DIFC Courts target major expansion with new growth blueprint

Dubai’s DIFC Courts have unveiled a new five-year growth strategy that aims to accelerate their transformation into one of the world’s leading hubs for commercial justice.

Covering the period from 2026 to 2030, the blueprint sets out an expanded programme of innovation, operational upgrades and talent development aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the Dubai Digital Strategy and DIFC’s long-term vision as a global financial centre.

DIFC Courts outline ambitious 2026–2030 vision

The strategy builds on the progress made under the DIFC Courts Strategic Work Plan for 2022 to 2024, and is designed to strengthen the courts’ position as the jurisdiction of choice for resolving cross-border commercial disputes. It defines 26 initiatives structured around six strategic levers, ranging from service expansion to digital transformation.

These include innovation-led service development to redefine the role of commercial courts and deliver tangible value for users, as well as measures to advance access and reinforce the DIFC Courts’ position within Dubai’s commercial ecosystem. Raising market awareness, improving operational excellence and deepening the use of big data and AI all form part of the next phase.

High-impact talent development, focused on judicial training and leadership preparation, is also set to play a central role.

The courts will continue to build on their track record in service modernisation, which has already seen the launch of the Digital Economy Court, the expansion of the Wills Service for non-Muslims and the introduction of the Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service as part of a multi-door courthouse model.

Charting the next phase of growth

His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, said: “The new Strategy (2026–2030), approved by H. H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), embodies a clear vision to reinforce the role of the DIFC Courts as one of the institutional pillars supporting Dubai’s economic growth.

“The strategy aims to achieve sustainable growth in the scope and quality of the Courts’ services, expand their reach, and further consolidate Dubai’s position as a preferred forum for international commercial dispute resolution, while introducing a new generation of advanced digital and knowledge capabilities into the justice system.”

The blueprint also calls for stronger enforcement capability and deeper international connectivity to reinforce Dubai’s status as a safe harbour for dispute resolution. Sustained investment in talent and the wider legal ecosystem is seen as essential to match the expected growth in case activity and service demand.

Implementation of the five-year programme will be supported by a detailed schedule of projects and KPIs overseen by the courts’ leadership, ensuring alignment with the strategic direction of DIFC and the Government of Dubai.