In a ceremony underscoring the central position of justice in societal growth, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, oversaw the swearing-in of 35 new judges at Dubai Courts. The occasion, held on the historic Union Home, positioned a highlight on the UAE’s dedication to an impartial and efficient judicial system, because the newly appointed judges pledged to uphold the rule of regulation and serve with integrity.
Judicial oath administered in presence of management
The swearing-in ceremony befell on 10 August 2025 at Al Mudaif Majlis in Union Home, Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presided over the formalities, emphasizing the judiciary’s pivotal perform in delivering justice and sustaining societal concord. He affirmed {that a} sturdy and impartial judiciary is important to ensure social stability and defend rights, and that the integrity of judicial processes strengthens belief and prosperity throughout the neighborhood.Sheikh Mohammed prolonged his finest needs to the newly appointed judges, underscoring the important significance of upholding justice and sustaining integrity of their work. He careworn that an impartial judiciary is key to safeguarding rights and making certain social stability. Highlighting the broader position of the judiciary, he famous that judges play a key half in imposing the rule of regulation, making certain truthful outcomes, and contributing to nationwide progress. Honest and neutral rulings, he stated, are the inspiration of a society constructed on justice, belief, and long-term prosperity.The newly appointed judges expressed their gratitude for the belief positioned in them and reaffirmed their dedication to upholding the rules of justice and rule of regulation. The ceremony was attended by key authorized and administrative figures, together with:
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Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani , Director Normal of the Ruler’s Court docket and Deputy Chairman of the Judicial Council - Dr.
Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi , Director Normal of Dubai Courts - Dr.
Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi , Secretary-Normal of the Dubai Judicial Council
Construction and jurisdiction of the UAE judicial system
The UAE’s judicial system operates on a three-tiered construction, designed to make sure equity and supply a number of alternatives for evaluation: 1. Court docket of First Occasion2. Court docket of Enchantment3. Court docket of Cassation or Federal Supreme Court docket This tiered system applies to each federal and native judicial our bodies, with every degree granting litigants authorized recourse below clearly outlined procedural frameworks. That is the preliminary degree of litigation and has authority over all civil, industrial, administrative, labour, and private standing issues. It’s also tasked with:
- Reviewing claims and paperwork
- Ruling on pressing disputes
- Implementing judgments and execution orders
The Court docket of First Occasion contains minor and main circuits, relying on the character and worth of the case. On the second degree, this court docket permits events dissatisfied with rulings from the Court docket of First Occasion to enchantment, offered they haven’t accepted the judgement explicitly or implicitly. Appeals should usually be filed inside:
- 30 days (normal circumstances)
- 10 days (pressing circumstances)
Failure to fulfill the deadlines ends in the forfeiture of enchantment rights.
That is the best court docket within the native judicial construction. It hears circumstances which have handed by the Court docket of Enchantment and permits appeals primarily based solely on factors of regulation, akin to misapplication or misinterpretation. Appeals right here have to be filed inside 60 days, and solely when:
- The claimed quantity exceeds AED 200,000
- The worth can’t be decided
Selections made by the Court docket of Cassation are closing and binding.
Specialised courts and authorized circuits
Dubai Courts are organized into specialised circuits and classes to deal with a big selection of authorized issues. Every circuit is overseen by a presiding choose and supported by different judges and administrative workers. They embrace: Cope with monetary disputes between people and entities, together with points round contracts, property, mental property, and mortgages.
- Minor circuit handles circumstances beneath AED 100,000
- Main circuit handles circumstances above AED 100,000
Business Courts
Oversee disputes associated to industrial transactions, together with:
- Contracts
- Banking operations
- Business papers
- Chapter and associated settlements
These are ruled by Federal Decree Regulation No. 50 of 2022.
Deal with non-public sector employment disputes like:
- Unpaid wages
- Finish-of-service advantages
- Arbitrary dismissal
Beneath Federal Decree Regulation No. 33 of 2021 and Cupboard Regulation No. 1 of 2022, staff are exempt from paying litigation charges for claims below AED 100,000.
Private Standing (Sharia) Courts
Cowl household issues together with:
- Marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, guardianship:
These fall below Federal Regulation No. 28 of 2005, which applies to all UAE nationals, besides non-Muslims, who’re topic to the non-public standing legal guidelines particular to their very own faith or sect. Most household circumstances start with the Household Steerage Part, which seeks to resolve disputes amicably earlier than referring them to the Court docket of First Occasion.
Deal with violations prosecuted by native or federal authorities, in accordance with:
- Federal Decree by Regulation No. 38 of 2022 (Felony Procedures)
- Federal Regulation by Decree No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties)
Actual Property and administrative circumstances
Tried in main circuits no matter the dispute’s financial worth, these circumstances usually contain actual property possession, property growth, tenancy conflicts, land use disagreements, and administrative or regulatory issues involving authorities selections or public entities.
Function and construction of Dubai Courts Division
Based in 1970, the Dubai Courts Division is liable for managing all judicial proceedings and rulings throughout the emirate. It operates below the direct oversight of the Ruler of Dubai and is led by a Director-Normal, who additionally sits on the Dubai Govt Council. Key options of Dubai Courts embrace:
- Dedication to justice, equality, and independence
- Use of contemporary know-how and digitization
- Emphasis on nationwide expertise and procedural accuracy
Providers cowl a spread of areas together with:
- Civil and labour case processing
- Authorized and civil documentation
- Enforcement of judgments
- Authorized authentication
- Licensing and accreditation of attorneys
Dubai Courts goals to guide in judicial excellence and guarantee environment friendly and clear authorized providers for all residents and companies within the emirate.
