DIFC Courts first pro bono case to be represented by Clyde and Co.

Notes and media contacts

About the DIFC Courts:

The DIFC Courts is an independent court system set up to uphold the provisions of DIFC laws and regulations. They provide the protection of an English language, common law court system, with an internationally renowned bench of judges versed in commercial disputes, to ensure transparent and efficient justice in civil and commercial matters in or relating to the Centre. The overriding objective of the DIFC Courts is to deal with cases justly and swiftly and to help parties settle cases. Designed to deal specifically with the sophisticated transactions conducted within the DIFC, the DIFC Courts provide comprehensive legal redress in civil and commercial matters. Along with offering the highest standards in legal dispute resolution and a judicial system based on international best practices, DIFC Courts provide a small claims tribunal which is unique in the region. In January 2008, DIFC Courts appointed the first female judge in the UAE and announced that two Emirati judges had become common law International Judges. The DIFC Courts were established under laws enacted by The Late His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai in September 2004. The DIFC Courts are an independent judicial system which has jurisdiction over matters arising from and within the DIFC. The DIFC Courts were established under two new laws enacted by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Law No. 12 of 2004 established the Judicial Authority at the DIFC and sets out the jurisdiction of the court and allows for the independent administration of justice in the DIFC. The laws establishing the DIFC Courts are designed to ensure the highest international standards of legal procedure thus ensuring that the DIFC Courts provide the certainty, flexibility and efficiency expected by the global institutions operating within the DIFC.

About the DIFC:

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. In just three years, over 600 firms have registered at the DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. The DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100% foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.

About Clyde & Co:

Clyde & Co LLP is an international law firm renowned for its cross border expertise and local market know-how.

In the Middle East, Clyde & Co is the largest international law firm in the GCC, with a long regional history and over 150 specialist lawyers and paralegals working as a single unit across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh. In 2008 the firm was voted by the Dubai Corporate Counsel Group as the 'most innovative firm' in Dubai at the 2008 International Financial Law Review (IFLR) awards; ranked as the top law firm in the UAE for the fourth successive year by the international legal directory Legal500; and listed by the respected Chambers Global legal directory as having more leading lawyers than any other firm in the region.

Internationally, Clyde & Co has over 1300 staff in 21 offices helping clients in over 120 countries break through the trade barrier. The firm is internationally recognised for its expertise relating to international trade and emerging markets.

For more information please contact:

Maram Alkadhi
Capital MS&L (Dubai)
D: +971 4 367 6160
F: +971 4 427 8689
PO Box 502697 Dubai, UAE