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ADGM Courts set new milestone and benchmark in the global delivery of courts and judicial dispute-resolution services

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM Courts), the internationally recognised, independent courts of ADGM, presented their fully digital, bespoke courtroom at an exclusive launch event held today in the ADGM Building on Al Maryah Island.

The digital courtroom, first of its kind globally, is a testament to ADGM Courts' commitment to delivering an innovative and world-class dispute resolution jurisdiction that responds to the dynamic needs of businesses and investors and defines the quality and delivery of judicial services for the future.   The launch event was well-attended by state leader, H.E Sultan Bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice (Abu Dhabi), senior leaders from the Abu Dhabi Government and industry dignitaries. The event was hosted by H.E Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State (UAE) and Chairman of ADGM and Lord David Hope, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts.  

Establishing a Digitalised Judicial Landscape

The new courtroom is the latest initiative by ADGM Courts to establish a holistic digitalised environment that distinguishes them as leaders in the delivery of judicial services. Just this year, ADGM Courts successfully launched their eCourts online platform that has transformed the way civil and commercial courts interact with parties and their lawyers. Together, the digital courtroom and eCourts platform have created a new standard of judicial and dispute-resolution services in the region and globally.  

The digital courtroom has transformed the delivery of judicial services with the latest suite of technology and innovative software.  The ADGM digital courtroom allows seamless and efficient litigation and court proceedings in real-time, across different geographies and time zones.  The advanced facilities of this courtroom offer an end-to-end solution for court cases, integrating innovative technology and creating an optimal environment for paperless hearings.

H.E. Ahmed Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of ADGM, said: "We would like to thank Abu Dhabi's leadership, our partners in the Ministry of Justice and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and the industry for your support in our pursuit to raise the bar on dispute resolution service.      

As a global trading centre and investment hub, Abu Dhabi is committed to maintaining an efficient and trusted environment that enables businesses to operate seamlessly within the Emirates and across borders. This initiative is one of ADGM Courts' undertakings in support of Abu Dhabi's vision to foster growth and expand the region as a commercial and financial hub through technological innovations.  The introduction of the unique digital courtroom reinforces ADGM’s contribution to providing an open, progressive and international jurisdiction for businesses and investments to flourish with certainty."

The Right Honourable Lord David Hope of Craighead KT, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts, added: "The future of the judicial landscape is inevitably gravitating towards technology.  This makes the digital courtroom a natural next step and a vital feature of ADGM Courts' services. What is particularly noteworthy is that the concept of the digital courtroom is our response to consulting with users so that we can meet their needs and streamline litigation processes. We have focused on the design, functionality and capabilities to achieve the ideal balance between technological integration and user interface. We are confident that our new offering will act as a benchmark for how courts operate.  It will demonstrate how courts can drive change in the legal sector to everyone’s advantage."

ADGM Courts at the Forefront of Digital Litigation

The newly launched digital courtroom will provide locally-based and remote parties access to their digital court files, electronic filing options, case management and evidence bundles within real-time. The system incorporates broadcast-grade live video as well as audio links and allows full interaction. It will eradicate the need for hardcopy bundles and increase efficiency and reduce costs.  It will transcend location and time boundaries. It is expected that the new service will significantly expedite the litigation process.

About ADGM Courts:

ADGM Courts, the latest and most progressive judicial framework in the Middle East, are one of three world-class and independent authorities under ADGM supporting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to provide an innovative, efficient and dynamic business environment that fosters continuous economic growth.  ADGM is the first jurisdiction in the Middle East that directly applies the well-established and internationally accepted principles of English common law.

Fully operational since May 2016, ADGM Courts are anchored by a judiciary of highly experienced and eminent judges from the world’s leading common law jurisdictions. ADGM Courts are made up of a Court of First instance and a Court of Appeal that handle civil and commercial disputes. With "innovation" as part of their DNA, ADGM Courts are "digital" by default and continue to transform the engagement and delivery of judicial and dispute resolution services via their e-platform.

As an integral member of Abu Dhabi's judicial system, ADGM Courts will continue to establish strategic relationships for local and international judicial cooperation to advocate and uphold the highest level of international practice.   ADGM Courts' collaborations include Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the UAE Ministry of Justice, Ras Al Khaimah Courts, RAK International Corporate Centre, the Commercial Court, Queen’s Bench Division, England and Wales, the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic Of China, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Singapore, and the list continues to grow and strengthen.