• Develop and foster judicial careers for outstanding Emirati lawyers
• Support for ongoing UAE efforts to create career opportunities for Emiratis at the highest level of key industry sectors

Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) Courts, with the support of the Scholarships Office (SCO), an affiliate of the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MoPA), are pleased to announce the introduction of a programme to select, develop and train highly educated and accomplished Emirati lawyers to join the judiciary of ADGM Courts.

The ‘Emirati Judge Programme’ provides a comprehensive framework and pathway for outstanding Emirati lawyers to advance to the highest level in the legal and justice sector in the UAE. Overseen by the Chief Justice of ADGM Courts, and with the support and encouragement of the Court’s judges, the Emirati Judge Programme will provide an extraordinary opportunity for high achieving Emirati lawyers to excel in their chosen career in the law. This programme has been some years in the creation. Its establishment coincides with the impressive growth of ADGM Courts as a respected international commercial court in a highly progressive International Financial Centre.

Scholarships Office (SCO), an affiliate of the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MoPA), was founded in 1999 for outstanding students and it is supervised directly both within the UAE and overseas by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. His Highness also ensures that all requirements for the success, progress and follow up of the programme are met. The Scholarships Office provides an opportunity for academically distinguished Emirati students to complete their studies and obtain a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree at a prestigious university, whether within the United Arab Emirates or overseas.

HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State (UAE) and Chairman of ADGM, said: “ADGM is honoured to work with the SCO in advancing the UAE’s judicial system. The new Emirati Judge Programme is part of ADGM’s ongoing commitment to support the Government’s efforts in preparing highly competent and respected Emirati judges to deliver the highest standard of judicial services in our country. As an International Financial Centre, ADGM will continue to play its part in advocating a progressive legal infrastructure and ecosystem that fortifies the UAE’s international standing as a successful centre of global trade and finance.”

Lord David Hope, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts, said: “This is a significant and highly anticipated step for the Court. Creating a pathway for the addition of Emirati Judges has been a priority since our inception and a development that we have encouraged and warmly welcome. This step is in line with the UAE’s vision of justice and equality, integrity and transparency, and excellence in judicial services. We very much look forward to working during the years ahead with Emirati Judges on the bench of ADGM Courts, and to our continued collaboration on this invaluable programme with the SCO, for whose support I am very grateful.”

Hamad Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of Human Resources at ADGM, said: “We are pleased to have introduced the Emirati Judge Programme as part of our continued efforts to provide valuable career opportunities for capable Emirati professionals. This programme aims to impart the knowledge and skills that these candidates will need to serve as judges at the highest level in a system based on the common law and to augment their legal backgrounds. At ADGM, we look to partner with leading, like-minded institutions to aid in the progression of our shared goals and, as such, extend our sincerest gratitude to the SCO for their participation in this initiative. We look forward to reaping significant results from the programme and enhancing the UAE’s legal sector hereafter.”

ADGM Courts and the SCO welcome the first two Emirati lawyers into the Emirati Judge Programme. Both candidates have performed to a very high standard in the programme’s assessments and interviews, and each has excelled in her respective career to date.

Comprising four modules, the programme includes intensive education and considerable practical legal and judicial training in common law, with an emphasis on commercial law. Candidates who join the Emirati Judge Programme undergo a rigorous and exacting selection process and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in common law, strong leadership and communication skills, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards.

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