Abu Dhabi Courts Use Blockchain to Improve Dispensation of Justice – Here’s How
Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) courts now rely on distributed ledger technology (DLT), or blockchain, to streamline operations and help parties achieve justice.
The ADGM Courts act as an independent authority with the duty to adjudicate civil and commercial matters in AL Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s economic free zone. Linda Fitz-Alan, CEO of ADGM Courts, hailed the move to DLT as one that could change the face of litigation in the country and the entire Gulf region.
“Our vision has always been to massively transform the delivery of legal services through technology. Our focus has now turned to enforcement to respond to the urgent needs of the international business community, and to drive sustainable change for the justice sector. This ground-breaking introduction of blockchain technology for commercial courts underlines ADGM and ADGM Courts’ reputation as leaders in the digitization of justice, Fitz-Alan said.
Prior to the transition to DLT, legal processes in the UAE had been characterized by delays between judgment and enforcement, given the bureaucratic bottlenecks in the sector. The legal sector, especially commercial dispute resolution, has had to contend with the high filing costs and the long waiting time to receive a certified copy of the judgment to initiate the enforcement procedure.
“Secure, immutable judgments will be immediately available to parties and enforcing courts, via ADGM’s website, an API or directly on the blockchain for member courts,” the press release said.
ADGM started operations in 2015 and its activities since then have reinforced Abu Dhabi’s status as the leading economic hub in the MENA region. It operates an international regulatory framework with a strong reliance on the English Common Law, the most widespread legal system in the world.
The UAE is becoming a haven for digital assets
The UAE has become a hub for DLT and digital assets in recent months, with the ruling government driving the ambitions. One area that the government is paying a lot of attention to is the metaverse, having created an office for the Ministry of Economy in the metaverse that offers similar services to its real office.
The Emirate of Dubai has previously unveiled its metaverse strategy that includes the creation of 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030. Apart from the efforts in the metaverse, the region’s government has attracted digital asset service providers, encouraging them to open offices in the country through several incentives.
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