The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts filed 810 cases between January and June 2026, marking a 25% jump year-on-year and signaling stronger confidence in Dubai's judicial infrastructure for high-value commercial disputes.
Combined claims reached AED10.02 billion, up 48% from the same period last year, averaging AED55 million in claims filed daily. The figures mark the first half-year results since the Courts launched their five-year strategy in December 2025.
Nearly one in three cases, 243 of 810, were filed under the Courts' opt-in jurisdiction, where parties voluntarily choose DIFC Courts rather than being required to use them. Opt-in claims made up 42% of filings before the Court of First Instance.
The Arbitration Division registered 37 claims worth AED3.17 billion, a 61% rise, as more parties selected DIFC Courts to supervise arbitration matters.
Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, said the average claim before the Court of First Instance more than doubled to AED112.6 million, reflecting rising trust in the jurisdiction and its alignment with Dubai's economic ambitions.
The Court of First Instance and its specialised divisions handled 110 claims worth AED9.02 billion. The Small Claims Tribunal processed 479 claims totaling AED44.7 million, continuing to serve individuals and small businesses.
Enforcement filings more than doubled to 220, including eight applications enforcing judgments from outside the DIFC Courts.
The Wills Service registered 1,925 wills, pushing total registrations past 14,300. The Pro Bono Programme assisted 315 individuals with support from 55 volunteer lawyers.
Digital proceedings remained dominant, with 99% of cases conducted online and 1,766 digital orders and judgments issued during the period.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
