The DIFC Courts, the Dubai International Financial Centre’s independent
common law judicial system, and the UAE Ministry of Justice held an inaugural joint committee meeting last week following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2010, discussing ways to more deeply cooperate on legal affairs.
The MoU, signed in 2010, aims to promote joint coordination and knowledge
sharing, and will enable joint dialogue towards developing the UAE judicial
system for the benefit of DIFC court users.
During the session, Court officials discussed the DIFC bodies’ mandate
and functions, including the DIFC Courts’ legal and legislative framework.
In addition, an overview of the DIFC Courts’ Registry practice was discussed
along with practices such as registration of practitioners and electronic case
management.
Prior to the signing of the MoU, the DIFC Courts had successfully implemented
initiatives such as the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT), an electronic case management
system, a Pro Bono programmme and a Lawyer’s Code of Conduct, as well
as various training and educational programmes.
The SCT, for example, is the only operating tribunal
of its kind in the region, and it plays an important role in promoting a SME-friendly
culture. The SCT offers fast and efficient dispute resolution services without
the need to appoint lawyers. It has proven particularly efficient in resolving
employment and debt-related disputes, with over 90% of the approximately 150
cases heard so far having been resolved within three weeks. The SCT hears cases
with a value of up to AED100,000 (USD27,225), or where the parties agree in
writing the SCT can hear employment cases of any amount and other disputes up
to AED500,000.
Hadif bin Jouan Al Dhahiri, Minister of Justice, said: “Ministry of
Justice officials are very pleased to have met with the officials of the DIFC
Courts, as we continue to support the initiatives outlined in the MoU signed
last year. Fortunately, there is a significant level of expertise on both sides
and everyone has benefitted from sharing judicial insight, ideas and experience.
Such exchanges can be useful, if and when required, to implement new programmes.”
Chief Justice Michael Hwang, DIFC Courts said: “The first joint committee
meeting with the Ministry of Justice to further the MoU is a testament to the
commitment to ongoing cooperation between our two judicial institutions. We
are delighted to share and exchange best practices with our colleagues in the
UAE judicial system for the benefit of UAE courts’ users.”
LAWANDTAX-NEWS.COM
