This administrative order formalizes the expansion of the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) bench, reinforcing the DIFC Courts' commitment to efficient dispute resolution through the appointment of four new members.
Why did Chief Justice Wayne Martin issue Order No. 3 of 2025 regarding the composition of the Small Claims Tribunal?
The issuance of Order No. 3 of 2025 serves as a formal administrative mechanism to bolster the operational capacity of the Small Claims Tribunal. By appointing four additional members, the Chief Justice ensures that the tribunal remains adequately staffed to handle the volume of smaller claims filed within the DIFC jurisdiction. This order functions as a direct exercise of the administrative powers vested in the Chief Justice to maintain the efficacy of the court’s specialized divisions.
The necessity of this order is grounded in the foundational purpose of the SCT, which is to provide a streamlined, accessible forum for litigants. As the DIFC continues to grow as a financial hub, the demand for rapid adjudication of smaller disputes necessitates a robust and flexible bench. The order explicitly references the existing framework governing these proceedings:
The Rules of the DIFC Courts (the “RDC”) contain at Part 53 the rules relating to the SCT; and D.
This administrative action ensures that the tribunal continues to fulfill its mandate of providing a "prompt and cost-efficient" resolution process for parties, thereby maintaining public confidence in the DIFC’s judicial infrastructure.
Which judicial authority empowers Chief Justice Wayne Martin to appoint members to the SCT under Order No. 3 of 2025?
The authority for this appointment is derived from Article 10(B)(10) of Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025 Concerning the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts. This provision grants the Chief Justice the power to establish and administer tribunals within the DIFC Courts and to authorize the rules governing their administration, including the specific power to appoint members. Chief Justice Wayne Martin exercised this authority on 03 November 2025 within the Court Administrative Orders division.
What specific legal framework governs the administration of the Small Claims Tribunal as referenced in Order No. 3 of 2025?
The administration of the SCT is governed by a combination of primary legislation and procedural rules. The primary legislative basis is Dubai Law No. 9 of 2004, which established the DIFC, and the more recent Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, which provides the specific jurisdictional and administrative framework for the DIFC Courts. These laws provide the overarching mandate for the Chief Justice to manage the court's internal structure.
Procedurally, the SCT operates under Part 53 of the Rules of the DIFC Courts (RDC). This part of the RDC outlines the specific requirements for the conduct of small claims, ensuring that the process remains distinct from the more formal procedures of the Court of First Instance. By referencing these rules, Order No. 3 of 2025 maintains continuity with the established procedural standards that define the SCT’s operations.
What is the doctrinal justification for the existence of the Small Claims Tribunal within the DIFC judicial system?
The doctrinal justification for the SCT is the promotion of procedural economy and access to justice. The tribunal is designed to bypass the complexities of standard litigation for smaller disputes, thereby reducing the financial and temporal burden on parties. The court recognizes that the efficacy of the DIFC as a legal jurisdiction depends on its ability to resolve disputes of all sizes in a manner that is proportionate to the value of the claim.
The court’s reasoning for maintaining and expanding the SCT is rooted in the following principle:
The SCT is recognised as a mechanism for the prompt and cost-efficient hearing and determination of smaller claims within the jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts. Now I hereby order and direct as follows: 1.
This focus on "prompt and cost-efficient" resolution is the cornerstone of the SCT’s doctrinal identity, distinguishing it from the broader, more complex litigation handled by the Court of First Instance.
How does Order No. 3 of 2025 integrate with the existing administrative structure established by Order No. 1 of 2021?
Order No. 3 of 2025 functions as an amendment and supplement to the existing administrative framework. It does not replace the previous structure but rather expands upon it by increasing the number of available adjudicators. The order explicitly states that Order No. 1 of 2021 remains in full force and effect, except where it is specifically modified by the new appointments. This ensures that the procedural continuity of the SCT is preserved while allowing for the necessary scaling of the tribunal's human resources.
Which specific individuals were appointed to the Small Claims Tribunal under the authority of Chief Justice Wayne Martin?
The order formalizes the appointment of four new members to the SCT. These appointments are intended to enhance the tribunal's capacity to manage its caseload effectively. The specific appointments are as follows:
Nourel Huda Al Marabta, Sarah Bassuni, Alia Al Shamsi and Leena Ouali shall be appointed as additional members of the SCT. 2.
These appointments take effect immediately from the date of the order, 03 November 2025, and represent a strategic expansion of the tribunal's bench.
What is the official designation of this administrative order for citation purposes?
To ensure clarity in legal research and future filings, the order provides a specific title for reference. Practitioners should cite this document as follows:
This Order shall be known as The DIFC Small Claims Tribunal – Additional Members of the SCT Order No.3 of 2025.
This naming convention allows practitioners to distinguish this specific administrative action from other orders issued by the Chief Justice, facilitating easier tracking of the tribunal's administrative history.
What are the wider implications for practitioners appearing before the Small Claims Tribunal following the issuance of Order No. 3 of 2025?
The primary implication for practitioners is the increased availability of tribunal members, which should theoretically lead to more efficient scheduling and potentially faster resolution times for small claims. Practitioners should be aware that the bench has been expanded, which may impact the allocation of cases. As the SCT continues to be a vital component of the DIFC’s dispute resolution ecosystem, the addition of these four members signals a proactive approach by the court to manage its growing caseload. Litigants should expect that the procedural rigors of Part 53 of the RDC remain unchanged, but the administrative capacity to enforce those rules has been significantly bolstered.
Where can I read the full judgment in DIFC COURTS Order No. 3 of 2025?
The full text of the administrative order can be accessed via the official DIFC Courts website: https://www.difccourts.ae/rules-decisions/judgments-orders/court-administrative-orders/difc-courts-order-no-3-2025-respect-difc-courts-small-claims-tribunal
CDN link: https://littdb.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/litt/AE/DIFC/judgments/court-administrative-orders/DIFC_CAO_DIFC_COURTS_Order_No_3_of_2025_in_Respect_of_The_DIFC_Courts_Small_Claims_Tribu_20251103.txt
Cases referred to in this judgment:
| Case | Citation | How used |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Courts Order No. 1 of 2021 | DIFC Small Claims Tribunal Order | Amended by the current order |
Legislation referenced:
- Dubai Law No. 9 of 2004
- Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025 Concerning the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, Article 10(B)(10)
- Rules of the DIFC Courts (RDC), Part 53