Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Decree No. (29) of 2024, establishing the “Judicial Authority for Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts between DIFC Courts and Judicial Authorities in the Emirate of Dubai,” aimed at settling jurisdictional disputes among various judicial bodies in Dubai.
This decree applies to all judicial entities in Dubai, including the Court of Cassation, the Court of Appeal, the Court of First Instance, and future courts established under the Judicial Authority in Dubai, as well as the DIFC Courts.
The Authority, chaired by the President of the Court of Cassation at Dubai Courts, with the Deputy Chief Justice of DIFC Courts as Deputy Chairman, includes the Secretary General of the Dubai Judicial Council, the Presidents of the Court of Appeal and Court of First Instance at Dubai Courts, and two judges from DIFC Courts appointed by the Chief Justice.
The Chairman of the Authority can appoint an employee from any of Dubai’s judicial bodies as the Secretary General, according to Arabian Business.
The Authority’s responsibilities include determining competent courts for disputes, specifying enforceable judgments during conflicts, and executing tasks delegated by Dubai’s ruler or the Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council.
Decisions by the Authority are final and unappealable, with the legal principles established under this decree binding on all courts, including DIFC Courts.
The Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council will issue necessary decisions to implement this decree, which supersedes Decree No. (19) of 2016 regarding the Judicial Tribunal for Dubai Courts and DIFC Courts.
This decree annuls any conflicting legislation, with decisions under Decree No. (19) of 2016 remaining valid until replaced.
Decree No. (29) of 2024 will be published in the Official Gazette and take effect the day after publication.
