The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Justice (“Ministry”) and Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (“ADGM Courts”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to set out the agreed procedures for the reciprocal enforcement of judgments, decisions and orders, and arbitral awards ratified or recognised by ADGM Courts and the courts of the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah (“Federal Courts”) respectively. The MoU was signed by HE Sultan Saeed Al Badi, UAE Minister of Justice, HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State (UAE) and Executive Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”), and Lord David Hope of Craighead KT, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts. This development complements ADGM Courts’ similar enforcement frameworks with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Ras Al Khaimah Courts.

The new MoU provides the transparency and clarity that the local and global business and investor communities need regarding the enforcement of judgments, decisions, orders and arbitral awards between ADGM Courts and the Federal Courts. This also reinforces the Ministry and ADGM Courts’ commitment to bolstering the UAE’s role as a global business jurisdiction with world-class legal framework and practice.

Commenting on the agreement, His Excellency Sultan Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice, added: “The continuous enhancement and strengthening of the UAE’s enforcement framework is at the forefront of our efforts to ensure local and international business confidence in the UAE’s judicial processes. This MoU is another example of our adherence to the UAE’s strategy and vision of promoting the consolidation of the rule of law, as we uphold the country’s position as one of the strongest global leaders in international dispute resolution.”

His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State (UAE) and Executive Chairman of ADGM, said: “We are delighted to advance our cooperation and work closely with the UAE Ministry of Justice to uphold the UAE’s judicial system. As an International Financial Hub and global investment centre, ADGM and ADGM Courts are committed to providing a trusted and holistic business environment for effective and efficient dispute resolution. We will continue to collaborate with the various government entities to achieve the UAE’s economic vision for the nation and its people.”

The Right Honourable Lord David Hope of Craighead KT, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts, said: “I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the UAE Ministry of Justice for their continuing trust and support of ADGM and ADGM Courts. We embrace the UAE’s vision of justice and equality, integrity and transparency, and innovation and excellence in judicial services. The ADGM Courts team and I certainly look forward to our close cooperation with the Ministry to uphold the community’s confidence in the UAE’s judicial system.”

For further enquiries, please contact:
ADGM Media
Email: media@adgm.com
Telephone: +971 2 333 8858
Mobile: +971 56 177 9653