DIFC Courts Record Dh10B in Claims as Dubai Bolsters Dispute Resolution Position

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts recorded a landmark first half of 2026, registering 810 cases with claims worth Dh10 billion ($2.73 billion), as businesses increasingly turn to Dubai as a preferred destination for resolving complex commercial disputes.

The number of cases filed between January and June 2026 rose 25 per cent compared with the same period last year, while the total value of claims increased 48 per cent, averaging Dh55 million in claims every day.

The figures, released on Monday, represent the first half-year performance since the DIFC Courts unveiled their five-year strategy in December 2025. They highlight growing international confidence in Dubai’s legal framework and the willingness of businesses to voluntarily select the DIFC Courts to settle high-value disputes.

Nearly one-third of all cases — 243 out of 810 — were filed under the Courts’ opt-in jurisdiction, where parties voluntarily agree to use the DIFC Courts despite not being legally required to do so. At the Court of First Instance (CFI), opt-in cases accounted for 42 per cent of claims.

The DIFC Courts’ Arbitration Division also recorded significant growth, handling 37 claims worth Dh3.17 billion, a 61 per cent increase year-on-year. The rise reflects growing reliance on the DIFC Courts as a supervisory jurisdiction for arbitration-related matters.

“These are the figures of a jurisdiction chosen, not assigned. Nearly one in three cases arrived by the parties’ own agreement, with the average claim before our Court of First Instance more than doubling to Dh112.6 million. Disputes of that value and complexity require proven systems and expertise,” said Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts.


The CFI and its specialised divisions handled 110 claims during the first half of the year, compared with 86 in H1 2025, marking a 28 per cent increase. The claims had a combined value of Dh9 billion, with an average claim size of Dh117.2 million.

The main CFI division alone recorded 72 claims, an 18 per cent rise from the previous year. The average value of claims more than doubled to Dh112.6 million, reflecting the growing complexity and scale of disputes brought before the Court.

The Small Claims Tribunal, which provides access to justice for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises, processed 479 claims worth Dh44.7 million. The average claim value stood at Dh94,000, with filings increasing 5 per cent year-on-year.

Enforcement activity also witnessed a sharp rise, more than doubling to 220 filings in the first half of 2026, compared with 106 during the same period last year. The figure represents more than one enforcement application every day on average. Eight applications involved the enforcement of judgments and orders issued outside the DIFC Courts.

“Behind every statistic is a court user, a business protecting a contract, an individual resolving a dispute, or a family planning ahead,” Justice Al Mheiri said.

Digital Model

The DIFC Courts continued to expand their digital-first approach, with 99 per cent of proceedings — 818 out of 824 — conducted online during the reporting period. Only six hearings took place in person.

During the six months, the Courts issued 1,766 digital orders and judgments, reinforcing their position as one of the region’s most technology-driven judicial systems.

Other services also recorded steady demand. The DIFC Courts’ Wills Service registered 1,925 wills in the first half of 2026, taking total registrations since its launch beyond 14,300.

The Courts’ practitioners’ register now includes 1,351 lawyers from 256 law firms, while its Pro Bono Programme supported 315 individuals with assistance from 55 volunteer lawyers representing 39 firms.

 

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