Abu Dhabi’s judicial system has undergone a significant transformation, with court cases now being resolved in just 40 days instead of the years they previously took. This change has been made possible by the implementation of smart technology and strict procedural deadlines enforced by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Lawyers in the capital have welcomed this shift, noting that it has greatly improved judicial processing, saving both legal professionals and litigants considerable time and effort.

In the previous year, the ADJD successfully reduced the resolution time for cases in first instance courts to 40 days and to 34 days for appeals. According to Khaleej Times, Abdullah Zahran, the Director of Strategic Planning and Institutional Development at ADJD, highlighted that the introduction of innovative systems and advanced technology has played a crucial role in achieving these results. He stated, “Digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have played a crucial role in enhancing judicial efficiency,” emphasizing that these efforts align with the department’s goal of ensuring fair and efficient justice.

Lawyers have reported substantial improvements in processing times since the digitization of litigation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ali Al Abbadi, a lawyer practicing in Abu Dhabi since 1996, explained that the department’s enforcement of tighter deadlines has expedited the legal process. He pointed out that cases that could be resolved through reconciliation can now be dropped electronically if the accuser withdraws their claims, which significantly saves time.

Previously, cases in the Court of First Instance could take up to a year, and overall litigation could extend to three or four years, especially for significant cases involving assets and property. Al Abbadi noted, “Now, the longest case could take a couple of months.” He also mentioned that delays often occur during the execution phase when one party fails to comply with the court’s ruling.

While there are concerns that speeding up procedures might limit the time available for defense or plaintiffs to present their cases, Al Abbadi reassured that judges can determine if more time is necessary. He added that many litigators might stall with procedures, underscoring the importance of hiring a lawyer familiar with the electronic system to avoid unnecessary delays and costs.

Fayza Moussa, a veteran lawyer, expressed that her colleagues are pleased with the new speedy system. She noted that serving documents has become more efficient, as it can now be done automatically through WhatsApp or SMS. Cases requiring expert reports have also seen improvements, with requests being processed quickly. Moussa remarked, “We were struggling before with pending cases taking so long; now it is no longer than a week or 10 days.”

Moussa, who has practiced law in Abu Dhabi since 1994, recalled a lengthy lawsuit that took five years from 2018 to 2023. She stated that these cases were complex and required significant time to ensure fair outcomes for her clients. Amal Al Breiki, a newer lawyer at ADJD since 2015, noted that the streamlined litigation process has saved her and her clients both time and money, allowing her to focus more on resolving cases rather than navigating multiple departments.

The reduction in the time needed for case processing has also eased the workload for court attendants, who previously faced an influx of lawyers and agents. Al Breiki highlighted that execution of verdicts was once a major challenge, but now, if there is no response within three days, lawyers can file a complaint automatically. Despite these advancements, she acknowledged that judicial processes still require in-person interactions for follow-ups or complex issues.