Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts on Thursday held a seminar for legal professionals which provided insights into the world-class independent judicial system created to adjudicate disputes in connection with DIFC and its residents.

The DIFC Courts system is the only English language common law judicial system in the Middle East region.

These courts were established in 2004 to guarantee the highly secure business and contracting environment of the DIFC.

Prominent speakers at the seminar included Sir Anthony Evans, chief justice of the DIFC Courts; deputy chief justice Michael Hwang, justice David Williams and justice Sir Anthony Coleman.

They were joined by justice Ali Al Madhani and justice Omar Al Muhairi, the first Emiratis appointed as DIFC Courts' Judges, and some of Dubai’s leading legal professionals.

Titled “The Role of the DIFC Courts', the seminar explored key features of the DIFC Courts including its legal framework, jurisdiction and the enforcement of its judgements throughout the world.

The Courts' landmark 'Small Claims Tribunal' was also referenced, with its impressive record of having resolved 47 disputes this year, each in under 2 weeks.

The DIFC courts, comprising eminent judges from around the world, operate to the highest international standards and are fully staffed to handle all cases within their jurisdiction, whether small claims of under Dh100,000 or claims involving sophisticated international financial transactions.

Sir Anthony Evans, chief justice of DIFC Courts, said: 'The seminar offered us an opportunity to interact closely with Dubai’s legal community and promote a greater understanding of the authority and functioning of the DIFC Courts.'

'At a time when developed markets are going through a turbulent period, legal institutions like the DIFC Courts, which provide globally benchmarked judicial procedures, are essential to maintaining a stable economic environment in the region.'

'This seminar offered an invaluable opportunity for legal professionals to deepen their knowledge of the DIFC Courts’ frameworks and processes that facilitate secure and just dispute resolution,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service