Overview Jurisdiction Al Reem Expansion Authorities Initiatives ADGM Academy Dispute Resolution
A platform that offers limitless opportunities and paves the way for a brighter future

Abu Dhabi boasts first-class infrastructure and unparalleled global connectivity, making it a premier international destination. Its exceptional qualities make it an ideal location to live, work, and conduct business.

Read about Abu Dhabi's life style
Latest Initiatives Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed witnesses opening of 3rd Abu Dhabi Finance Week FSRA introduces a regulatory framework to support the issuance of Fiat-Referenced Tokens in ADGM
Overview Business Areas Setting up Operating in Public Registers Legal Framework
Providing an environment that empowers the future

A financial centre that provides transparency, efficiency, and integrity, through its progressive frameworks, future focused infrastructure, all within a familiar independent legal jurisdiction – ADGM is the perfect platform for success.

Find out how to set up in ADGM
Latest News ADGM Launches an All-in-One Mobile App to Enhance Connectivity and Elevate Experience Across the Financial District ADGM's Numou Expands Financial Access Through Strategic Partnerships with Leading Private Credit Providers
Media News Events Spotlight Podcasts Publications
Stay up-to-date with our wide range of available resources

Our community of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors can depend on ADGM to provide timely news and reliable insights.

Read our latest news articles
Upcoming Events Global Private Credit | Middle East Investors' Conference 3rd Annual Financial Restructuring MENA Conference Future of Asset Management Middle East Unveiling Beneficial Ownership in the UAE
Support Make an enquiry Speaking Up FAQs
We are here to help

At ADGM, we offer various support options, including contact details, FAQs, enquiry forms, and a whistleblowing form.

View available support options
Some of our FAQ topics
  • Getting started
  • Foundations regime
  • Resolution for incorporation
  • Existing auditors
  • New auditors
  • ACCESSADGM
  • Initiatives

    The ADGM Courts UAE National Judge Programme

    Initiatives UAE National Judge Programme
    Comprehensive framework and pathway for outstanding Emirati lawyers

    The ADGM Courts UAE National Judge Programme provides a comprehensive framework and pathway for outstanding Emirati lawyers to advance to the highest level in the legal and justice sector in the UAE. Overseen by the Chief Justice of ADGM Courts, and with the support and encouragement of the ADGM Courts' judges, the judge programme provides an extraordinary opportunity for high achieving Emirati lawyers to excel in their chosen law career.

     

    Lord David Hope

    Chief Justice of ADGM Courts

    “This is a significant and highly anticipated step for the Court. Creating a pathway for the addition of Emirati Judges has been a priority since our inception and a development that we have encouraged and warmly welcome. This step is in line with the UAE's vision of justice and equality, integrity and transparency, and excellence in judicial services. We very much look forward to working during the years ahead with Emirati Judges on the bench of ADGM Courts, and to our continued collaboration on this invaluable programme with the SCO, for whose support I am very grateful.”

    Ready to begin your journey of becoming an Emirati judge? Start the application

    Prerequisites and qualifications

    Comprising four stages, the programme includes intensive education and considerable practical legal and judicial training in common law, with an emphasis on commercial law. Programme participants must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in common law, strong leadership and communication skills, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards.

    Prior to proceeding to the application process, pleasure ensure each of the following requirements are met:

    • An undergraduate degree in English common law, economics or business studies
    • In the case of no undergraduate degree in law, a postgraduate degree in law is required
    • A minimum of 6.5/7 IELTS score
    ADGM review all applications individually and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to proceed to the next stage.

    Stage 1

    • Candidates submit their CV and a rationale paper.

    Stage 2

    • Candidates complete psychometric assessments and a 1st round interview.

    Stage 3

    • Candidates complete a case study writing assignment and a 2nd round interview.

    Stage 4

    • Successful applicants are notified with their development programme start date.

    Stage 1

    • ADGM familiarisation and induction

    Stage 2

    • Post graduate degrees (e.g GDL, LPC, LLM) - modules taken to include e.g. corporate law, commercial law, contract law, equity, commercial dispute resolution, international trade

    Stage 3

    • Litigation training - practising commercial common law and dispute resolution as a trainee/associate in a Magic Circle Law firm dealing with court litigation; and/or working as a judicial assistant in the English Court of Appeal (Civil Division) and in the English Commercial Court

    Stage 4

    • Practical judicial training - sitting with a full-time judge in a common law jurisdiction or in ADGM Courts; assisting with case management and drafting of judgments. Including judicial writing skills
    Programme participants will be mentored by an ADGM Courts judge throughout stages 2, 3 and 4.
    Frequently asked questions

    What does this development programme consist of?

    The programme consists of four stages which are tailor-made for each participant based on their yearsÂ’ of experience, completed education and individual learning pace.

    The four stages of the development programme include:

    • ADGM Familiarisation and induction
    • Post graduate degrees (e.g GDL, LPC, LLM)
    • Litigation training with a magic circle law firm and/or working as a judicial assistant in the English Court of Appeal (Civil Division) and in the English Commercial Court
    • Practical judicial training which includes sitting with a full-time judge in a common law jurisdiction or in ADGM Courts

    What are the tuition fees for this programme?

    Successful candidates will become employees of ADGM, and their development will be sponsored and paid for by ADGM.

    What is the criteria to be eligible for the programme?

    • An undergraduate degree in English common law, economics or business studies
    • In the case of no undergraduate degree in law, a postgraduate degree in law is required
    • A minimum of 6.5/7 IELTS score

    How long is the programme? (from start to graduate)

    The development programme and its subsequent length is customised for each participant.

    What happens once I graduate from the programme?

    You will be an ADGM Judge starting as a Judge in the Small Claims Court.

    What happens next?

    If you are successful at the shortlist stage, you will be contacted about next steps.

    Where do interested candidates apply?

    Please apply on the ADGM careers board.

    About

    Overview Jurisdiction Al Reem Expansion Authorities Initiatives ADGM Academy Dispute Resolution Careers

    Business

    Overview Business areas Setting up Operating in Public registers Legal framework

    Discover

    Media News Events Spotlight Podcasts Publications Documents

    Contact & Support

    Support Make an enquiry Speaking Up

    Resources

    FAQs Document Repository
    © 2025 Abu Dhabi Global Market. All rights reserved. Sitemap Terms and conditions Privacy policy Cookies policy

    We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the website. Additional cookies are used to perform analysis of website usage. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please read our Cookies Policy.

    Reject cookies Accept cookies