Dubai is mulling adopting common law across its freezones, in a move that would improve its business environment and attract more investors, Emirati news agency WAM reports. Dubai currently has 20 freezones under its belt, only one of which models its judicial system according to the English common law system — the DIFC.Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) also fully adopts the system as its judiciary system, according to its website.

SOUND SMART- Common law is a legal system that originated in the UK and relies on court decisions — precedents — rather than codes or statutes. This means courts governing freezones in Dubai will rule based on previous rulings that are similar or closely related to the case at hand, instead of relying heavily on codes and statutes.

What’s the point? The common law system is usually preferred by investors due to the consistency and flexibility it provides, particularly because it allows for laws to be updated regularly based on precedent rather than waiting to issue new laws, according to Lexology. It’s also widely used in English-speaking countries which makes it more easily accessible for international investors hailing from these countries, Lexology adds.

This builds on other measures the UAE is taking to make its freezones more attractive: Freezones in Dubai are currently exempt from all federal civil and commercial laws, according to Dubai Financial Services Authority. Businesses operating within the premises of the freezonesare also exempt from a new 9% corporate business tax which went into effect in June.

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