extend my sincere thanks to all of them, and to the users who continue to place their trust in our jurisdiction. As we close 2025 and prepare to implement our new Growth Strategy, our priorities remain clear: to maintain an accessible, predictable, and future-ready court system; to expand our services where they deliver meaningful value; and to uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity, and judicial excellence. We look forward to continuing to support the legal, business, and public sectors in their pursuit of clarity, confidence, and lawful resolution. Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
Looking ahead, the gracious approval of the DIFC Courts five-year Growth Strategy (2026–2030) by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sets a clear framework for the next phase of our development. Built around six (6) strategic levers – including innovation-led service expansion, jurisdiction of choice and access advancement, market awareness and activation, future-ready operational excellence, cognitive business transformation, and high-impact talent development – the strategy is designed to align our judicial work, digital platforms, and ancillary services with Dubai’s long-term economic agenda. In parallel, the Courts have begun permitting the use of specialised digital custodian and blockchain intelligence services, through external providers such as Zodia Custody and Crystal Intelligence, for suitable cases involving digital assets. These capabilities are intended to support asset preservation and evidential
H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri Director, DIFC Courts
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DIFC COURTS BULLETIN
DIFC Courts Statistics Q1–Q3, 2025 20 billion
AED 17.5 billion
Total value of claims across all divisions 15 billion
AED 22.2 million Average claim value
10 billion
5 billion
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From Q1 to the end of Q3, 2025, the DIFC Courts recorded 1,050 claims across all divisions, with a total value of AED 17.5 billion and an average claim value of AED 22.2 million. These results reflect sustained demand for the DIFC Courts’ services and reinforce its position as a trusted forum for domestic and cross-border commercial and civil disputes.
The continued utilisation of the Courts’ specialist divisions and streamlined procedures highlights the confidence of court users in the DIFC Courts’ independent judiciary and its ability to manage complex matters efficiently and with certainty. The period also demonstrates the Courts’ ongoing focus on service excellence and commitment to delivering timely, enforceable outcomes for individuals, businesses and the wider international community that choose the DIFC Courts.
709
Total number of claims in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)
36
1050
707
1836
Total number of claims filed in the Arbitration Division
people received free legal consultations through the Pro Bono Programme
Total number of claims across all Divisions (January - October, 2025)
Orders issued with 99% of hearings conducted remotely
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DIFC Courts launches new Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service to expand support for UAE businesses and residents In September, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts launched of a new suite of ancillary services, including a Mediation Service Centre and a Notary Service.
New law, issued by His
A new resolution, issued by
Highness Sheikh Mohammed
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum
Ruler of Dubai, provides the
Al Maktoum in his capacity
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the
legislative foundation for the new services.
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The launch followed the issuance of Dubai Law No. (2) in March 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which provided the legislative foundation for the services. In parallel, a resolution was been issued by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as President of the DIFC, outlining the implementation and operational framework and formally establishing the Mediation Service Centre and the Notary Service under the DIFC Courts.
Bin Mohammed bin Rashid as President of the DIFC,
launched the new services.
