Abu Dhabi: Legal proceedings in Abu Dhabi have become significantly faster, with court case durations now averaging just 40 days at the Court of First Instance and 34 days in appeals. Lawyers in the UAE capital have welcomed these changes, crediting the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) for implementing smart judicial systems and enforcing strict deadlines.
According to Abdullah Zahran, Director of Strategic Planning and Institutional Development at ADJD, the reduction in litigation periods is the result of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, which have streamlined judicial processes. “These efforts support the department’s goal to achieve fair and efficient justice,” Zahran said.
Long legal battles that once stretched for years are now being resolved within months, with many cases being settled even faster through electronic reconciliation. Lawyer Ali Al Abbadi, who has been practicing in Abu Dhabi since 1996, noted that the digitization of litigation, accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, has significantly reduced processing times.
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“For instance, certain cases can be dropped electronically if the accuser withdraws their claims, saving time and effort,” Al Abbadi said. Previously, complex cases involving assets or property could take up to four years to conclude, but today, even the longest cases are resolved within months.
While some critics argue that accelerated deadlines could limit the time available for plaintiffs and defendants to present their cases, legal experts assure that judges have the discretion to allow extensions when necessary. However, they warn that delays often arise during the execution phase, when a party fails to comply with court orders.
Al Abbadi also emphasized the importance of hiring a lawyer familiar with Abu Dhabi’s electronic judicial system to navigate the process efficiently and avoid unnecessary fees.
With the ADJD’s continued focus on digital transformation, Abu Dhabi’s legal landscape is evolving into one of the most efficient in the region, ensuring swift and fair justice for all.