Dubai International Financial Centre Courts open for business

The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts have ruled upon the first case to involve litigants outside of the Centre – opening the way for other international firms operating in the region to have their disputes adjudicated in English and under international rules, rather than in Arabic-language Sharia courts. Observers note that the DIFC courts can offer more predictability in enforcement of contracts for international commercial players: “The recent jurisdiction extension has clearly had particular resonance amongst the UAE’s SME community, to whom the courts’ small claims tribunal can offer a cost-effective and efficient dispute settlement option, especially in cases of debt repayment,” said Shamlan Al Sawalehi, judge at the small claims court and judicial officer at DIFC Courts.

Dubai International Financial Centre Courts open for business asia.legalbusinessonline.com Fri, Jan 13, 2012