Dubai: HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, chaired a significant Council meeting, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to judicial enhancement and excellence.
In alignment with his regular engagements with the judiciary, Sheikh Maktoum approved several strategic initiatives aimed at refining judicial competencies and reinforcing the rule of law.
Central to the meeting was the approval of the “Judges’ Career Paths” project, a strategic initiative designed to improve the quality and efficiency of judicial work through skill enhancement and specialization among judicial professionals.
Sheikh Maktoum emphasized that, “The Judges’ Career Paths project develops a cadre of specialized judges committed to a comprehensive judicial system, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a leader in the judicial field.”
The Council approved the creation of a team to evaluate a unified digital platform that will streamline technical processes among Dubai’s judicial bodies, enhancing coordination and efficiency.
Sheikh Maktoum also launched the Judicial Inspection Authority’s digital platform, an interactive tool allowing judiciary members to monitor their performance indicators and track case resolution timelines. The platform is designed to enhance transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
To encourage Emirati expertise in the judicial sector, Sheikh Maktoum endorsed the training of 36 Emirati judicial trainees under the Dubai Judicial Institute’s Judicial and Legal Studies Program.
The Judges’ Career Paths project introduces a structured career development framework with three distinct tracks to foster judicial expertise:
- Specialized Track: Focuses on skill-building within specific legal areas, preparing judges for specialized roles.
- Elite Track: Designed to develop expert judges who are resources within the judiciary; only available to Emirati citizens demonstrating high competency.
- Leadership Track: Trains judges for administrative and leadership roles, a track requiring Emirati citizenship and exemplary performance.
This tiered approach is intended to build a specialized, adaptable judiciary capable of responding to evolving legal and societal demands. The project’s oversight by the Judicial Coordination Affairs Council ensures that it aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai Social Agenda 33.
The Judicial Council concluded the meeting by endorsing recommendations on judicial promotions and ratifying regulations for member seniority, setting a strong precedent for the sustained development of Dubai’s judicial sector.