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Message from the Chief Justice
Welcome to the first DIFC Courts Bulletin of 2020. On behalf of the DIFC Courts I would like to extend my best wishes and prayers to you all during this very difficult period. Since March 2020, in an effort to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and court users, the DIFC Courts employees began operations on a work-from-home remote basis and the doors of the DIFC Courts were physically closed. On May 31, all DIFC Courts premises were re-opened, with all staff returning to the workplace by June 14, in line with government directives. I am proud and honoured to confirm that during this period of physical closure the DIFC Courts maintained all services and continued at full operational capacity. This successful preservation of full operational capacity would not have been possible without the leadership of HE Deputy Chief Justice Omar al Muhairi and the unwavering support of all our staff. As a part of the UAE Government’s commitment to effectively employ advanced technologies and digital platforms to continue services to the public, we implemented and introduced various digital mediums to stay connected with court users during this time, with the ultimate goal to ensure that together we are all working towards strengthening the economy. Technology has been central to the DIFC Courts’ operating model since starting operations over a decade ago and we have been leading the way when it comes to innovation. Among the many technologies the courts have pioneered to increase access to justice, is the region’s first digitally integrated courtroom and re-engineered state-of-the-art e-Court Management System (CMS) in 2016, as well as the region’s first ‘paperless’ e-bundling solution in 2018. These early tech adoptions are now the bedrock that fortunately enables the DIFC Courts to maintain all core services during this period. By increasing utilisation of our existing videoconferencing and teleconferencing facilities for applications and hearings, we are enabling court users and the public to access extensive eServices remotely from any smartphone, tablet, or desktop devices. During COVID-19 the DIFC Courts has also injected fresh digital systems for the registration of Wills. With individuals and businesses across the UAE currently operating remotely, the new video conferencing facility can be accessed via a smartphone, tablet or a desktop device, allowing residents of the UAE to register their Will remotely, from the safety and comfort of their own home. This new digital offering is in addition to an existing Virtual, Registry, which allows those living overseas to create and register a DIFC Courts Will. Investors and former residents
can access it from anywhere in the world and be connected, via video link, to a compliance officer sitting in Dubai. In recent months we have also introduced several initiatives aimed at alleviating costs for court users, including the suspension of all fees related to the e-Bundling service. In addition, we have also communicated the option for applicants filing a claim at our Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) to request a fee suspension. This facility enables eligible applicants the flexibility of paying the courts’ fees after the SCT case has concluded. And, whilst we have temporarily suspended our regional-first Pro Bono Programme onsite clinics, we have encouraged all those with DIFC-related legal enquiries to contact us via email. We are proud to report that the response from the legal community regarding our increased digital operations during this time has been very positive, with testimonials signalling continued trust and certainty from our court users. Please allow me to conclude by expressing my sincere hope that the UAE transitions through this difficult period and pray for a safe and secure future ahead.
