Dubai has introduced a comprehensive legal framework to strengthen the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts, ensuring their continued independence and efficiency. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his role as the Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (2) of 2025, redefining judicial operations within the DIFC.
This legislation streamlines the governance of the DIFC Courts, which include the Court of Appeal, the Court of First Instance, and the Small Claims Tribunal. It clarifies their jurisdiction, judicial structure, and administrative functions while reinforcing their autonomy within Dubai’s legal ecosystem. The law also establishes a Mediation Centre, providing an alternative resolution channel for disputes under the guidance of registered mediators.
Under its provisions, the DIFC Courts retain exclusive authority over civil, commercial, and labor-related disputes tied to the financial hub. They will oversee cases involving DIFC entities, personnel, and financial dealings, as well as matters concerning trust deeds, non-Muslim wills, and arbitration rulings under DIFC law. The legislation also grants jurisdiction over emergency protective measures, asset inquiries, and cases originating outside the DIFC that require enforcement within its framework.
Replacing previous legal structures dating back to 2004, this law consolidates and modernizes the regulatory framework, ensuring the DIFC Courts remain a pivotal player in Dubai’s judicial landscape. Existing regulations will remain valid unless they contradict the new provisions, paving the way for a smooth transition toward a more efficient judicial system.
