ARTICLE
15 August 2023

The New DIFC Digital Economy Court: How Are The Latest Technologies Supporting Parties?

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Norton Rose Fulbright

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Norton Rose Fulbright provides a full scope of legal services to the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions. The global law firm has more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across more than 50 locations worldwide, including London, Houston, New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg, covering Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. With its global business principles of quality, unity and integrity, Norton Rose Fulbright is recognized for its client service in key industries, including financial institutions; energy, infrastructure and resources; technology; transport; life sciences and healthcare; and consumer markets.

The New DIFC Digital Economy Court is reflective of the changing legal landscape in which parties are now contracting, engaging and doing business, in the UAE...
United Arab Emirates Technology

The New DIFC Digital Economy Court is reflective of the changing legal landscape in which parties are now contracting, engaging and doing business, in the UAE, regionally and globally. This new division is mandated to hear claims relating to the digital economy –ranging from big data, blockchain, AI, fintech, cloud services, 3D printing, and robotics.

It is expected to utilise the latest technology allowing parties to provide information through smart forms and artificial intelligence driven forms, with cases to be conducted using advanced digital systems to expedite service on parties and enforcement (for instance service of documents through social media will be possible).

There is a special streamlined procedure for dealing with consumer disputes (within a certain financial threshold) arising from e-commerce transactions, digital payment platforms or marketplaces. This is a positive development recognising that the Technology and Construction Disputes division have traditionally heard claims primarily relating to building, construction and engineering disputes (even though under the Court Rules the TCD hears claims relating to the design, supply and/or installation of computers, computer software and related network and information technology systems and services).

Whilst this is a welcome development the new technologies are untested for the time being. Nonetheless this development is indicative of the progressive approach of the DIFC Court in developing a framework for claims relating to and arising out of new emerging technologies.

Dubai's Digital Economy Court (DEC), a new division of the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) Courts, is now up and running, and ready to hear the most modern disputes involving cutting-edge technological issues.

www.cdr-news.com/...

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