Alternative dispute resolution
mediation mechanism to offer further choices to court users
Preservation and integrity
of notarised documents will
be ensured using distributed ledger technology (DLT)
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The new Mediation Service Centre is based at the DIFC Courts and serves as an alternative dispute resolution pathway where parties can amicably resolve their disputes with the help of mediators registered with the DIFC Courts. Parties can choose mediators and agree fees and terms in advance, as well as the option to conduct mediation meetings online using the newly upgraded and AI-enabled Court Management System (CMS), or inperson at the DIFC Courts premises. His Excellency Wayne Martin, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, said: “The DIFC Courts continues to pioneer advanced court and legal services, in close cooperation with Dubai’s leadership, as well as our public and private sector partners. Both the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre and the Notary Service will widen the suite of services, broadening access to justice, as well as providing greater flexibility for business and individuals seeking efficient, cost-effective solutions.” The new Notary Service authorises Notary Officers of the DIFC Courts to administer, witness, and attest oaths, affidavits, affirmations or
declarations, and certify and attest true copy documents for business and individuals. The service will notarise English documents only and is the first of-its-kind service in the UAE. In addition, the service will provide three (3) options for users; an automated self-service; a live virtual system; and an in-person service. Users of the service will also have the option to utilise an authentication service through DataFlow’s primary source verification (PSV). An electronic or physical stamp and seal will be issued with each document, and notarised documents will be verified using advanced cryptographic methods, powered by Hedera Blockchain, by logging notarisation events with a timestamp on the blockchain. Preservation and integrity of notarised documents will be ensured using Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT) by converting documents to verifiable credentials (VC), in compliance with ERC20 standards. User privacy will be maintained at all times through advanced encryption methods and privacy-preserving protocols, ensuring that sensitive information is fully protected throughout the entire process.
“The DIFC Courts’ solutions are purposefully designed to bring confidence, clarity, and certainty to the region’s first English common law system so that businesses can flourish. The establishment of the Mediation Service Centre and the Notary Service serves to support our role by complementing federal and local strategic goals by building further confidence among growing domestic businesses, investors and the international business community. As Dubai and the DIFC continue to lead in trade, investment and governance, our objective at the Courts is to advance transparent, efficient, and futureready judicial and legal solutions to meet the evolving needs of the region’s economy.” His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Court
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DIFC Courts launches new five-year Growth Strategy The DIFC Courts has launched a new five year Growth Strategy (2026-2030) to further enhance its role as a global hub for commercial justice, supporting Dubai’s position as a leading international business and financial centre.
New Growth Strategy built to actively support federal, local and DIFC strategic objectives, aligned with Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.
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Innovation-led service expansion
Pioneering service innovation that redefines the role of commercial courts and delivers measurable value for court users.
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Jurisdiction of choice & access advancement
Positioning the DIFC Courts as the jurisdiction of choice within Dubai’s commercial ecosystem through smart, accessible and usercentric public services.
Building on the achievements of the DIFC Courts Strategic Work Plan (2022–2024), the new strategy sets an expanded roadmap for growth, service innovation and institutional excellence. It is designed to further strengthen the DIFC Courts’ position as a jurisdiction of choice for cross-border dispute resolution, while actively supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, the Dubai Digital Strategy and the long-term vision of DIFC as a global financial hub.
Strategy built around six (6) strategic levers: Innovation-led service expansion; Jurisdiction of choice & access advancement; Market awareness & activation; Future-ready operational excellence; Cognitive business transformation; and High impact talent development.
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Market awareness & activation
Establishing the DIFC Courts as the go-to destination for businesses and individuals seeking trusted, high-quality public services.
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Future-ready operational excellence
Building agile, technology-enabled operations to deliver the most stakeholdercentric courts experience in the world.
Our mission reflects a clear ambition: to ensure that every aspect of the DIFC Courts, from our judicial work to our digital platforms and ancillary services, is geared towards enabling sustainable economic growth. Through innovation-led service expansion, we will continue to pioneer new offerings that respond directly to the needs of Dubai’s commercial ecosystem. His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts
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Strategy accelerates DIFC Courts’ role as a global hub for commercial justice, supporting Dubai’s position as a leading international business and financial centre.
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Harnessing the power of big data and AI to become the most intelligent and efficient international commercial court system.
Empowering exceptional talent to act as catalysts for innovation, leadership and sustained institutional excellence.
