In 2023, the Special Court of Inheritance in Dubai settled more than Dh4 billion worth of inheritance cases, as stated in the Dubai Courts’ annual report. The Dubai Inheritance Court, established in September 2022, successfully resolved a total of 580 cases, including Muslim, non-Muslim, and private estates. The high success rate of 92.6% exceeded the target of 90%, showcasing the efficiency in managing the distribution of assets according to legal wills and personal revenues. Necessary procedures were followed to distribute properties and assets based on the deceased’s will, with additional files being prepared for private inheritance arrangements.
Inheritance settlement is a crucial legal process that ensures fair distribution of assets based on legal and Sharia principles. Dubai authorities are continuously developing procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy in managing these processes, leading to successful and fair settlements that meet the needs of individuals and families. The average duration for cases to be settled from registration to judgment was 81 days, with the first hearing to judgment in 52 days and the waiting time for the first hearing being 28 days. The use of smart applications for handling various cases saw a surge in 2023, with over 872,000 online applications being submitted across the courts.
Last year witnessed a significant number of civil and criminal court cases being completed in Dubai. Civil courts resolved cases across all levels, with the Court of First Instance finalizing 36,468 cases, the Court of Appeals concluding 13,483 cases, and the Court of Cassation completing 4,919 cases. In criminal courts, the completion of cases included 33,473 at the Court of First Instance, 10,059 at the Court of Appeals, and 1,048 at the Court of Cassation. The efficiency of Dubai Courts in handling a substantial volume of cases was noted in the report, ensuring timely justice for all involved.
The marriage contract service, allowing clients to conduct legal or civil marriage contracts accredited by Dubai Courts, was highlighted in the report. This system enables individuals to obtain a legally recognized marriage contract, with the legal marriage contract service being the most used, registering 8,895 contracts, alongside 249 civil marriage contracts in 2023. Additionally, the report mentioned 9,056 family guidance and reconciliation cases recorded last year, requiring 26,412 sessions to provide counseling and guidance to families facing various issues. Successful resolution of 79.6% of family guidance and reconciliation cases was achieved based on the report.
In conclusion, the Dubai Inheritance Court played a pivotal role in settling a substantial amount of inheritance cases in 2023, highlighting the efficiency and success in managing the distribution of assets based on legal wills and personal revenues. The continuous development of procedures by Dubai authorities ensures fair and successful inheritance settlements that meet the needs of individuals and families. The use of smart applications for handling cases and the completion of a significant number of civil and criminal court cases demonstrate the effectiveness of Dubai Courts in providing timely justice. The marriage contract service and family guidance and reconciliation cases further exemplify Dubai Courts’ commitment to serving the community and addressing various legal and personal issues.
