CASE STATISTICS

Arbitration Division (ARB)

Established in 2020, the Arbitration Division is mandated to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of arbitration-related cases. Similar to the Technology & Construction Division (TCD) launched in 2017, the Arbitration Division leverages dedicated judicial and registry oversight and case management expertise. Streamlining the arbitration-related cases under the new division has also led to increased efficiency of process, with the ability to swiftly review applications for interim measures and injunctive relief mechanisms.

With its extensive national, regional, and global connectivity, the DIFC Courts empowers its specialised Arbitration Division to leverage existing enforcement expertise, helping to ensure certainty of recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.

To bolster the Arbitration Division, the DIFC Courts has also launched an Arbitration Working Group in 2020, the first court in the region to introduce such an initiative. The panel of experts are tasked with reinforcing and sharing developments and best-practices, encompassing an advisory team of arbitration professionals, bodies, centres, educational institutions, and industry-related organisations.

In February 2020, H.E. Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi was appointed Judge in Charge of the Arbitration Division.

ARBITRATION DIVISION 21 cases

Digital Economy Court Division (DEC)

In 2021, the DIFC Courts established the Digital Economy Court to oversee sophisticated national and transnational disputes related to current and emerging technologies across areas ranging from big data, blockchain, AI, fintech, and cloud services, to disputes also involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 3D printing, and robotics.

With the continuous growth of digital transformation across the world, trade and services inevitably integrate digital technology in their fundamental operations. Now, more than ever an innovative judicial system is key to promoting growth as well as providing security, reliability, and protection for companies and businesses.

In 2022, Justice Michael Black was appointed Judge in Charge of the DEC Division.

Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)

The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) can hear claims within the jurisdiction of the DIFC in three situations. First, where the amount or value of the claim does not exceed AED 500,000. Second, when the claim relates to the employment or former employment of a party and the amount or value of the claim exceeds AED 500,000 and all parties to the claim elect in writing that it be heard by the SCT.

There is no value limit for the SCT’s elective jurisdiction in the context of employment claims. Third, if in the context of claims which are not employment-related, the amount or value of the claim does not exceed AED 1 million, and all parties elect in writing that it be heard by the SCT, such election can be made in the underlying contract (if any) or subsequently.

Enforcement (ENF)

SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL 472 cases

TOTAL VALUE OF CLAIMS AND COUNTERCLAIMS AED 43,224,274.02

The DIFC Courts continued the successful development of domestic and international avenues for enforcing judgments and orders. Enforcement proceedings are now the second-largest type of claims in the Courts, after Court of First Instance proceedings. AVERAGE CASE VALUE AED 95,628.92