Cognitive business transformation
High-impact talent development
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Encapsulated within six (6) strategic levers and 26 initiatives, the new Growth Strategy outlines a comprehensive programme of projects and initiatives that will guide the Courts’ development over the next five years: Innovation-led service expansion – Pioneering service innovation that redefines the role of commercial courts and delivers measurable value for court users. Jurisdiction of choice & access advancement – Positioning the DIFC Courts as the jurisdiction of choice within Dubai’s commercial ecosystem through smart, accessible and user-centric public services. Market awareness & activation – Establishing the DIFC Courts as the go-to destination for businesses and individuals seeking trusted, high-quality public services.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and President of the DIFC, for approving our new Growth Strategy. This strategy is designed to secure sustainable growth in the Courts’ services and outreach, deepen Dubai’s reputation as a jurisdiction of choice, and embed a new generation of digital and cognitive capabilities across the justice system.
His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts
Future-ready operational excellence – Building agile, technology-enabled operations to deliver the most stakeholder-centric courts experience in the world. Cognitive business transformation – Harnessing the power of big data and AI to become the most intelligent and efficient international commercial court system. High-impact talent development – Empowering exceptional talent to act as catalysts for innovation, leadership and sustained institutional excellence. The strategy will build on the DIFC Courts’ existing track record of service innovation, including the establishment of the international Digital Economy Court, the expansion of the Wills Service (for nonMuslims), and the launch of the Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service under a “multi-door courthouse” model. The new Growth Strategy envisages continued enhancement of the Courts’ enforcement framework and international connectivity, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a safe harbour for international dispute resolution. It also recognises that sustainable growth in claim activity and services must be matched by sustained investment in talent and ecosystem development. Programmes under high-impact talent development will focus on judicial training, leadership development, and deeper engagement with law firms, academic institutions and professional bodies to support the next generation of court professionals. The implementation of the DIFC Courts Growth Strategy (2026–2030) will be supported by a detailed programme of projects and KPIs, overseen by the Courts’ leadership and aligned with the broader strategic direction of DIFC and the Government of Dubai.
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DIFC COURTS BULLETIN
Dubai brings together leading global judicial figures at the International Association for Court Administration Conference In November the International Conference for Court Administration 2025 – Global Perspectives on Court Administration was held in Dubai - organised by the DIFC Courts and Dubai Courts in collaboration with the International Association for Court Administration (IACA).
The event brought together an elite group of judges, court administrators, policymakers, and technology experts from around the world to discuss the future of justice administration and digital transformation within judicial systems. The conference discussed the future of judicial administration and digital transformation across judicial systems. It featured 64 specialized sessions and papers presented by 62 speakers representing more than 40 countries -reaffirming Dubai’s position as a global platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange in the development of justice systems. His Excellency Prof. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts, affirmed that hosting this international event marked a significant milestone in the journey of institutional justice and reflects Dubai’s vision of building a pioneering judicial system founded on innovation, efficiency, and transparency. He noted that the conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging insights on
“This conference comes at a time when technological and regulatory transformations are accelerating worldwide, requiring judicial institutions to develop their tools and modernize their systems in line with the aspirations of contemporary societies. Through its partnership with the International Association for Court Administration, Dubai Courts seeks to help shape the future of modern justice by leveraging smart technologies and artificial intelligence to expedite case resolution and enhance the user experience—in the belief that justice is only complete when administered with efficiency and expertise.” His Excellency Prof. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director-General, Dubai Courts
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global best practices in court administration and for strengthening the integration between justice and technology in the service of humanity. The conference also featured awareness sessions and bilateral meetings that brought together leading judicial figures and international experts to exchange expertise and showcase best practices in the areas of digital transformation, innovation, and human centred justice. The conference embodied Dubai’s global stature as a leading hub for modern justice, having become a benchmark in the development of intelligent and sustainable judicial systems, reflecting its vision to build a world-class institutional justice framework. H.E Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director DIFC Courts and Pamela Harris, President IACA
(L-R) Ahmed Al Kamali, Government & International Relations, DIFC Courts, H.E Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts, Dr Tim Bunjevac, President Elect IACA, Pamela Harris, President IACA, His Excellency Prof. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Dubai Courts, H.E Deputy Chief Justice Ali Al Madhani, DIFC Courts.
