Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and ADGM Courts sign MoU

The institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework to enable facilitation of the judicial cooperation procedures by both parties.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM Courts) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework to enable facilitation of the judicial cooperation procedures by both parties, specifically with respect to the procedures of reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments, decisions, orders and arbitration awards, exchange of information, electronic services, education and communication.

The MOU was signed by Yousef Saeed Al Abri Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, H.E Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Lord David Hope, Chief Justice of ADGM Courts.

HE Yousef Saeed Al Abri said, “The coordination and cooperation among the various authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will serve to raise the level of performance to the highest international standards. All these will help Abu Dhabi to achieve its objectives as one of the top five capitals in the world. The MOU between Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and ADGM Courts allow both parties to exchange knowledge and in addition, to better coordinate measures to improve time-savings, efforts and usage of resources.”

Chief Justice of ADGM Courts, Lord Hope commented, “This is a very significant event, which I warmly welcome as ADGM Courts develop their full potential as a worldwide judicial system. So I wish to pay my own personal tribute to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department for their willingness to enter into this relationship at this early stage in ADGM Courts’ development. Our aim is to provide a sound basis for cooperation and coordination between us in a wide variety of matters of mutual interest.”

He added, “The relationship which we seek to establish will be founded on mutual trust and on a profound respect for our legal traditions. Working together in this way will fulfil the vision which we both share, of achieving the highest level of judicial performance in our own courts consistent with best international practice. I look forward very much to working together with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department to fulfil these objectives.”

In relation to the signing of the MoU, Rebecca Kelly, partner in the litigation practice of global law firm Morgan Lewis commented, “This confirms to both the international and local legal community the commitment the ADGM courts and the Judicial Department has to ensure justice for all their respective court users. Cooperation between courts is a concept recognised around the world and this is a very good start to the ongoing development and international recognition of the ADGM courts and the Abu Dhabi courts."