DIFC unveils special court to settle digital economy-related disputes

By Shilpa Annie Joseph, Official Reporter
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DIFC Courts
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The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts (DIFC Courts) has established a ‘Specialized Court for the Digital Economy’ intended at simplifying the settlement process of complex civil and commercial disputes related to the digital economy.

The new specialized court will handle cases involving existing and developing technology on a national and international level. It will conclude a wide variety of sectors including big data, blockchain technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, unmanned aerial vehicles, 3D printing technologies, and robotics.

HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has stressed that the launch of the new court represents a groundbreaking move to stay abreast of the ever-evolving and thriving global digital economy.

The court will be supported by highly qualified human resources, a solid and highly reliable infrastructure, and research and development in the technology sector. “The infrastructure of our courts in Dubai will keep pace with our future economic aspirations,” noted Sheikh Maktoum.

Omar Al Muhairi
Judge Omar Al Muhairi
Director
DIFC Courts

“The potential of the UAE’s judicial systems to support and protect the continuity of business projects will prove to be extremely vital to the country’s long-term goals of attracting and retaining foreign investment. Dubai’s well-grounded commitment to strengthen a highly competitive business environment is key to its vision of deep-rooted economic diversification. The launch of the new specialized Court shows Dubai’s determination to play a leading and pioneering role in developing judicial systems that simplify dispute settlement related to the digital economy.”

“We will utilize the most advanced technologies to increase the efficiency of the system and ensure that the public will benefit from its services. This court is the first of its kind in the world offering new and exciting innovations that will provide the best avenues to access justice, not only for companies operating in the UAE but for international companies seeking a fair jurisdiction,” Mr. Al Muhairi added.

The ‘Specialized Court for the Digital Economy’ will complement specialized divisions in existing courts including the Technology and Construction Division and the Arbitration Division. The DIFC Courts established these to satisfy the growing demand for judicial expertise in issues involving certain industries.

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