Leading Emirati talent elevated to top DIFC Courts role

Amna Sultan Al Owais, has been promoted to serve as co-chief executive and registrar of the DIFC Courts, underscoring the Courts’ commitment to increase female participation in the highest echelons of the country’s judicial sector. Al Owais has been at the centre of DIFC Courts’ success since 2006, playing instrumental roles in establishing and operating the region’s first Small Claims Tribunal and Pro Bono Programme. She was the first Emirati to chair the DIFC Courts’ Court Users Committee, and spearheaded the creation of the first Case Management System for the Courts, cementing a decade-long journey of smart platform implementation. Her achievements saw her recognised by the International Bar Association as one of the top three young lawyers in the world. As registrar, Al Owais will have a judicial function, in addition to her current role as a Small Claims Tribunal Judge. She will also play a central role in the Courts’ executive function following her elevation to co-Chief Executive. Al Owais replaces Mark Beer as Registrar, who becomes registrar general and who will serve as co- chief executive of the DIFC Courts alongside Al Owais. Beer will remain as chief executive of the DIFC’s Dispute Resolution Authority, with Al Owais also continuing with her role as deputy chief executive of the Dispute Resolution Authority.