The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has unveiled a positive outlook for its jurisdiction in 2024, highlighting impressive growth across various divisions and continued public confidence in its services.
The DIFC Courts remain a leading platform for commercial and civil dispute resolution, catering to businesses and individuals seeking efficient and reliable judicial support.
In 2024, the Court of First Instance (CFI) and its divisions handled 114 claims, with a total claim value of AED 7.6 billion. The average case value across CFI cases stood at AED 103.3 million, with the Arbitration Division (ARB) witnessing the highest claim values, totaling AED 6.8 billion and an average case value of AED 356.1 million. The Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) processed 82 claims worth AED 854.1 million, while the Technology & Construction Division (TCD) recorded two claims totaling AED 14.2 million.
The Arbitration Division has seen an especially notable uptake in interim measures and injunctive relief, highlighting the sector's growing preference for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Additionally, the Digital Economy Court Division (DEC) handled two cases, with a total claim value of AED 10.2 million.
The year also marked continued strength in enforcement services, with 350 enforcement claims filed, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase. This trend underscores the DIFC Courts' commitment to delivering enforceable judgments and certainty for businesses operating in the region.
His Excellency Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of DIFC Courts, praised the Courts' consistent evolution, stating,
“In 2024, the DIFC Courts recorded strong uptake of core dispute resolution services as well as our ancillary services. Our continued appeal after twenty years is a testament to our commitment to excellence.”
Further bolstering its reputation, the DIFC Courts introduced three international judges in 2024 and expanded services to include new mediation and notary services.
The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) also saw notable growth, with 592 claims filed, a 13% increase over 2023. Driven largely by disputes in banking, finance, and employment, the total value of claims was AED 57.9 million, marking an 11% increase. The average claim value in the SCT was AED 106,000, reflecting its rising popularity among SMEs for dispute resolution.
In line with Dubai's digital transformation, the DIFC Courts continued its paperless strategy, issuing 1,942 digital orders and 174 judgments. Almost all hearings (99%) were conducted via digital platforms, demonstrating a strong commitment to modernizing court processes.
His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, emphasized the growing demand for accessible public services, saying,
“Our mission was to launch innovative, efficient, and cost-effective digital systems to assist court users, while also enhancing judicial excellence.”
Ancillary services also saw growth, notably the Wills Service, which registered 1,822 wills in 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year. The DIFC Courts also continued its Pro Bono Programme, assisting over 800 individuals with the help of 39 volunteer law firms and 44 lawyers.
As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, the DIFC Courts will provide quarterly updates on case statistics via its website, ensuring that legal professionals, businesses, and the public stay informed about the Courts' activities.
For full details on 2024 statistics, visit statistics.difccourts.ae.
News Source: Four Agency
