Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 July 2009: The DIFC Courts, the Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) independent, common law judicial system, today announced the addition of two new parts to their Rules (RDC) to further enhance the suite of dispute resolution services available at the DIFC.
The new Part 53 of the RDC describes the framework for claims before the Small Claims Tribunal (“SCT”), which is designed to fast-track disputes under AED100,000. Cases in the SCT are resolved in an expeditious, cost efficient manner without the need for lawyers. This allows the SCT to resolve over 90% of disputes in less than two weeks.
Amna Al Owais, Registrar of the DIFC Courts’ Small Claims Tribunal said: “The small claims tribunal rules were created following extensive consultation and review of international best practices. The new SCT Rules provide a clear framework for court users through all stages of the small claims tribunal process.”
The new Part 43 of the RDC was developed to provide case parties with a framework and procedure for efficient arbitration through the DIFC Courts. Part 43 sets out the procedures relating to claims arising from Arbitrations conducted in the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre. This sets out the general powers of a supervisory Court, including interim applications as well as enforcement and ratification of arbitration awards.
Joseph Huse, Registrar of the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre said: “The arbitration rules further strengthen the strong foundation of the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre in the DIFC. The arbitration rules outline the Courts’ involvement in the arbitration proceedings and in ratifying arbitral awards. This court rule completes the legislative and legal environment for the effective operation of the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre and the DIFC Arbitration Law”
The rules are available for viewing on the DIFC Courts’ website: www.difccourts.ae