Dubai Courts Seal Future of Justice with Immutable Blockchain Records

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have launched a blockchain-powered notary service and a new Mediation Service Centre, marking a significant advancement in the integration of emerging technologies into legal frameworks. These developments follow the enactment of Dubai Law No. (2) in March 2025, which provides the legislative foundation for the services. The new services aim to enhance access to justice, reduce litigation costs, and offer businesses a more efficient and secure environment for legal operations in Dubai.

The Mediation Service Centre, now operational at the DIFC Courts, serves as an alternative dispute resolution platform where parties can resolve disagreements with the assistance of registered mediators. Users can pre-agree on mediator fees and terms and choose to conduct mediation sessions either in person at the DIFC premises or online through an AI-enabled Court Management System (CMS). This digital option enhances flexibility and aligns with the broader trend of digital transformation in legal services.

The Notary Service, also launched under the new framework, represents a first-of-its-kind offering in the UAE for English-language documents. It enables notary officers to administer oaths, affidavits, and declarations and to certify true copies of documents. The service is available as an automated self-service, a live virtual system, or an in-person option. An authentication service through DataFlow’s primary source verification further enhances the integrity of the process.

A key feature of the Notary Service is the use of Hedera Blockchain to ensure the preservation and integrity of notarized documents. This is achieved by converting documents into verifiable credentials (VCs) in compliance with ERC20 standards. Each notarization event is timestamped and recorded on the blockchain, creating an immutable and transparent record. The integration of blockchain technology ensures that documents are tamper-proof, while advanced encryption methods and privacy-preserving protocols protect sensitive information.

The DIFC Courts have emphasized that these initiatives are designed to support Dubai’s position as a global business and investment hub. By leveraging AI and blockchain technologies, the courts aim to provide transparent, efficient, and future-ready legal solutions that meet the evolving needs of the region’s economy. The adoption of these technologies aligns with Dubai’s broader strategic goals of innovation and digital transformation across all sectors.

Notably, the DIFC has previously demonstrated its commitment to blockchain integration in legal services. In 2024, the courts partnered with The Hashgraph Association and UAE Deca4 Consultancy to launch a Hedera-based Digital Assets Will solution, allowing individuals to distribute digital assets using a non-custodial wallet. This initiative reflects the DIFC’s ongoing efforts to modernize legal frameworks and accommodate the growing use of digital assets.

The DIFC Courts, established in 2004, have played a pivotal role in providing an English common law judicial system in Dubai. These new services further reinforce the courts' mission to build confidence among domestic and international businesses by offering innovative and secure legal solutions. As the DIFC continues to evolve, its adoption of cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and AI sets a precedent for other jurisdictions seeking to modernize their legal systems.

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[1] DIFC Courts Launches New Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service Expand Support UAE Businesses and Residents (https://www.difccourts.ae/media-centre/newsroom/difc-courts-launches-new-mediation-service-centre-and-notary-service-expand-support-uae-businesses-and-residents)

[2] DIFC Courts opens Mediation Service Centre and notary service (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/difc-courts-opens-mediation-centre-114152314.html)

[3] DIFC Courts opens doors to blockchain and AI technology (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1088789-20250902)

[4] DIFC Courts opens Mediation Service Centre and notary ... (https://www.privatebankerinternational.com/news/difc-courts-mediation-service-notary-service/)

[5] Dubai's DIFC Courts to Use Hedera, Ethereum's ERC20 for New Notary Service (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/2050f-dubai-difc-courts-integrate-hedera-ethereum-standards)