His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, launched the Dubai Judicial Authority’s 2025 annual report, highlighting advancements in judicial efficiency, governance, and digital transformation across the emirate’s judicial ecosystem.

The report was launched during a meeting of the Dubai Judicial Council chaired by Sheikh Maktoum as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the efficiency and performance of Dubai’s judicial sector. The council also reviewed agenda items related to its members, including promotions and appointments planned for 2027 to attract highly qualified Emirati talent to the judiciary.

During the meeting, the council reviewed studies conducted by its General Secretariat concerning the development of the Judicial Authority.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed said Dubai continues to strengthen an advanced judicial ecosystem guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“Guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to foster an advanced judicial ecosystem, rooted in justice, operational efficiency and the rule of law,” Sheikh Maktoum said.

He added that the annual report serves as a benchmark for assessing institutional performance and monitoring improvement indicators, while reflecting Dubai’s commitment to transparency and governance.

According to the report, Dubai’s judicial sector recorded positive performance indicators in 2025, supporting faster case rulings, improved service efficiency, and stronger public trust in the judiciary.

His Highness also directed the continued development of the judicial sector through integrated plans focused on innovation and the expanded adoption of digital solutions and advanced technologies to strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary General of the Dubai Judicial Council, said judicial entities, including Dubai Courts, the Public Prosecution, and the Judicial Inspection Authority, continue to operate in close coordination to ensure justice is delivered efficiently and effectively.

He added that the annual report acts as a strategic tool for monitoring performance and supporting judicial governance and the rule of law.

The report revealed that 43 legislative enactments regulating judicial authority operations were issued in 2025, alongside 66 resolutions by the Judicial Council. In addition, 83 studies were completed to support the development of judicial services, projects, and legislation.

The report also highlighted efforts to strengthen judicial human capital. The number of Judicial Authority members reached 522 following the appointment of 86 new members, while female representation increased to 6.5%.

A total of 92 training programs were conducted, amounting to 2,601 training hours and benefiting 376 participants.

In terms of judicial performance, the Public Prosecution registered 66,933 incoming criminal cases and processed 59,421 cases, achieving an investigation and indictment accuracy rate of 94.2%.

Dubai Courts also recorded 86.5% ruling accuracy at the Courts of First Instance and 87.1% at the Court of Appeal.

The average time to issue rulings at the Courts of First Instance was 114 days, while the case settlement rate was 90%.

According to the report, the total value of case settlements and requests brought before Dubai Courts reached AED10.2 billion, with AED3.68 billion paid through enforcement proceedings.

The report also highlighted the judicial sector’s accelerated digital transformation efforts. Dubai Courts completed 1.7 million smart requests, held 24,507 remote hearings, and published 21,121 judicial rulings.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution processed 23,438 smart bail applications, while blockchain requests reached 173,013.

Among the key strategic achievements highlighted in the report were the establishment of the Dubai Center for Judicial Expertise, the launch of the digital pathway for criminal cases, the creation of the Judicial Control Room, and the regulation of housing construction dispute settlements for UAE citizens.

The Dubai Judicial Council said it remains committed to strengthening justice, equality, and the rule of law through a modern and efficient judicial system that supports Dubai’s long-term development ambitions.