1.1 This Practice Direction is issued to enhance access to justice in employment-related disputes, recognising the need for a proportionate, fair, and efficient procedural framework within the DIFC Courts.

1.2 This Direction applies to all employment claims brought before the Court of First Instance ("CFI").

2.1 The Registrar shall have discretion, upon application, to waive or reduce the filing fees payable in any employment claim, having regard to: (a) the claimant's financial means; (b) the complexity and merits of the claim; and (c) the interests of justice.

2.2 The Registrar may, in appropriate cases, impose a maximum fee cap to ensure proportionality.

2.3 Instalment payment of fees may be permitted where the claimant demonstrates financial hardship.

3.1 The general rule in employment disputes shall be that each party bears its own legal costs.

3.2 The Court may, in its discretion, make an adverse costs order where: (a) a party has brought or conducted proceedings unreasonably; (b) a party has acted vexatiously or in bad faith; or (c) it is otherwise in the interests of justice to do so.

Any such order must be proportionate and accompanied by reasons.

4.1 Employment proceedings before the CFI shall, by default, be conducted in private.

4.2 The Court may, upon application or of its own motion, lift confidentiality where it is necessary in the interests of justice, including but not limited to: (a) public accountability; (b) avoiding prejudice to third parties; or (c) preventing abuse of process.

4.3 Final judgments may be published in anonymised form unless the Court determines that full publication is warranted.

Chief Justice Wayne Martin
01 October 2025