The courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have announced their performance results for the first half of 2025, revealing a significant 38% increase in the number of cases compared to the same time period in the previous year. This trend indicates a growing willingness among disputing parties to engage in litigation within an independent and efficient justice system that specializes in resolving both local and international commercial and civil disputes.
Between January and June 2025, a total of 650 cases were registered across various court divisions, with the average case value reaching 13.2 million dirhams. The primary court and its specialized divisions saw 61 cases, with an average case value of 117.7 million dirhams, culminating in a total of 6.7 billion dirhams.
This consistent growth in case volume underscores the esteemed status of the DIFC courts as a preferred judicial venue for reliable and efficient legal services for both businesses and individuals, further reinforcing Dubai’s global appeal as a business hub.
Judge Wayne Martin, the Chief Justice of the DIFC courts, commented on the results: “The first half of 2025 reflects a sustainable growth trajectory, particularly in cases where parties voluntarily choose our court’s jurisdiction, as well as in high-value disputes. These developments confirm our courts’ position as a trusted platform for resolving complex commercial conflicts, supported by a distinguished judiciary and the capacity to enforce rulings internationally. The new DIFC court law, introduced at the beginning of 2025, is a strategic proactive measure by the Dubai Government, enabling the courts to enhance the efficiency and smoothness of their procedures and further elevate their judicial performance, solidifying their status as a leading dispute resolution center for the future.”
Notably, the civil and commercial cases division posted an annual growth of 85% (from 33 to 61 cases), with a total value of 2.3 billion dirhams.
The demand for arbitration services remained strong, with 23 cases filed—an impressive 92% increase compared to the same period in 2024—totaling 4.5 billion dirhams.
The Small Claims Court received 458 cases (a 73% increase), with an aggregate value of 43.2 million dirhams, and an average case value of 95,000 dirhams.
While there was an increase in the number of cases in commercial and arbitration divisions, as well as in the Small Claims Court, there was a corresponding decrease in enforcement cases, resulting in a total rise of new cases by 38% to 650, compared to 470 cases during the same period last year.
This ongoing growth reflects the increasing public confidence in the courts, with cases spanning sectors such as banking and finance, retail, manufacturing, cryptocurrency, and real estate. The subjects of the disputes varied from complex cross-border disagreements to simpler employment contract disputes, exemplifying the commitment of both Emirati and international judges in the DIFC courts to uphold the highest standards of legal practice.
The statistics also highlight a notable rise in optional jurisdiction cases, as parties outside the jurisdiction have chosen to voluntarily subject their disputes to the DIFC courts. The proportion of optional jurisdiction cases amounted to 38% in the primary court, 39% in the Small Claims Court, and 18% in the arbitration division.
Support Services
The service for registering wills at the DIFC courts also experienced an uptick, with 922 wills registered in the first half of 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, along with 27 probate orders issued. Since the launch of this service, over 13,400 wills have been registered, offering a secure mechanism for non-Muslim residents and investors to document their plans and wishes regarding the distribution of their estates within the UAE.
Additionally, the pro bono legal aid program has supported over 524 individuals, facilitated by voluntary participation from 39 law firms and 51 lawyers. Launched in 2009, this initiative is the first of its kind in the Middle East, providing free legal representation and services for those with legal cases within the DIFC jurisdiction who cannot afford the associated costs.
Judge Omar Al Mehairi, Director of the DIFC courts, remarked: “This period has seen sustained growth across various court services, from civil and commercial cases to support services. The continuous increase in those choosing DIFC courts for litigation is a clear indicator of the trust and appreciation that businesses and individuals have for our legal framework. After more than 20 years since its establishment as the first common law commercial court in the region operating in English, this ongoing growth in our courts stands as a testament to our strong commitment to development, innovation, and expanding access to justice through our essential and supportive judicial services.”
Dubai Law No. (2) of 2025 Enhances Court Operations
In March, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (2) of 2025, which reinforced the status of the DIFC courts by establishing a formal framework for their exclusive jurisdiction over civil, commercial, and labor disputes. This new law consolidates the former laws (Dubai Law No. 10 of 2004 and Law No. 12 of 2004 on the Jurisdiction of DIFC Courts) into a single legislation, enhancing transparency and eliminating conflicts and outdated provisions. The law also clarifies the court’s jurisdiction in civil, commercial, and labor cases, wills for non-Muslims, trust funds, and the enforcement of arbitration awards.
The new law introduces changes that strengthen the procedural and jurisdictional framework of the DIFC courts while providing guarantees that the center remains a supportive environment for arbitration. These amendments offer practical benefits for businesses and professional entities, such as the ability to file labor disputes, obtain interim measures, and resolve conflicts through mediation.
Summary of Cases
• Civil and Commercial Division: 61 cases | Total value: 2.3 billion dirhams | Average case value: 51.3 million dirhams
• Arbitration Division: 23 cases | Total value: 4.5 billion dirhams | Average case value: 342.6 million dirhams
• Small Claims Court: 458 cases | Total value: 43.2 million dirhams | Average case value: 95,000 dirhams
• Enforcement Division: 106 cases | Total value: 4.5 million dirhams | Average case value: 1.5 million dirhams
Quarterly Updates
To ensure transparency and continuous data provision, the DIFC courts release quarterly statistical updates on their official website, reinforcing their commitment to offering accurate and up-to-date information for legal professionals, business entities, and the general public.