Image: DIFC Courts
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts reported a sharp rise in activity during H1 2025, with a 38 per cent year-on-year increase in total claims and a combined value of Dhs6.8bn ($1.85bn).
The data reflects growing demand for independent dispute resolution amid complex commercial activity and wider economic headwinds.
A total of 650 claims were filed across the courts’ divisions from January through June, up from 470 during the same period last year.
The average claim value across all divisions stood at Dhs13.2m, according to figures released by the DIFC Courts.
Higher value disputes, more opt-ins
The Court of First Instance (CFI) and its specialised units logged 61 claims worth a combined Dhs6.7bn, with an average claim size of Dhs117.7m.
Around 38 per cent of these were opt-in cases, meaning parties outside the DIFC’s jurisdiction contractually selected the DIFC Courts for resolution — an ongoing trend reflecting the forum’s perceived neutrality and enforceability.
Chief justice Wayne Martin said the first-half data confirms a “sustained pattern of growth, particularly in opt-in matters and higher-value claims,” which he credited in part to reforms under a new courts law issued earlier this year.
Arbitration and civil claims drive case load
The Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) saw an 85 per cent jump in filings, climbing from 33 claims to 61, totalling Dhs2.3bn.
The Arbitration Division posted an even steeper year-on-year rise, with 23 claims worth Dhs4.5bn — up 92 per cent compared to H1 2024.
Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) activity also spiked, handling 458 cases — a 73 per cent increase — with total value reaching Dhs43.2m and an average claim size of Dhs95,000.
These increases were offset somewhat by a dip in enforcement claims, which dropped to 106 cases worth Dhs4.5m, down from 122 cases over the same period last year.
Read: From a key new law to tech at DIFC Courts: Ayesha Bin Kalban shares her insights
Legal reforms add momentum
The uptick follows the enactment of Dubai Law No 2 of 2025, which consolidated and expanded the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction, simplifying previous statutes and reinforcing its authority in civil, commercial, and employment matters.
The move also clarified its mandate to issue interim measures, enforce arbitral awards, and support mediation.
Justice Omar Al Mheiri, diirector of DIFC Courts, said the results reflect “growing confidence from both businesses and individuals,” adding that the system’s adaptability is key to its longevity. “Our continued growth is a testament to our mission to expand access to justice across core and ancillary services,” he said.
Wills and pro bono uptake
The Courts’ ancillary services also recorded growth.
The DIFC Wills Service registered 922 wills — up 14 per cent year-on-year — bringing the total to more than 13,400 since inception.
The pro bono programme assisted 524 individuals in H1, with the help of 39 law firms and 51 volunteer lawyers.
The courts continue to see a mix of case types spanning banking and finance, real estate, manufacturing, crypto, and employment disputes.
Snapshot: Claims H1 2025
-
CFI + Divisions: 61 claims | Dhs6.7bn total | Average claim: Dhs117.7m
-
Civil and Commercial: 61 claims | Dhs2.3bn | Average claim: Dhs51.3m
-
Arbitration: 23 claims | Dhs4.5bn | Average claim: Dhs42.6m
-
Small Claims Tribunal: 458 claims | Dhs43.2m | Average claim: Dhs95,000
-
Enforcement: 106 claims | Dhs4.5m | Average claim: Dhs1.5m
