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, chaired a meeting of the Dubai Judicial Council as part of his regular follow up on affairs related to the Judicial Authority and its members, as well as the latest in the Authority’s performance strategic plans. 

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed approved the appointment of several judicial inspectors within the Judicial Inspection Authority under its approved appointments plan for 2025, and in line with the Authority’s growing role as a supervisory entity that supports the Dubai judiciary. 

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed also approved the admission of 14 judicial trainees into the Judicial and Legal Studies program, part of Dubai Courts' initiative to recruit qualified Emirati judges. 

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed also approved a resolution on the secondment of judiciary members to support further qualification and exposure to best judiciary practices. The meeting also saw approval of the budget allocated for judiciary members appointments and promotions for 2026 according to relevant plans. 

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed reviewed results of the Community Confidence in Dubai Judicial System survey for 2024, which has targeted diverse segments and sectors, and showed a rise in confidence to 86%. 

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has established an advanced judicial system to meet future demands and ensure swift justice and the rule of law. The appointment of judicial inspectors, the development of secondment programs for judiciary members and the admission of judicial trainees in the Judicial and Legal Studies program are all part of ongoing efforts to enhance the judicial system's efficiency and empower national professionals.” 

Ease of access to legal information

Regarding access to legal information, the survey showed 92% of respondents obtained the necessary general legal information when interacting with judicial bodies. This confirms the effectiveness of judicial service departments and digital channels in providing legal information, as these are the public's preferred methods. 

Upholding justice, protecting rights and freedoms 

Concerning the role of judicial entities in upholding justice and protecting rights and freedoms, 87% of survey respondents indicated that Dubai's judicial entities respect cultural diversity, while 89% stated these entities promote justice within the community. 

Furthermore, 90.41% confirmed the judiciary's role in safeguarding rights and freedoms, and 86% believe reliable mechanisms exist for auditing the judicial system. Additionally, 87% affirmed that the judiciary treats all segments of society equally and impartially, reflecting high public confidence in Dubai's judicial system. 

Enhancing the judicial system

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary General of the Dubai Judicial Council, stated: “The overall improvement reflected in the index results stems from several factors, most notably the tangible development in implemented key legislation and the continuous efforts of the Judicial Council and judicial entities to innovate, develop, and modernize projects aimed at enhancing the judicial system.” 

His Excellency Dr. Al Sabousi emphasized the ongoing coordination among various entities in Dubai, under the continuous supervision and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum in his capacity as Chairman of the Judicial Council, to evaluate and further develop the services provided by the judicial bodies, in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish Dubai as a global model for swift and efficient justice. 

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of His Highness The Dubai Ruler’s Court and Deputy Chairman of the Judicial Council; His Excellency Counselor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai; His Excellency Judge Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts; His Excellency Judge Dr. Abdulla Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council; and members of the Council. 

The Dubai Judicial Council is committed to upholding justice, equality, and the rule of law, contributing to Dubai’s sustainable development through a fair, impartial, modern, and effective judicial system. The Council strives to realize Dubai's vision for a robust and independent judiciary, fostering ethical conduct and ensuring the dignity, integrity, and competence of its members.