The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) legal system is on the cusp of a profound transformation, poised to reap the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) within the next five to ten years. This shift, driven by innovation and evolving technologies, is set to bring significant changes to how legal processes are handled across the region, according to a leading figure at the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC).
Umar Azmeh, Registrar of QICDRC, envisions a future where AI not only streamlines court operations but also enhances accessibility to justice by reducing resource burdens. “In the next few years, we will witness AI’s profound impact on the legal field, improving efficiency and cutting down on time and resource expenditure in courts,” Azmeh remarked at a recent conference organized by Ooredoo Group.
The practical advantages of AI in the courtroom are clear: AI tools will soon facilitate smoother case management, helping judges and court staff navigate complex legal data, streamline procedural tasks, and ultimately speed up judicial processes. This shift is particularly crucial for public institutions with limited resources, such as courts, that need to handle large volumes of cases efficiently.
AI’s role may not stop with assisting court personnel. It is expected to play a more prominent role in decision-making as well. While judges are unlikely to rely on AI for final rulings, AI tools will help by analyzing vast amounts of information, identifying patterns, and suggesting possible interpretations that improve consistency in judgments. This technology could become an invaluable resource for judges seeking clarity in complex cases.
Azmeh also highlighted the potential for AI to support lawyers in the pre-litigation stage, offering tools that help them process legal documents, predict outcomes, and manage case files with greater precision. Moreover, AI systems in courts can be both internal and external-facing. Internally, AI will assist with reviewing case papers, summarizing complex financial data, and automating routine tasks like filing and service procedures, which can reduce costs and improve access to justice.
Externally, AI could help ensure the accuracy and completeness of paperwork filed by court users, reducing the risk of case rejection due to procedural errors.
The QICDRC, since its inception in 2009, has been at the forefront of integrating technology into the judicial process. Its advanced case management system and online hearing capabilities, including simultaneous translation services, have already made global participation in legal proceedings a reality. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the GCC’s legal system is set to become even more efficient, accessible, and innovative.
