Judicial System Restructuring and Modernization in Abu Dhabi

Lawrence Groo

doi:10.18352/ijca.122

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a practical overview of the recently initiated modernization of Abu Dhabi’s judicial system. Beginning in 2007, Abu Dhabi’s Government launched a comprehensive effort to transform the Emirate’s judicial system. While the implementation of these reforms is ongoing, with the adoption of the law in May 2007 establishing the new judicial architecture the initial phase of the modernization program is already complete. The restructuring process encompasses court management and administration reform, a new judicial training regime, a redesigned organizational structure for the Emirate’s Judicial Department and courts, and the establishment of a system-wide strategic planning and budgeting process. Many of these initiatives are supported by applying advanced IT-based applications. Given the early achievements and ambitious broader aims of the restructuring process, Abu Dhabi’s example is relevant not only to the other Emirates within the Federal UAE system, but also within the context of the wider Middle East region.

Highlights

In 2007 the Government of Abu Dhabi launched a comprehensive restructuring and modernization program with the objective of transforming the Emirate’s judicial system
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates within the United Arab Emirates, and Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE
As of late 2007 there is more than $200 billion in planned urban developments, including a new cultural district in the city of Abu Dhabi that will feature the world’s largest Guggenheim museum, a branch of the Louvre museum, and several other world-class cultural destinations

Summary

Introduction

In 2007 the Government of Abu Dhabi launched a comprehensive restructuring and modernization program with the objective of transforming the Emirate’s judicial system. This program envisions the improvement of court operations and administration, judicial training, performance management and strategic planning, as well as overall judiciary organization and staffing. While the implementation of the associated reforms is ongoing, with the adoption of the law in May 2007 establishing the new judicial architecture the initial phase of the modernization program is already complete.. While the implementation of the associated reforms is ongoing, with the adoption of the law in May 2007 establishing the new judicial architecture the initial phase of the modernization program is already complete. The purpose of this article is to (1) outline the aims of this restructuring and modernization effort (Section III); (2) to describe the achievements of the program to date (Section IV); and (3) to note reasons for the program’s initial success, ongoing challenges, and to place Abu Dhabi’s example within the wider context of the Middle East (Section V)

Overview of Abu Dhabi’s Judicial System

Progress and Expected Results

Findings

Conclusion