From a key new law to tech at DIFC Courts: Ayesha Bin Kalban shares her insights

With the recent introduction of Dubai Law No 2 of 2025, the DIFC Courts have entered a new chapter — one focused on clarity, efficiency, and tech-driven justice. Gulf Business met with Ayesha Bin Kalban, who serves as registrar at DIFC courts, to discuss the impact of the new law, and how mediation, technology, and a user-first approach are reshaping dispute resolution in Dubai.

Bin Kalban also discusses her path from case progression officer to leading court registry operations and how her journey can inspire Emirati women interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession.

Here are excerpts from the conversation.

To begin, Tell us a bit about your background and how your journey with DIFC Courts began.

Sure. I started out in law because I genuinely wanted to do good — maybe it sounds clichéd — but I really wanted to make a difference and improve people’s lives. I trained as a lawyer and qualified after about a year and a half in practice, but I quickly realised that being a lawyer wasn’t where I could contribute most meaningfully. Then an opportunity came up with the DIFC Courts in 2015, and I took it.

I joined as a case progression officer, ensuring filings were timely, parties were complying with rules and procedures, and judges and registrars were kept up to date. Through that role, I absorbed a lot — learning from judges, lawyers, and just by being immersed in the process. Over time, I saw how improving court systems could truly help people, and that’s when I realised I wanted to contribute on a structural level.

Since then, I’ve steadily grown with the DIFC Courts — first as assistant registrar in 2018, then as deputy registrar of the Small Claims Tribunal in 2019, followed by deputy registrar of the DIFC Courts in 2020.

I hold a degree in Law and Political Science from the University of Saint Joseph Dubai and am qualified to appear before both local and federal courts in the UAE.

And you became the registrar in 2022, right?

In November 2022, I was appointed Registrar. Being appointed to the position was a big step, and I was hesitant at first — big shoes to fill. But my vision aligned with the DIFC Courts’ ambition to become a leading commercial court globally. I saw it as a challenge to enhance people’s experience in dispute resolution and contribute to Dubai’s legal and economic strategy.

Today, I oversee case progression, sit as a judge and mediator with the Small Claims Tribunal, and hear applications in the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and the Enforcement Department.

I often say that during my eight-hour workday, I’m in the “hot seat,” ensuring cases move efficiently and that parties feel heard and understood.

Are there any cases — without naming specifics — that really shaped your approach at DIFC Courts?

Several, yes. Many reminded us to remain agile. Sometimes, rules must evolve to accommodate fairness and efficiency. We’ve had situations that challenged our existing frameworks, particularly around jurisdiction, and these helped us revisit and update our processes.

At DIFC Courts, we welcome stakeholder feedback and use it to enhance user experience.

Let’s shift to Law No 2 of 2025. What are the most important updates from your perspective?

It consolidates previous laws — Dubai Law No 12 of 2004 and DIFC Law No 10 of 2004 —into one statute. This improves transparency and removes outdated or conflicting clauses. It clarifies our jurisdiction over civil, commercial, employment matters, non-Muslim wills, trusts, and enforcement of arbitral awards.

It also strengthens governance, giving the Chief Justice greater authority and clearly separating judicial and administrative functions.

Additionally, it supports digital innovation, allowing us to continue enhancing our tech-driven court processes.

How has this law helped you in your role as registrar?

It’s given me more clarity and streamlined procedures. With expanded enforcement powers and refined jurisdiction, we’re able to navigate hurdles faster, and thereby serve users.

How does the law strengthen judicial independence while aligning with UAE legal reforms?

It creates a clearer separation between judicial decision-making and court administration. It expands the chief justice’s authority over judge assignments and ensures decisions remain independent.

This framework supports the UAE’s broader judicial reforms aimed at investor confidence and modernised dispute resolution.

On mediation — how does this initiative impact court efficiency and user experience?

Mediation is less formal, faster, and often more effective. It’s been used since ancient times and is making a resurgence in modern justice. When parties agree on outcomes, they’re more likely to comply. This helps reduce caseloads, lowers stress on judges, and fosters faster dispute resolution — sometimes in a matter of hours. It’s better for business continuity and overall satisfaction.

What about clearer jurisdictional boundaries — how has the new law improved this?

It refines our role, particularly in enforcement of civil and employment matters involving DIFC entities.

It streamlines our power to recognise arbitral awards and provide interim relief, especially in support of foreign proceedings, this being in line with common law practice.

What’s being done to speed up litigation and improve case management?

We’re focusing on the user experience — creating efficient, affordable procedures and fast-tracking hearings. Some emergency hearings can be scheduled within an hour. All of this reinforces Dubai’s global standing as a hub for agile and tech-savvy dispute resolution.

How has technology helped the DIFC Courts enhance efficiency and service delivery?

Technology is central to our court strategy and aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in smart, efficient dispute resolution. From advanced digital case management tools to the ability to fast-track hearings — including emergency matters within just an hour — technology is transforming how justice is delivered.

For users, this means greater convenience and flexibility; they no longer need to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts, as proceedings can be seamlessly integrated into their daily lives. Additionally, the digital shift has significantly reduced paperwork, eliminated delays, and improved transparency across the entire legal process.

We actively listen to our community — lawyers, litigants, stakeholders — and use their feedback to refine our digital services. Whether it’s about court processes or areas where convenience can be improved, our aim is always to deliver a seamless user experience. Technology is never implemented for its own sake; it must serve our users.

You mentioned mediation earlier. What are your top three tips for a successful negotiation?

1. Active listening: It’s not just about hearing someone, but making them feel heard. That alone can defuse a lot of tension.
2. Empathy: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes — understand their context before relaying it to others.
3. Read the room: Know who you’re speaking to, build rapport, and be curious about them. Understanding what matters to the other side improves outcomes.

I’ll add a fourth—be curious. It helps create connection and trust, which is essential in negotiations.

Finally, what advice would you give other Emirati women pursuing a career in the legal profession?

We sometimes start on the back foot, especially if we have responsibilities at home. But those experiences — like motherhood — instill resilience, compassion, and understanding, which are essential in roles like mine. My advice is: don’t compartmentalise your life, use your strengths from both personal and professional spheres.

Work-life balance is important, but it’s okay for those sides to overlap sometimes.