Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts gathered to examine opportunities for closer ties in legal judicial and technological domains according to a report from the Emirates News Agency. The session reviewed progress under a long standing partnership that has facilitated knowledge exchange and operational improvements across both institutions. Discussions highlighted the role of digital tools in streamlining court processes and improving access for users. Participants considered ways to build on prior agreements that promote joint training and system interoperability.
A memorandum of understanding signed in April 2016 between the ADJD and ADGM Courts established the foundation for collaboration in legal academic scientific research and technological fields the ADGM Courts website shows. That agreement called for exchanges in human resource development and capabilities to support efficient performance of judicial duties. It specifically encouraged cooperation on electronic services including case management systems and digital recording of hearings to enhance information access for judges and parties. A joint committee was envisioned to coordinate activities and address shared priorities as needed.
The ADGM Courts operate what they describe as the world’s first end to end fully digital courts platform according to details published on the ADGM website. This system handles every stage of proceedings from initial filing through to final judgment and enforcement in a seamless online environment. All judgments are published and cases can be searched publicly contributing to transparency. The platform supports alternative dispute resolution and integrates with services such as notary functions developed jointly with the ADJD.
Recent performance data from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department indicates robust adoption of digital solutions a June 2026 Emirates News Agency report stated. Digital attestations jumped 405 percent in the first quarter of 2026 reaching a total of 637000 while electronic applications for civil and criminal matters exceeded 223000. Remote hearings numbered 153000 during the period marking a 16 percent increase from the year earlier period. These outcomes reflect sustained investment in technology that aligns with the cooperation themes addressed in the ADJD ADGM meeting.
Further figures covering the first half of 2026 show the ADJD processed 447603 electronic requests and held 317266 remote hearings according to an August 2026 Gulf News article citing the department’s indicators. Mediation efforts resolved 5690 cases during that span an increase of 15 percent from the comparable period. Automatic smart enforcement decisions also rose demonstrating efficiency gains that reduce manual intervention. Such developments provide context for ongoing dialogue with the ADGM Courts on best practices in digital justice.
The ADGM Courts maintain a series of memoranda with judicial authorities across the UAE and beyond to support enforcement and knowledge sharing ADGM records indicate. These arrangements cover reciprocal judgment enforcement with entities including the Ministry of Justice and other emirate courts. The framework facilitates consistent standards and eases cross border legal processes. Continued engagement with the ADJD forms one element of this broader network aimed at modernising judicial services.
A fully digital notary public office launched in 2019 through partnership between the ADGM Courts and the ADJD offers comprehensive services via the eCourts platform the ADGM announcement noted. Users can request notarisation online with documents accepted in Arabic and English complete with official stamps. The office extends accredited authority from the ADJD to operate within the ADGM jurisdiction. This initiative stands as a tangible result of the judicial and digital cooperation the two bodies continue to pursue.
