The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have announced that women now account for 62 percent of their total workforce. This milestone coincides with the UAE’s inaugural Emirati Women’s Month, observed under the 2026 theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better.”
Emirati women are currently represented across the institution’s judiciary, the Registry, and the Executive Team, where they hold two-thirds of the leadership positions. These appointments are part of a broader initiative to cultivate national expertise in law, court administration, and dispute resolution.
Key Leadership Appointments
- Justice Maha Al Mheiri: The first Emirati woman appointed to judicial office on a common law bench, currently presiding over cases in the Court of First Instance.
- Ayesha Bin Kalban: Serves as Registrar, while also fulfilling duties as a Small Claims Tribunal judge and mediator.
- Amna Al Owais: The first Emirati woman to serve as Registrar of a common law court in the GCC, now serving as Deputy Director of the DIFC Courts to oversee strategy and institutional development.
- Reem Al Shihhe: Chief Operating Officer, responsible for managing the Courts’ operational departments following her previous work in human resources and business excellence.
Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, noted that these women are instrumental in shaping the institution’s current operations and future direction. He emphasized that their public service and expertise not only strengthen the courts today but also establish a clear professional path for the next generation of female judges and court administrators.
The DIFC Courts, which function as an independent English-language common law system for civil and commercial disputes, stated they will continue to prioritize opportunities for Emirati women in mediation, adjudication, and institutional leadership. The report also notes that lead the registry and make up 2/3 of Executive Team, emirati women hold judicial office.
Recent Institutional Developments
- Leadership: Emirati women now lead a significant portion of the DIFC Courts’ operations.
- Judicial Expansion: Sheikh Mohammed recently swore in three new judges to the DIFC Courts.
- Technology: The institution has introduced new tools specifically designed for digital asset disputes.
- Regional Performance: Abu Dhabi courts achieved a 98 percent completion rate during the first half of 2025.
- Market Trends: The DIFC Courts are seeing an increase in the volume of cross-border dispute cases.
Important Details
- The report also notes that related Stories.
- The report also notes that women in Vision: Turning women’s stories into gold.
Source: Gulf News
