Abu Dhabi launches world's first digital courtroom
Judge's gavel. Representative image
Abu Dhabi launched the world's first digital courtroom on Sunday.
The court will use no paper, thereby saving money. Any documents that need to be seen will be put up on digital display boards.
Nor will the plaintiff or defendant have to be physically present.
The all-digital courtroom was launched by the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM courts). The ADGM courts are independent courts that handle civil and commercial disputes.
“Technology and innovation have been disrupting every aspect of our lives and the judiciary sector is no exception. The best innovations to come out of this sector are those that allow us to creatively manage the growing demand for transparency, information, speed and effectiveness,” news reports quoted Ahmad Al Sayegh, minister of state and chairman of the ADGM Courts, as saying.
“Our mandate is to be a financial centre that supports international rules and regulations and builds a core ecosystem that allows businesses to flourish. We believe that the new digital courtroom will firmly position Abu Dhabi on the forefront of digital litigation, setting standards for countries around the world to follow,” Al Sayegh added.
“The presence of the digital courtroom will pave the way for many business opportunities, bringing an influx of new expertise and professionals, and will strengthen the overall economic growth of the UAE,” said Al Sayegh.