Kevin J. Bowling, Chief Administration Officer, IACA and H.E Deputy Chief Justice Ali Al Madhani
“We are honoured to welcome the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) Conference to Dubai, alongside our colleagues at Dubai Courts. The event reflects the UAE’s commitment to an innovative, transparent judicial ecosystem aligned with the highest international standards. At the DIFC Courts, our focus is user centred justice efficient, accessible, and technologically advanced, supported by specialised divisions and modern digital service platforms. At the conference delegates will hear directly from regional experts about the evolution of Dubai’s courts landscape and how legal tradition, governance, and technology are integrated to enhance access to justice. As courts worldwide face challenges from digital transformation to complex crossborder disputes, collaboration and shared innovation are essential. We look forward to exchanging experience, strengthening institutional cooperation, and advancing judicial excellence and the rule of law.” His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts
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DIFC Courts to permit nextgeneration digital custodian and blockchain intelligence capabilities for court users The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has announced the opening of specialised services for complex cases, with digital custodian and blockchain intelligence capabilities being offered via third party service providers, as part of initiatives under the newly launched DIFC Courts Growth Strategy (2026–2030).
These emerging technology services will be considered for cases that provide sufficient proof of necessity and will join a growing set of additional unique digital economy-related services under review by Dubai’s common law jurisdiction. The introduction of third-party specialised services marks a further evolution of the DIFC Courts’ mission to deliver justice that is both principled and practical. By offering optional secure digital-asset custody and advanced analytics for specific and relevant claims, the DIFC Courts aims to further demonstrate that proceedings maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and technological rigour. Zodia Custody will provide secure, neutral custody for disputed assets during proceedings. The global digital assets custodian is backed by financial institutions, including Standard Chartered and Emirates NBD, with Zodia Custody UAE being regulated under FSRA (ADGM) as Tungsten Custody Solutions Ltd following the acquisition of Tungsten earlier this year. Crystal Intelligence, a recognised blockchain analytics and cryptorisk platform, will offer on-demand tracing, monitoring, and investigative support to aid case management, compliance, and enforcement across complex digital-asset matters.
In recent years the DIFC Courts has dedicated resources and expertise to ensure that rapidly evolving financial and technological disputes, related to the digital economy, are provided with mechanisms to assist resolution. By reviewing and permitting the use of third-party providers for niche dispute requirements, we are further enabling the safeguarding of assets, data verification, and supporting court users with a level of assurance aligned with international best practice. This step further strengthens the Court’s ability to resolve complex digital-asset cases efficiently, securely, and with the confidence expected of a world- class judicial institution. H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts
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Enhancing integrity, enforceability, and user confidence
These initiatives are designed to deliver greater trust, transparency and procedural integrity in cases involving cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets, supporting the DIFC Courts and its specialised divisions. In line with recent DIFC Courts’ innovation milestones, the new service options will augment case handling from asset preservation to risk oversight and evidence-led investigation. These engagements represent a material step in strengthening the DIFC Courts’ capabilities in processing digital asset-related disputes and inheritance matters. Within the coming years, the DIFC Courts will continue to undertake a structured evaluation process, assessing multiple potential third party providers, with a view to ensuring that any selected providers
meet the standards of neutrality, security, and institutional credibility expected of the courts. Zodia Custody offers custody solutions bridging traditional finance and the digital-asset ecosystem. Through this new service provider, court users will benefit from: •
Secure, neutral custody of assets subject to judicial proceedings
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Prevention of unauthorised movement during litigation
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Enhanced enforceability and integrity of outcomes; and
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Strengthened institutional and public confidence in the DIFC Courts’ adjudicatory framework.
