His Excellency Dr. Hadif bin Jouan Al Dhahiri, Minister of Justice, highlighted the importance of joint coordination and knowledge sharing between the Ministry and government and private institutions in achieving true justice. Also of importance is ensuring the rule of law and the delivery of services provided by the state judiciary, according to standard international practices in performance and speed of delivery.
His Excellency praised the role of the DIFC Courts in achieving these goals, and in raising the efficiency of judicial work in the country, and praised the international recognition it has gained through its expertise and capabilities.
Their Excellencies Dr. Hadif bin Jouan Al Dhahiri and Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governer of the Dubai International Financial Centre, witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice and the DIFC Courts for cooperative programs aimed at the continuous improvement in all sectors of the judicial system, promoting judicial cooperation at the local, federal, regional and international levels.
The Memorandum of Understanding solidifies the ongoing cooperation between the two parties to strengthen the continued commitment to achieving key strategic objectives, including matters relating to multi-disciplinary procedures and judicial enforcement.
Signing the agreement were, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, His Excellency Mohammad bin Hamad Al-Badi Director General of the Ministry of Justice, and from the DIFC Courts' His Excellency Justice Omar Al Muhairi, on behalf of the Chief Justice Sir Anthony Evans.
At the signing ceremony, the Minister of Justice commented on the importance of the memorandum of understanding in enhancing the level and efficiency in professional circles, as well as at the DIFC Courts. The MOU is expected to extend to the deployment of techniques such as electronic case management and electronic registration, as well as training programs that will take place under the terms of the memorandum of understanding.
He went on to say that the agreement with the DIFC Courts is another example of the positive steps being taken by the Ministry of Justice, adding that this MOU will help to support cooperation and coordination in the UAE's courts..
For his part, His Excellency Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of the DIFC, praised the role played by the Ministry of Justice in supporting the UAE's judicial system, and its constant desire to see judicial cooperation with community institutions to improve their standard of work and federal legislation. He added that such support helps play an effective role in the DIFC and the world's activities stressing the importance of sharing expertise and the continued cooperation with the Ministry, in order to maximize this vitally important role.
Sir Anthony Evans, Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts, highlighted the importance of this agreement by saying: "We are pleased to be signing this memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Justice, which will advance cooperative efforts between the parties, which in turn will contribute to the provision of judicial services in line with international best practices. The Memorandum of Understanding will be continuously reviewed to enable any possible improvements and harmonize future developments."
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice and DIFC Courts will include consultation and exchange of views regarding legal and judicial systems, training lawyers, and regular meetings between DIFC Courts and the Ministry of Justice, to promote the exchange of best practice between the parties, as well as joint development efforts focusing on specific areas, such as improving the level of efficiency using information technology, and programs that promote common awareness, education initiatives and training programs.
The Signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Hosni, Undersecretary for Fatwa, Legislation and State Affairs, and H.E. Abdul Rahman Murad Al Balushi, Director of International Cooperation, from the Ministry of Justice, and by H.E. Issa Baddour Senior legal counsel of the Governor's office in the DIFC. From the DIFC Courts, H.E. Justice Ali Madhani, H.E. Justice Omar Al Muhairi, Judicial Officer Shamlan Abdulrahman Al-Sawalehi. Mark Beer, Registrar of the DIFC Courts and Ms. Ghada Qaisi Audi, Judicial support and communications manager, were all in attendance.