DIFC Courts Launch Blockchain-Enabled Notary and AI-Powered Mediation Services in Dubai
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has announced the launch of a new suite of ancillary legal services, including a Mediation Service Centre and a Notary Service, marking a significant expansion of its offerings for businesses and individuals in Dubai.
This initiative follows the enactment of Dubai Law No. (2) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, providing the legislative foundation for these services. In parallel, a resolution from His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the DIFC, formally established the operational framework for the Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service.
DIFC Mediation Service Centre: Flexible, AI-Enabled Dispute Resolution
The Mediation Service Centre, based at the DIFC Courts, offers an alternative dispute resolution pathway where parties can amicably resolve conflicts with the support of DIFC-registered mediators. Users can select mediators, agree on fees and terms, and choose between online mediation via the upgraded AI-enabled Court Management System (CMS) or in-person sessions at the DIFC Courts.
“The DIFC Courts continues to pioneer advanced court and legal services, in close cooperation with Dubai’s leadership, as well as our public and private sector partners. Both the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre and the Notary Service will widen the suite of services, broadening access to justice, as well as providing greater flexibility for business and individuals seeking efficient, cost-effective solutions,” said His Excellency Wayne Martin, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts.
DIFC Notary Service: First-of-Its-Kind in the UAE
Alongside mediation, the DIFC Courts Notary Service enables Notary Officers to administer, witness, and attest oaths, affidavits, affirmations, and declarations, as well as certify true copy documents for businesses and individuals. The service is limited to English documents and offers three user options: automated self-service, live virtual service, and in-person notarisation.
Additionally, users can authenticate documents through DataFlow’s primary source verification (PSV). Each notarised document is issued with a physical or electronic stamp and seal, with integrity ensured via Hedera Blockchain technology, recording notarisation events with timestamps on the distributed ledger.
“The DIFC Courts’ solutions are purposefully designed to bring confidence, clarity, and certainty to the region’s first English common law system so that businesses can flourish. The establishment of the Mediation Service Centre and the Notary Service serves to support our role by complementing federal and local strategic goals by building further confidence among growing domestic businesses, investors and the international business community. As Dubai and the DIFC continue to lead in trade, investment and governance, our objective at the Courts is to advance transparent, efficient, and future-ready judicial and legal solutions to meet the evolving needs of the region’s economy,” said His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director, DIFC Courts.
Blockchain-Powered Security and Compliance
The preservation and integrity of notarised documents are ensured using Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT), converting documents into verifiable credentials (VC) in line with ERC20 standards. Advanced encryption and privacy-preserving protocols maintain user confidentiality throughout the process.