Zane Suren, Managing Director, Commercial, Middle East and Africa, Zodia Custody, said: “As digital assets become more widely adopted, Zodia
Custody welcomes the DIFC Courts’ integration of specialised digital custody and blockchain intelligence services for legal disputes. Zodia Custody welcomes the DIFC Courts’ engagement with digital asset service providers and is proud to further expand its presence in the UAE. Crystal Intelligence provides investigative and compliance tooling for transaction monitoring, multi-hop asset tracing, sanctions/high-risk wallet screening, and visualisation of fund flows across public blockchains. This new service will be applied on a case-by-case basis and will support the oversight of the Digital Assets Wills service, as well as delivering specialised training and certification to DIFC Courts staff.
Being selected as a service provider to the DIFC Courts marks a defining moment for Crystal Intelligence and blockchain intelligence in judicial proceedings. Our on-demand tracing, monitoring, and investigative capabilities will help the Court uphold the highest standards of fairness and efficiency when adjudicating digital asset disputes. This engagement demonstrates that Crystal Intelligence has achieved the institutional credibility required for court-grade case management, compliance, and enforcement. We are committed to enhancing the integrity, transparency, and technological rigour that users of this world-class judicial institution expect. Navin Gupta, CEO, Crystal Intelligence
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Outreach and partnerships GITEX GLOBAL 2025
The DIFC Courts participated at GITEX GLOBAL reflecting our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of digital transformation in Dubai.
H.H. Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
China Delegation
The DIFC Courts Chief Justice, H.E. Wayne Martin, together with H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri and members of the Courts’ leadership, welcomed Mr. Lin Xiaonie, Vice President of the Shanghai High People’s Court, China, along with a delegation of senior judges and judicial officials.
Delhi Arbitration Weekend 2025
H.E. Justice Michael Black, Judge in Charge of the Digital Economy Court Division at the DIFC Courts, and H.E. Justice Sapna Jhangiani SC, Judge of the Court of Appeal, represented the DIFC Courts at Delhi Arbitration Weekend 2025, hosted by the Supreme Court of India, the High Court of Delhi, and Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).
RDRC Delegation
The DIFC Courts Director, H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, welcomed Leila Karam, Head of the Reconciliation Department at the Rental Disputes Resolution Center, and her accompanying delegation.
Vietnam Delegation
DIFC Courts Deputy Chief Justice, H.E. Justice Ali Al Madhani, welcomed H.E. Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
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EDITION 26 International Association of Court Administrators (IACA) Conference
DIFC Courts was privileged to mark the successful conclusion of the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) 2025, strengthened by the continued support and guidance of our leadership.
H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, and H.E Deputy Chief Justice Ali Al Madhani, met with H.E. Mr. Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) 2025 Conference to discuss strengthening judicial cooperation, enhancing knowledge exchange, and advancing innovation-driven court systems.
Dubai Arbitration Week
United Arab Emirates University
The DIFC Courts hosted a panel during Dubai Arbitration Week 2025, exploring what financial institutions expect from courts as the seat of arbitration.
Moderated by Nour Al Marabta, SCT Judge & Judicial Assistant at the DIFC Courts, the panel featured valuable insights from: Omar Almansoori — Associate, Cleary Gottlieb & Assistant Professor of Law, UAEU; Robert Lewsley — Regional Head of Disputes and Government Investigations Legal, Standard Chartered Bank; Andrew Mackenzie — Partner & Head of Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations, DLA Piper Middle East & Mohammad Abandah — Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Board Member, ACC MENA
H.E. Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi, Senior Court of Appeal Judge and Judge in Charge of the Arbitration Division at the DIFC Courts, participated as a distinguished guest speaker in a Fireside Chat titled “The Role of the DIFC Courts in Driving Innovation in the Resolution of International Financial Disputes,” hosted by the United Arab Emirates University.
International Judicial Conference, Riyadh, KSA
In line with the longstanding relationship between the DIFC Courts and the Ministry of Justice - KSA, H.E. Chief Justice Wayne Martin, accompanied by the delegation, attended the Second International Judicial Conference, in Riyadh, KSA.
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