During the first quarter of 2026, the courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) continued to establish their role as a crucial component of the legal framework supporting Dubai’s economy. The courts reinforced their status as a globally recognized judicial authority, enhancing confidence in the investment environment and contributing to sustainable economic growth through an advanced, independent judicial system that emphasizes innovation, efficiency, and future readiness. This was showcased by a continual demand and stable performance across all court divisions.
The total number of cases raised by 22%, reaching a total of 396 cases compared to 325 in the first quarter of 2025. This trend highlights the sustained trust in the judicial services provided by the courts.
Thanks to the implementation of 99% remote judicial procedures, the DIFC Courts effectively maintained their operations seamlessly throughout the first quarter, ensuring uninterrupted access to justice for both businesses and individuals.
From January to the end of March 2026, the various divisions of the courts registered 396 cases with an average total value of 13.3 million dirhams per case. Additionally, the main court and its specialized divisions recorded 50 cases, with an average value of 91.8 million dirhams per case, amounting to a total of 3 billion dirhams.
This performance aligns with the courts’ new strategic direction focused on broadening access to justice, enhancing the efficiency of judicial services, and solidifying DIFC Courts’ reputation as the preferred venue for commercial and civil dispute resolution, capable of keeping pace with the rapidly changing business environment both regionally and globally.
Operational Efficiency
Judge Omar Al Muhairi, Director of the DIFC Courts, commented, “The strong performance of the DIFC Courts in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the continued confidence of litigants, the business sector, and the legal community in our judicial system. The growth in the number and value of cases clearly indicates the practical impact of our new strategic directions aimed at enhancing access to justice, increasing operational efficiency, and developing a more responsive and resilient judicial system that meets the needs of our stakeholders. What the DIFC Courts achieve today is not limited to growth indicators in terms of case numbers or values; it extends to the institution’s role in supporting Dubai’s competitiveness and being a fundamental pillar of the legal confidence that underpins the business and investment environment. We will continue to build on this momentum by enhancing our services, expanding our judicial and institutional capabilities, and broadening the value we provide to the business community in Dubai, the region, and the world.”
Voluntary Jurisdiction
Statistics have shown a significant interest in the voluntary jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts. Parties outside of the center’s jurisdiction have contractually chosen to bring their disputes to the DIFC Courts. Specifically, 46% of cases in the primary court, 33% in the small claims court, and 33% in the arbitration court opted for this route.
Support Services
Furthermore, the Will Registration service at the DIFC Courts experienced noticeable activity; in the first quarter of 2026, 883 wills were registered, representing a 120% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Additionally, 10 orders for the validation of wills were issued. Since its establishment, this service has registered over 14,000 wills, providing a secure mechanism for non-Muslim residents and investors to plan their estates in the UAE. The Pro Bono Lawyer program at the DIFC Courts has supported more than 162 individuals, facilitated by 39 law firms and 49 volunteer lawyers. Launched in 2009, this program is the first of its kind in the Middle East, aiming to improve access to justice for financially disadvantaged individuals whose disputes fall within the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction.
Appointments
In the first quarter of 2026, the courts enhanced their judicial expertise by swearing in three new distinguished judges: Judge Patrick Keane, Judge Mark Billing, and Judge Dato’ Mari Lim Thiam Swan. This strategic move, made in February, underscores a direct commitment to enhancing the courts’ capability to handle complex and cross-border commercial disputes. These appointments reflect the DIFC Courts’ ongoing commitment to attracting high-caliber judicial expertise, bolstering its capacity to adjudicate complex cross-border disputes, and strengthening its international reputation for integrity, excellence, and judicial professionalism.
Updates
To ensure transparency and ongoing data accessibility, the DIFC Courts publish statistical updates on their official website every three months, demonstrating their commitment to providing accurate and timely information to legal professionals, the business community, and the public at large.