Directive issued on remote litigation

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday directed that 80 per cent of federal court sessions be permanently transferred to remote litigation, before the end of 2021.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said in a tweet, “The UAE has succeeded in adopting smart systems for remote litigation during the pandemic of COVID-19. Today, we directed the Ministry of Justice to work on transferring 80 per cent of the federal court sessions permanently to remote litigation sessions before the end of 2021. We want the UAE to be the world’s best, fairest and fastest in the judicial services.

“The judicial system in the country plays a pivotal role in consolidating the foundations of justice and the rule of law among members of society. The supreme goal of our judicial system is to ensure justice for all who live in the UAE without discrimination or favouritism and at the highest levels of speed, accuracy and integrity,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

He continued, “The advanced digital infrastructure that the UAE has developed over the past years is a solid foundation on which we want to continue to build and expand the technologybased areas to foster the government services. The judiciary system is a key pillar for society’s progress and prosperity. And ensuring justice for members of society despite circumstances and challenges is a feature of the successful countries and a standard for the efficiency and leadership of their institutions.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also stressed that the UAE was able to transform the challenges posed by the pandemic into unprecedented opportunities to continue development and modernise work mechanisms.

The UAE made qualitative leaps in developing its vital sectors and digital transformation of services thanks to its proactive visions and readiness to continue providing the best, most efficient and effective services to people, His Highness said.

He also reiterated that improving people’s lives is the core of the government work, and its ultimate goal.