In a landmark development, Abu Dhabi has introduced the first English language judicial services bureau in the Middle East. This revolutionary addition allows both businesses and individuals to access legal documents in English, eliminating the need for Arabic translation.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Decision No. 38 of 2023 was issued, establishing the pioneering judicial services bureau providing services exclusively in English.
Counsellor Youssef Saeed Al-Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, emphasized that the bureau’s launch is a transformative step towards enhancing the ease of doing business in Abu Dhabi. The streamlined legal documentation processes will amplify the emirate’s competitiveness globally, playing a pivotal role in attracting and retaining foreign investments.
This innovative initiative by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department signifies a significant stride towards supporting the emirate’s economic growth. By offering notarization and authentication services for English-language contracts and documents, the office seeks to expedite business operations, fostering an environment conducive to enhanced customer satisfaction and efficiency.
In addition to its physical presence, the newly established judicial services bureau will offer digital services, a move set to significantly reduce transaction processing time and enhance the overall service quality, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
The bureau’s primary objective is to cater to the needs of non-Arabic speakers, breaking down the language barriers that have historically hindered foreign customers from accessing judicial services. The streamlined procedures for notarizing and authenticating company contracts, board of directors’ decisions, minutes, powers of attorney, and declarations in English are expected to boost investor confidence and elevate Abu Dhabi’s appeal to foreign investors.
Aligned with the provisions of Article 16 of Law No. 11 of 2017 on notary public services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the office is equipped to handle various transactions and documents, including contracts, declarations, settlement agreements, powers of attorney, and more, all in adherence to the evolving needs of the emirate’s economic landscape.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation, aiming to solidify the emirate’s position as a global economic hub and an inviting destination for businesses, multinational corporations, and top talent from across the globe.
