News

Game-changing solution developed with technology partner Microsoft 
provides a one-stop holistic, dispute-resolution portal

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM Courts), the internationally recognised independent courts of ADGM - the UAE capital's International Financial Centre - are delighted to announce the launch of the ADGM eCourt Platform. The eCourt platform revolutionises the delivery of civil and commercial judicial dispute-resolution services and transforms the way courts interact with litigants and the legal profession.
Developed in partnership with global technology corporation, Microsoft, the Integrated eCourt Platform provides a comprehensive, digital court record. Users can initiate, manage and monitor their cases 24-7, from anywhere in the world, through the device of their choosing. They can file documents and receive SMS notifications pertaining to progress of their case and changes to the digital court file. Electronic evidence bundles are included in the court file at no additional cost to any party, and court hearings are conducted through video conferencing, accessed via an integrated calendar.

The eCourt Platform also provides a secure payment gateway for clients and lawyers, with immediate access to invoices and receipts, and instantaneous publication of orders and judgments on cases. Combined, the platform’s features deliver a holistic judicial dispute-resolution service, resulting in substantial time and cost savings to litigants and their lawyers.

The platform is an end-to-end solution built on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, incorporating elements of the company's industry-leading, smart commerce platform, Dynamics 365. This platform eliminates paper, and virtual trials and hearings via video conferencing reduces further costs.

ADGM Courts, supported by Microsoft, are continuing to implement ground-breaking digital solutions across all aspects of ADGM's dispute-resolution services. Both organisations are committed to the design and implementation of digital solutions that disrupt and revolutionise the way that such services are delivered.

Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, said: "We have worked tirelessly to be innovative with our digital services, and to exceed the expectations of users. We consulted widely to understand the pinch points of the legal profession's interaction with courts, so that we could ensure a seamless experience with the ADGM eCourt Platform. At this point, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the members of the profession who generously gave their time, thoughts and expertise to the development of this game-changing platform. We are excited to reach this milestone in our commitment to lead and drive unique digital dispute-resolution services."

H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of ADGM, said: "Technological advances in ADGM resonate with the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi's economy. We believe that the establishment of these end-to-end, unique, fully digital and mobile-enabled judicial resolution services is transformative. There will be no boundaries of time, location or efficiency in progressing cases before ADGM Courts; they are courts that truly serve the local and global investors, and business communities".

Commenting on the launch of the eCourts platform, Sayed Hashish, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf said: "Microsoft is committed to helping organizations and individuals to achieve more, and today we celebrate ADGM's landmark achievement in delivering fairer, faster and more efficient access to justice. This platform is a completely integrated end-to-end eCourt. It represents a total digital transformation of legal and court services for ADGM, which is leading the world in demonstrating how litigation can shift from a physical, paper-heavy process to become a digital, paperless service. The intelligent cloud’s power to engage, empower, optimise and transform is evident here - removing the traditional constraints of cost, time and geography in favour of an agile, efficient system that works for all."

About ADGM Courts:

ADGM Courts, the latest and most progressive judicial framework in the Middle East, are one of three world-class and independent authorities under ADGM supporting Abu Dhabi's commitment to provide an innovative, efficient and dynamic business environment that fosters continuous economic growth. ADGM is the first jurisdiction in the Middle East that directly applies the well-established and internationally accepted principles of English common law.

Fully operational since May 2016, ADGM Courts are anchored by a judiciary of highly experienced and eminent judges from the world's leading common law jurisdictions. ADGM Courts are made up of a Court of First instance and a Court of Appeal that handle civil and commercial disputes. With "innovation" as part of their DNA, ADGM Courts are "digital" by default and continue to transform the engagement and delivery of judicial and dispute resolution services via their e-platform.

As an integral member of Abu Dhabi's judicial system, ADGM Courts will continue to establish strategic relationships for local and international judicial cooperation to advocate and uphold the highest level of international practice. ADGM Courts collaborations include Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the UAE Ministry of Justice, Ras Al Khaimah Courts, RAK International Corporate Centre, the Commercial Court, Queen's Bench Division, England and Wales, the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic Of China, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Singapore, and the list continues to grow and strengthen.

For more updates and information of ADGM Courts, please visit https://www.adgm.com/adgm-courts/

About Abu Dhabi Global Market:

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial centre (IFC) located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, opened for business on 21 October 2015. Established by UAE Federal Decree as a broad-based financial centre, ADGM plays a pivotal role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global centre for business and finance. It serves as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the rest of the world.

Based in Abu Dhabi, home to one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds and one of the highest concentrations of high-net-worth-individuals in the world, ADGM's strategy is anchored by Abu Dhabi's key strengths including private banking, wealth management, asset management and financial innovation. Comprising three independent authorities: the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and ADGM Courts, it enables registered financial institutions, companies and entities to thrive and operate within an international regulatory framework based on Common Law.

Since its inception, ADGM has been awarded the "Financial Centre of the Year (MENA)" for two consecutive years for its initiatives and contributions to the financial and capital markets industry in the region.* 

As part of its mandate, ADGM oversees and governs the Al Maryah Island, a designated financial free zone covering 114-hectares of financial and commercial services including residential, retail, leisure, hotel and office developments. For more details of ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on Twitter: @adglobalmarket and LinkedIn: ADGM

* Source: The Global Investor Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Awards

For further enquiries, please contact:

Afra Al Rashdi, Senior Manager, Communications
Email: afra.alrashdi@adgm.com
Tel: +971 2 333 8853
Online: www.adgm.com