SEPTEMBER UPDATE: A MONTH FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN DUBAI

Introduction to the Month of Dispute Resolution in Dubai

Dispute Resolution in Dubai will not forget September 2024.

September 2024 has proven to be a pivotal month for Dubai’s legal landscape, with significant initiatives aimed at strengthening both the judiciary and the commercial sector. These efforts underscore the emirate’s commitment to maintaining its status as a leading global hub for business and legal excellence. From enhancing judicial training for Emiratis to introducing new measures in commercial dispute resolution, Dubai continues to evolve its legal framework to meet the growing demands of a dynamic economy. In this overview, we explore the major developments and their implications for the future.

Key Legal Initiatives

Judicial Training Initiative for Emiratis

A standout development this month was the issuance of Decree No. 49 of 2024 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative focuses on fostering local talent within Dubai’s judiciary. Through a specialized training program at the Dubai Judicial Institute, government employees receive full salary retention while training to become judges or public prosecutors. This effort not only encourages Emiratis to take on judicial roles but also ensures long-term service commitments in the judiciary, enhancing the legal system’s sustainability. Participants are required to serve for at least five years in a judicial capacity, reinforcing stability and expertise within the courts​.

While the exact current number of judges in Dubai’s judiciary is not always explicitly published, the Dubai Courts and UAE judiciary as a whole have been actively working toward improving the representation of Emiratis in the judiciary over recent years. In 2021, the UAE Minister of Justice reported that there were around 700 judges and prosecutors across the UAE’s federal and local judicial systems. This number, however, includes both Emirati and non-Emirati judges, as Dubai and other emirates employ foreign judges to handle specialized and high-volume cases​.

As of recent reports, UAE nationals make up a smaller percentage of the judiciary in certain emirates, particularly in specialized courts like commercial or financial jurisdictions, where foreign expertise has been traditionally relied upon. For instance, in 2020, it was reported that more than 50% of the judges in Dubai were non-Emirati, reflecting the international nature of many of the cases handled by Dubai Courts​

Commercial Dispute Resolution MoU

In another significant move, Dubai Courts and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve the resolution of commercial disputes. This collaboration is designed to enhance arbitration and mediation services, providing businesses with faster, more efficient alternatives to litigation. The MoU represents a strategic step in maintaining Dubai’s position as a leading commercial hub, where companies can resolve disputes effectively without prolonged legal battles​.

This MoU is mutually beneficial for both the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Dubai Courts. For the Chamber, it aligns with their mission to enhance Dubai’s business environment and attract investment. For the Courts, it alleviates the burden of commercial cases and promotes efficient justice delivery. Together, the partnership underscores Dubai’s vision to remain a competitive global business hub by providing businesses with modern, efficient, and reliable mechanisms for resolving disputes​.

Conclusion

These initiatives mark a forward-looking approach to maintaining Dubai’s global standing in legal and commercial arenas. By investing in the training of Emirati nationals for judicial roles and improving commercial dispute resolution, the emirate is setting the foundation for a more robust and accessible legal system. Both the judicial training program and the MOU with the Chamber of Commerce reflect a strategic alignment with Dubai’s long-term vision of being a leading destination for global business, legal innovation, and talent development.

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We trust that the above is of assistance when understanding the legal soil of Dubai. Expert advice is recommended at an early stage of the dispute to evaluate the best procedural route.

For more information about UAE law  you can visit all our publications in this link as well as the videos of our director Maria Rubert.

**This publication is not intended as legal advice and rather as general information.