Everything in business has gone digital: the workplace, leadership, management, product strategy, and HR. And now a digital economy court. 

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts announced the launch of the world’s first international digital economy court. Digital services and the infrastructure of the new court will be managed and operated by judicial experts with “extensive international experience,” the Dubai Government Media Office said on Wednesday.

Authorities said that the platform would provide the best legislative environment to boost the growth and sustainability of digital economy enterprises.

“The world’s first international digital economy court will enhance the ability of global companies and institutions operating in the digital economy to adapt to the future requirements of this fast-growing sector,” Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of DIFC said.

A team of international lawyers and industry experts was tasked with developing standardized smart forms for processing information through an AI-driven platform for the International Digital Economy Court. 

Cases will be conducted utilizing advanced digital systems following the courts’ paperless mandate.

The DIFC Courts formed the Digital Economy Court (DEC) Division in 2021 to supervise complex national and international disputes, including current and upcoming technologies ranging from big data, blockchain, AI, fintech, and cloud services to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 3D printing, and robotics.

Meanwhile, DIFC Courts have also announced the launch of a new set of industry-first specialized rules for its recently formed DEC Division.

“With the digital economy fast emerging as a prime accelerant of global business, the specialized rules have been designed to build a courts system that can not only cater to current dispute resolution needs but also address and resolve new emerging disputes,” Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, said.