The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts processed a record AED 18.6 billion in claims during 2025, with 1,509 cases filed across all divisions—a 43% year-over-year increase. Court officials reviewed these figures at a recent meeting, where they also assessed the newly adopted five-year growth strategy for 2026–2030. The Main Court of First Instance (CFI) and its divisions handled 173 claims worth AED 7.6 billion, averaging AED 68.2 million per case. The Arbitration Division led in total claim value, managing 53 cases worth AED 4.95 billion, with an average of AED 150.2 million.
Meanwhile, the Civil & Commercial Division recorded 117 claims totaling AED 2.6 billion, averaging AED 33.9 million. Disputes spanned sectors including banking, manufacturing, real estate, and retail, covering issues such as arbitration arrangements, breach of contract, employment, and insolvency cases. Enforcement claims alone accounted for 341 cases worth AED 10.9 billion. International confidence in the courts was evident, with 31% of CFI claims designated as “opt-in,” meaning parties deliberately chose the DIFC Courts for resolution. His Excellency Wayne Martin, chief justice of the DIFC Courts, observed that the 2025 statistics demonstrate consistent growth, particularly in the CFI and its divisions.
The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) also saw significant activity, with a 68% rise in cases, filing 995 claims worth AED 83.1 million, averaging AED 84,000 per claim. The courts continued advancing their paperless initiative, issuing 2,676 digital orders and 181 judgments in 2025, while conducting 99% of hearings remotely. Beyond litigation, the Wills Service registered 2,220 wills, a 22% increase, and probate applications rose 37% to 41 cases. Law firm registrations grew 13% to 235, and legal practitioners increased 14% to 1,224.
The Pro Bono Programme provided assistance to 840 individuals, supported by 39 law firms and 49 lawyers. New services introduced included a Mediation Service Centre, an expanded Notary Service, and tools for handling complex cases, such as digital custodian and blockchain intelligence solutions. His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, director of the DIFC Courts, described the results as evidence of rising usage and expanded support services, positioning the DIFC Courts as a full dispute resolution platform. The five-year growth strategy, unveiled in December 2025, focuses on strengthening collaborations with law firms, academic institutions, and professional bodies.