Dubai: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have outlined their new five-year Growth Strategy during the Annual Judges’ Meeting, reviewing 2025 performance statistics and setting the stage for future service development. Judges noted a robust demand for the DIFC Courts’ services, reflected in the AED18.6 billion total claim value and a 43% increase in filed cases across all divisions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Courts of First Instance (CFI) reported an average claim value of AED68.2 million, with the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) experiencing a 68% increase in claims. The main CFI and its divisions handled 173 claims valued at AED7.6 billion, while the Arbitration Division recorded the highest single Division claim value at AED4.95 billion.
The Civil and Commercial Division (CCD) processed 117 claims in 2025, totaling AED2.6 billion. Cases covered a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and finance, addressing issues such as insolvency and employment disputes. The year also saw 341 enforcement claims, amounting to AED10.9 billion.
The DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction was further strengthened by Law No. (2) of 2025, enhancing their capacity to handle growing demands. The SCT recorded 995 claims, a 68% increase from 2024, with a total value of AED83.1 million. The DIFC Courts also continued their paperless initiative, issuing 2,676 digital orders and conducting 99% of hearings online.
Justice Omar Al Mheiri emphasized the DIFC Courts’ enhanced accessibility and effectiveness, with increased court usage and the development of services like the Mediation Service Centre. The new Growth Strategy (2026-2030), approved by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to bolster Dubai’s economic growth and position as a preferred forum for international commercial dispute resolution.
Support services also saw growth, with a 22% increase in Wills registrations in 2025 and a 37% rise in Probate applications. The number of registered law firms and practitioners also increased, alongside the continued success of the Pro Bono Programme.
The DIFC Courts launched specialized services for complex cases, offering digital custodian and blockchain intelligence capabilities. This initiative aligns with the Growth Strategy’s objectives, reinforcing the Courts’ ability to resolve complex digital-asset cases securely and efficiently, maintaining their status as a leading judicial institution in Dubai’s financial landscape.
