New DIFC courts law: Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a new law for the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) courts, expanding its jurisdiction and introducing new mediation options, according to the Dubai Media Office. It will go into effect after its publication in the Official Gazette.

More cases will fall under the courts’ remit: All civil, commercial, and labor claims involving DIFC bodies, institutions, and employees will now fall under the DIFC jurisdiction — whether the cases are filed by or against those entities. Previously, only claims and disputes arising from or within the DIFC were under the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction. Also under its jurisdiction: cases related to trust deeds, non-Muslim wills, and arbitration awards under DIFC arbitration law.

New dispute resolution pathways will also be introduced through a mediation center falling under the DIFC president’s remit, where mediators registered with the DIFC will help resolve disputes.

Tags: