Dubai introduces new authority to regulate DIFC + local court disputes

A new authority will now be responsible for resolving jurisdictional conflicts between Dubai courts, following a decree from Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, according to the Dubai Media Office. The Judicial Authority for Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts between DIFC Courts and Judicial Authorities in the Emirate of Dubai overtakes the former Judicial Tribunal for Dubai Courts and DIFC Courts.

Roles + responsibilities: The authority will decide which courts handle disputes, specify enforceable judgments in cases of conflicts, and carry out tasks assigned by the Ruler of Dubai or the Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council. It will be chaired by the president of the Court of Cassation at Dubai Courts, with DIFC Courts deputy chief justice acting as deputy chairman.

Courts under its jurisdiction: The authority’s legal rules are binding on all judicial bodies in Dubai, including the Court of Cassation, Court of Appeal, Court of First Instance, and any future courts in Dubai, plus DIFC Courts. Its decisions are binding but can be appealed.