Saudi Judicial delegation visits DIFC courts

The DIFC Courts recently welcomed an official delegation from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Justice and Supreme Judicial Council. The visit by the Saudi judicial delegation, under the umbrella of the King Abdullah Project Development of the Judiciary, was an opportunity for senior Saudi judges and officials to view first-hand the operations of the DIFC Courts, and gain an understanding of their legal framework and that of the International Association for Court Administration (IACA). Both parties also confirmed an interest in collaborating on future projects that develop the judiciaries in both Courts, expand collective judicial knowledge, and promote the adoption of international best practice. Both parties discussed shared interest of the legal framework. Justice Ali Al Madhani of the DIFC Courts, who also updated the Saudi delegation on recent developments from IACA, said: "This visit is illustrative of an important, longstanding friendship between the judiciaries of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and a sincere commitment to learn from each other in order to enhance the region's legal landscape." Sheikh Judge Mohammed Amin bin Abdul-Mu'ti Mirdad, Chief of the Court of Appeals and member of Supreme Council of Magistracy in Saudi Arabia, said: "We have heard about the great achievement of the DIFC Courts and are delighted to have had the opportunity to witness them in person. Delegations such as this provide a rich learning experience and help to support bilateral cooperation between our two countries. Our group leaves with a clear sense of how advanced the DIFC Courts are, and why they are rightly regarded as a model jurisdiction within the region." This visit to Dubai follows a reciprocal delegation in January 2014 by the DIFC Courts, led by Justice Al Madhani, to the Supreme Judicial Council, which included an overview of the King Abdullah Project on the Development of the Judiciary.