The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has announced the launch of a new Mediation Service Centre and a Notary Service aimed at enhancing legal and business support across the UAE. The move follows the introduction of Dubai Law No. (2) earlier this year, signed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which laid the foundation for these new services.
The Mediation Service Centre will provide an alternative dispute resolution pathway, allowing parties to resolve cases amicably with registered mediators. Businesses and individuals will have the flexibility to select mediators, agree on terms in advance, and choose between online or in-person mediation through the upgraded, AI-enabled Court Management System.
The Notary Service, described as the first of its kind in the UAE, will handle English-language documents only. It will provide three user options — automated self-service, live virtual service, and in-person notarisation. Users can also authenticate documents through DataFlow’s primary source verification. Each notarised document will be stamped and logged on the Hedera Blockchain to guarantee security, integrity, and verification.
Wayne Martin, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, said,
“The DIFC Courts continues to pioneer advanced court and legal services, in close cooperation with Dubai’s leadership, as well as our public and private sector partners. Both the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre and the Notary Service will widen the suite of services, broadening access to justice, as well as providing greater flexibility for business and individuals seeking efficient, cost-effective solutions.”
Both services are expected to enhance trust in Dubai’s legal framework and provide companies with greater certainty when conducting operations. With encryption, privacy-preserving protocols, and blockchain verification, DIFC Courts aims to set a new benchmark in digital-first legal processes.
As businesses increasingly seek efficient dispute resolution and secure document authentication, these services mark a significant step in strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and finance. Future updates are expected as DIFC Courts integrates additional technology-driven solutions in line with Dubai’s long-term strategic goals.
