Dubai: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has announced a significant increase in the number of claims filed in the first half of 2025. Claim numbers surged by 38 percent year-on-year as parties turned to the Courts for resolution of both domestic and international commercial and civil disputes.
According to Emirates News Agency, from January to June 2025, a total of 650 claims were filed across all Court divisions, with an average claim value of AED13.2 million. The main Court of First Instance (CFI) and its specialised divisions recorded 61 claims, averaging AED117.7 million each, with a total value of AED6.7 billion. This growth underscores the DIFC Courts' reputation as a preferred jurisdiction for delivering judicial services to corporate and individual users, bolstering Dubai's status as an international business hub.
Wayne Martin, Chief Justice at DIFC Courts, noted that the first half of 2025 showed a consistent growth pattern, especially in opt-in matters and higher-value claims. He emphasized the DIFC Courts' position as a trusted forum for resolving complex commercial disputes, supported by experienced judges and international enforceability. Martin also highlighted the introduction of the new DIFC Courts Law in early 2025, which aims to streamline procedures and enhance judicial practice.
The Civil and Commercial Division (CCD) recorded an 85 percent increase in claims, from 33 to 61, with a total claim value of AED2.3 billion. The Arbitration Division (ARB) registered 23 claims, marking a 92 percent increase year-on-year, with a combined value of AED4.5 billion. Meanwhile, the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) handled 458 claims, a 73 percent rise, with a total claim value of AED43.2 million and an average of AED95,000 per claim.
The uptick in commercial, arbitration, and small claims was somewhat balanced by a decrease in enforcement cases, resulting in a total new case increase of 38 percent, rising from 470 to 650 compared to the same period last year. Additionally, there was a strong uptake of 'opt-in' claims, with parties outside the DIFC jurisdiction choosing the DIFC Courts for dispute resolution.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service saw increased activity, with 922 Wills registered in the first half of 2025, marking a 14 percent increase compared to 2024, and 27 Probate Orders issued. Since its inception, the service has registered over 13,400 Wills, providing a secure estate planning mechanism for non-Muslim residents and investors in the UAE.
The Courts' Pro Bono Programme, the first of its kind in the Middle East, assisted more than 524 individuals with support from 39 volunteer firms and 51 volunteer lawyers. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, remarked on the sustained demand across all services, from civil and commercial claims to ancillary services. He attributed the consistent increase in users opting for the DIFC Courts to the value placed on their legal framework by businesses and individuals.
Justice Al Mheiri highlighted the Courts' role as the region's leading common law commercial court for over two decades, emphasizing their mission to adapt, innovate, and expand access to justice through their core and ancillary court services.
