A new law has been enacted to regulate the judicial and administrative functions of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts.

The law clearly defines the jurisdictional scope of the DIFC Courts, which include the Court of Appeal, the Court of First Instance, and the Small Claims Tribunal.

It also establishes a procedural framework for appointing the Chief Justice and the Director of the Courts, detailing their roles and responsibilities.

A notable feature of the new law is the introduction of a Mediation Centre.

This facility provides an alternative dispute resolution pathway, allowing parties to resolve disputes amicably with the assistance of mediators registered with the DIFC Courts.

Under the new provisions, the DIFC Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over civil, commercial, and labour claims involving DIFC bodies or institutions.

This jurisdiction applies whether the claims are filed by or against these entities or if they are a party to the proceedings.

The law also addresses various aspects of court operations, including litigation and evidence procedures, handling urgent matters, enforcement, and exceptions to the compensation bond requirement.

It further covers technical defects, procedural errors, and statutes of limitations, ensuring a comprehensive legal framework for the DIFC Courts.

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