DIFC Courts wins global tech award

DUBAI / Emirates Business

Dubai’s DIFC Courts have been recognised by the world’s largest organisation of court management professionals for their work to
improve access to justice through the application of technology.
The DIFC Courts’ new Smart Small Claims Tribunal (SCT), which enables parties to access justice from anywhere in the world, was selected as a one of the year’s Top 10 Court Technology Solutions at the annual National Association for Court Management (NACM) awards in Washington, DC.
Collecting the award in Washington, DC, Mark Beer, OBE, co–Chief Executive and Registrar General of the DIFC Courts, said: “From the outset, the DIFC Courts have recognised that technology has the power to transform the court experience by making the process as fast, efficient and user-friendly as possible. Over the years we have pioneered many technological firsts and we are proud to continue setting new standards for digital excellence. Our Smart SCT solves a real problem for individuals and small businesses both in the UAE and beyond, and helps to improve access to justice by enabling people to use the court wherever there is a broadband connection.”
Kevin Bowling, NACM Past President and Co-Chair of the Joint Technology Committee, said: “For Dubai International Financial Centre’s English language common law Courts, innovation is a powerful driver for their ambition of leading the commercial court sector. Recognising that parties to commercial disputes are often on the move – especially SMEs – and need quick access to a court for rapid settlement wherever they may be, DIFC Courts smart Small Claims Tribunal harnesses technology to connect, mediate, and where necessary, deliver judgment. This is proof positive of the belief that courts of the future should be fully connected and completely accessible.”