Business disputes swell, DIFC Court claims jump to Dh6.8 billion in H1 2025
DIFC Courts caseload rises 38% in H1 2025 as businesses opt for faster dispute resolution
Dubai: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts reported a sharp 38% increase in caseloads in the first half of 2025, with businesses and individuals turning to the English-language court for quicker, cross-border commercial dispute resolution.
From January to June 2025, the DIFC Courts handled 650 claims across all divisions, with a total claim value of Dh6.8 billion. The Court of First Instance (CFI) alone saw 61 claims worth Dh6.7 billion, with an average claim size of Dh117.7 million — reinforcing the Court’s status as a preferred venue for high-value, complex cases.
“The first half of 2025 reflects sustained growth in both opt-in matters and higher-value claims,” said Wayne Martin, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts. “These developments confirm the DIFC Courts’ standing as a trusted, globally recognised forum for commercial dispute resolution.”
Uptick across all divisions
The Civil & Commercial Division (CCD) registered a 85% jump in cases, up from 33 to 61 claims year-on-year, worth Dh2.3 billion.
The Arbitration Division saw 23 filings — a 92% increase — valued at Dh4.5 billion, with an average claim of Dh342.6 million.
The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) handled 458 cases worth Dh43.2 million, up 73% year-on-year.
Enforcement claims fell, partially offsetting growth elsewhere, with 106 cases valued at Dh4.5 million.
Diverse sectors, global users
Claims were spread across key economic sectors such as banking, retail, real estate, manufacturing, and crypto. Notably, many users from outside the DIFC jurisdiction continued to opt in contractually, highlighting trust in the Court’s transparency, international enforceability, and bilingual proceedings. In CFI cases, 38% were opt-in; SCT had 39%, and Arbitration Division 18%.
DIFC Wills, Pro Bono Services expand
The DIFC Courts’ Wills Service Centre saw a 14% rise in registrations, recording 922 Wills in H1 2025. Its Pro Bono Programme, the first in the Middle East, assisted 524 people during the period, with support from 39 law firms and 51 lawyers.
Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, noted: “The consistent increase across all services shows the value placed on our legal framework by the business community. Our courts continue to evolve to meet the needs of a dynamic economy.”
Legal reforms boost Court mandate
In March 2025, Dubai Law No. (2) of 2025 was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, consolidating the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction over civil, commercial, and labour matters. It merged and replaced older statutes to remove conflicts and streamline legal procedures.
The update strengthens Dubai’s position as a pro-business legal hub, ensuring the DIFC Courts remain arbitration-friendly, transparent, and accessible.
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