DIFC Courts Report Growth In Case Numbers, Digital Services In First Half Of 2024

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts released their figures for the first half of 2024, showing more cases being handled at the region's top English language dispute resolution center.

Additionally, there has been increased use of services like the Tejouri digital vault, driven by Dubai's push for paperless documentation. In the first half of 2024, the total value of cases across all divisions was AED1.05 billion, with 480 cases filed.

In the main Court of First Instance (CFI), 57 cases were filed, with a total value of AED1.02 billion and an average case value of AED39.3 million.

"Following a record year for the DIFC Courts in 2023, we have continued to record strong uptake of core and ancillary services of the DIFC Courts for the first six (6) months of 2024," Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, was quoted as saying by WAM.

"We have also committed to further research and development of new innovative, efficient and cost-effective mechanisms in 2024 to assist our court users, whilst also maintaining core judicial excellence through our case management and skilled bench of judges," he added.

The UAE recently secured the top 10 spot in the global competitiveness ranking, highlighting the strength of its dynamic economy. The report praised the UAE's effective dispute resolution mechanisms, which support various economic sectors.

As the DIFC celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, the DIFC Courts believe their work continues to help businesses thrive and people interact in a stable, predictable environment, aligning with federal and local strategic goals.

Claims brought before the CFI in the first half of 2024 involved companies from various sectors including banking, real estate, construction, manufacturing, retail, intellectual property, and pharmaceuticals.

These disputes were mostly about a breach of contract, employment issues, and unpaid payments. The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) handled 265 claims worth a total of AED27.2 million, with an average claim value of AED109,000.

Most of these claims were about breach of contract, employment, and property and tenancy disputes. The DIFC Courts improved efficiency with their digital and paperless strategy. They issued 100 percent of Orders and Judgments digitally, with over 913 Orders and 85 Judgments in the first half of 2024.

Furthermore, 96% of hearings in the CFI, 100% in the SCT, and 75% in the Court of Appeal were conducted remotely.