In a ceremony underscoring the central role of justice in societal development, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, oversaw the swearing-in of 35 new judges at Dubai Courts. The event, held at the historic Union House, placed a spotlight on the UAE’s commitment to an independent and effective judicial system, as the newly appointed judges pledged to uphold the rule of law and serve with integrity.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on 10 August 2025 at Al Mudaif Majlis in Union House, Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presided over the formalities, emphasizing the judiciary’s pivotal function in delivering justice and maintaining societal harmony. He affirmed that a strong and independent judiciary is essential to guarantee social stability and protect rights, and that the integrity of judicial processes strengthens trust and prosperity within the community.Sheikh Mohammed extended his best wishes to the newly appointed judges, underscoring the vital importance of upholding justice and maintaining integrity in their work. He stressed that an independent judiciary is fundamental to safeguarding rights and ensuring social stability. Highlighting the broader role of the judiciary, he noted that judges play a key part in enforcing the rule of law, ensuring fair outcomes, and contributing to national progress. Fair and impartial rulings, he said, are the foundation of a society built on justice, trust, and long-term prosperity.The newly appointed judges expressed their gratitude for the trust placed in them and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and rule of law. The ceremony was attended by key legal and administrative figures, including:

The UAE’s judicial system operates on a three-tiered structure, designed to ensure fairness and provide multiple opportunities for review: 1. Court of First Instance2. Court of Appeal3. Court of Cassation or Federal Supreme Court This tiered system applies to both federal and local judicial bodies, with each level granting litigants legal recourse under clearly defined procedural frameworks. This is the initial level of litigation and has authority over all civil, commercial, administrative, labour, and personal status matters. It is also tasked with:

The Court of First Instance includes minor and major circuits, depending on the nature and value of the case. At the second level, this court allows parties dissatisfied with rulings from the Court of First Instance to appeal, provided they have not accepted the judgement explicitly or implicitly. Appeals must typically be filed within:

This is the highest court in the local judicial structure. It hears cases that have passed through the Court of Appeal and allows appeals based only on points of law, such as misapplication or misinterpretation. Appeals here must be filed within 60 days, and only when:

Decisions made by the Court of Cassation are final and binding.

Dubai Courts are organized into specialized circuits and categories to handle a wide array of legal matters. Each circuit is overseen by a presiding judge and supported by other judges and administrative staff. They include: Deal with financial disputes between individuals and entities, including issues around contracts, property, intellectual property, and mortgages.

Commercial Courts

Oversee disputes related to commercial transactions, including:

Handle private sector employment disputes like:

Under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Regulation No. 1 of 2022, workers are exempt from paying litigation fees for claims under AED 100,000.

Cover family matters including:

Handle violations prosecuted by local or federal authorities, in accordance with:

Tried in major circuits irrespective of the dispute’s monetary value, these cases typically involve real estate ownership, property development, tenancy conflicts, land use disagreements, and administrative or regulatory matters involving government decisions or public entities.

Role and structure of Dubai Courts Department

Founded in 1970, the Dubai Courts Department is responsible for managing all judicial proceedings and rulings within the emirate. It operates under the direct oversight of the Ruler of Dubai and is led by a Director-General, who also sits on the Dubai Executive Council. Key features of Dubai Courts include:

Services cover a range of areas including:

Dubai Courts aims to lead in judicial excellence and ensure efficient and transparent legal services for all residents and businesses in the emirate.