Seminar Highlights Uniqueness of DIFC Courts', DIFC's Landmark Independent Judicial System

DIFC Courts today held a seminar for legal professionals which provided insights into the world-class independent judicial system that has been created to adjudicate civil and commercial disputes arising in connection with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and its residents. The DIFC Courts system is the only English language, common law judicial system in the Middle East region.

Prominent speakers at the seminar included Sir Anthony Evans, Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts; Deputy Chief Justice Michael Hwang, Justice David Williams and Justice Sir Anthony Coleman. They were joined by HE Justice Ali Al Madhani and HE Justice Omar Al Muhairi, the first Emiratis appointed as DIFC Courts' Judges, and some of Dubai’s leading legal professionals.

Titled “The Role of the DIFC Courts", the seminar explored key features of the DIFC Courts including its legal framework, jurisdiction and the enforcement of its judgements throughout the world. The Courts' landmark Small Claims Tribunal was also referenced, with its impressive record of having resolved 47 disputes this year, each in under 2 weeks.

Established in 2004, the DIFC Courts were created to guarantee the highly secure business and contracting environment of the DIFC. The Courts comprise eminent judges from around the world, operate to the highest international standards and are fully staffed to handle all cases within their jurisdiction, whether small claims of under AED100,000 or claims involving sophisticated international financial transactions.