Dubai court launched the first virtual court in the middle east for labour disputes

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and Dubai Courts have created the Virtual Court to handle labour lawsuits involving firms and employees operating from the free zone. It is a joint effort to achieve excellence in their integrated business environment and digital ecosystem. Labour litigants can approach the Virtual Court, which is outfitted with a live broadcast system linked to Dubai Courts and the most outstanding standards of electronic security. Judges can conduct hearings, adjudicate, and access all facts to deliver judgments utilising the electronic link with Jafza’s digital labour contracts system and other associated information.

The move follows the signing of a cooperation agreement between Jafza and Dubai Courts in 2019, in the presence of His Excellency Major General Obaid Mohair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the GDRFA in Dubai and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Labor Affairs in Dubai. To establish a labour court that will use live broadcasting technology to handle labour litigation involving companies operating from the free zone and its business units.

Introduction

The region’s first smart court has been inaugurated by the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Courts. It will look into instances involving labour issues involving firms based in the Free Zone. Parties to a dispute will be able to appear in a virtual court that is linked to the Dubai Courts. The smart court will offer a comparable setting to traditional courts but with more integrated services. The court’s services will help about 8,500 businesses from 140 nations.

The Virtual Court in Jafza heralds a new era in the facilitation of legal proceedings. It is comparable to traditional courthouses in Dubai Courts’ headquarters in that it has everything needed for the litigation procedure. The technology-driven Virtual Court is backed by cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, allowing judges, attorneys, corporations, and litigants to stay linked throughout the process. 

Significance of Virtual Court

Creating a Virtual Court to deal with labour disputes involving firms based in the Jebel Ali Free Zone is a significant step forward in the judicial system’s development. It contributes to our continuous efforts to address the needs of a constantly changing world while also complementing the current integrated judicial system. It will provide employees with access to the legal system while also safeguarding their legal rights.

Following Dubai Courts’ aim of being a pioneering and worldwide recognised court, the new system also provides complete access to services and swift judicial justice.” At Dubai Courts, ensuring the efficiency of the legal system is a significant concern. It is accomplished by utilising modern technologies and anticipating the future following plans and strategies that support our wise leadership’s vision of being pioneers and maintaining our global leadership status, mainly as measured by the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.

How will the E-courts handle Labour disputes?

1. The e-court, which will handle labour lawsuits involving firms operating from the free zone and their employees, was announced by Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and Dubai Courts. It is the first of its type in the area.
2. The court is powered by a live broadcast system linked to Dubai Courts, as well as “very high levels of electronic security.”
3. Judges can hold hearings, make decisions, and access all relevant material via an electronic link to Jafza’s digital labour contracts system. 
4. Litigants will no longer need to be physically present in the Dubai Courts to have their cases heard and decided, saving time and promoting a more efficient and practical approach to litigation.
5. High-level cybersecurity technologies will enable the technology-driven Virtually Reality Smart Court, allowing judges, attorneys, corporations, and litigants to stay linked throughout the process.
6. The Smart Court will have a conference room with cutting-edge technology to facilitate remote meetings. It will provide access to necessary information, officials, and support systems to all those interested in a case, from judges and legal aids to the parties participating in the action.
7. A Legal Assistant will act as a liaison between the Free Zone and the Dubai Labour Courts during the proceedings.

Conclusion

As part of Dubai Courts’ aim to enhance judicial services, these initiatives represent a spirit of collaboration across government institutions in Dubai. The agreement between Dubai Courts and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is the cornerstone for increasing our cooperative efforts to improve labour relations and settle labour disputes under UAE laws and regulations. The Smart Court will handle the legal needs of Jafza and its affiliated business entities.

Please don’t hesitate to contact HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants today to know more about the subject.

Reference:

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/dubai-regions-first-virtual-court-to-handle-labour-disputes-launched