DIFC adjusts jurisdictions, fees

Dubai: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts announced on Wednesday changes to fee structures and to the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT).

The SCT will now hear claims of up to Dh500,000 in value “regardless of the nature of the case,” according to an emailed statement.

The changes have been made to offer “cheaper, faster and more discreet access to justice” following a public consultation.

The changes to jurisdiction of the SCT means that the Court of First Instance (CFI) will now here cases greater than Dh500,000 in value.

“The move was necessitated by the increasingly large and complex cases heard by the DIFC Courts and will free up the resources of the CFI and its judges,” the statement said.

DIFC Courts have also introduced a “sliding fee” that includes the hearing fees for any in-chamber meetings, a Case Management Conference, a Pre-trial Review and up to three days of trial. DIFC Courts have also removed the $250 (Dh917.5) for enforcing the it’s own judgments and introduced a new reimbursement policy that encourages early settlement.

Business Visit Visa’s for international legal counsel for those appearing before the DIFC Courts will cost $550 for a Category A 30-day or 90-day visa and a $1,600 for a Category B 30-day visa.