Started in 2020 to combat the spread of COVID-19, virtual litigation has gained popularity. Find details.
Remote or virtual litigation has been rolled out in the UAE’s courts to ensure justice is done while authorities combat the spread of COVID-19. At the start of COVID-19 crisis, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) announced its first remote litigation hearings using the video-conferencing technology, where the Commercial Summary Matters Court examined 4 urgent commercial cases in the presence of all parties.
The remote litigation allows hearings to take place digitally, with judges able to hear cases live before delivering verdicts. The hi-tech initiative is in line with the UAE Government's stay-at-home strategy, aimed at limiting social interaction and helping to limit infection rates in the country. All parties involved in hearings - defendants and complainants and legal counsel - will be able to access a live video link.
In 2020 and 2021, most of the UAE’s courts suspended public court sessions and moved to operate services remotely. View remote hearing sessions via the below links:
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Federal Law No. 5 of 2017 on the Use of Telecommunication in Criminal Proceedings
The Federal Law No. 5 of 2017 on the Use of Telecommunication in Criminal Proceedings (page in Arabic) states that the authorities have the right to use remote communication technology in criminal procedures involving the accused, the victim, the witnesses, the lawyers, the experts, the translators, civil plaintiffs and others responsible for civil rights.
Amendments to the Law on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions
Amendments to Federal Law No. 10 of 1992 on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions include the introduction of remote communication technologies in evidence-related procedures. The amendments also include the adoption of digital signatures and documents and legitimises eHearing minutes that document witness testimonies, as well as the decisions of judges, signed notary documents and other related provisions.
Amendments to the law regulating the profession of a notary public
Amendments to Federal Law No. 22 of 1991 regarding Notary Public include provisions related to regulating the profession of a notary public. It involves simplifying the process of evidence-giving for all parties and enabling the use of eTransactions in all notary public procedures. The amendments also facilitate the creation of memos and the verification of proof of identity, as well as the registration, signing and payment of fees.
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