Introduction

1. This guide is for witnesses who appear before the DIFC Courts during trial.

2. The following paragraphs are written for general information only and should not be taken as a statement of the law, nor should it be taken as an indication of how the Court will interpret or apply the law in future.

General

1. When entering the Courts' building please introduce yourself at the Courts' reception stating that you are a witness. The Court may direct you to the witness room at the Courts until your name is called to go to the Court room or you may sit in the hearing unless excluded by the Judge.

2. Bow to the Judge when entering and exiting the Court room.

3. When entering or leaving the Court room you should be quiet so that you do not disrupt the Court proceedings.

4. Prior to giving evidence you will be required either to affirm or swear an oath. When you are called to the witness box the Registrar or Deputy Registrar will ask you to give your full name, address and whether you wish to affirm or swear an oath. You will be given a card in which the text of the affirmation or oath are written.

5. When giving evidence speak clearly towards the Judge, and not to the lawyer asking the questions.

6. Please refer to the Public Guide for further general rules.

If you require clarifications on any of the points above, please contact the Courts' Registry.