On February 24, 2015, the Faculty of Law at University of Dubai (UD) organized a legal seminar titled ìExperiences of an Emirati Judge at DIFC Courts.î More than 30 legal†and business professionals attended the seminar presented by H.E Justice Shamlan Al†Sawalehi. The seminar was also attended by the president of University of Dubai Dr.†Eesa Al Bastaki, Dr. Harold Koster, Dean of Faculty of law at UD, Ms. Natasha Bakirci,†Assistant Registrar at DIFC Courts and Ms. Hajar Al Mas, Manager of Events and†External Relations at DIFC Courts. Dr. Al Bastaki, president of University of Dubai welcomed the participants and stated that†University of Dubai is committed to promote awareness of UAE legal systems and†provide educational support for businesses and corporations.î Dr. Koster thanked Judge Al Sawalehi for sharing his experience as a DIFC judge and promised to continue engaging with local and international professionals in the legal†community. Judge Al Sawalehi presented the seminar and explained the role of DIFC courts, its†legal jurisdiction and enforcement capacity in many countries around the world. He said†that ìthe power of DIFC Courts is in their ability to enforce international rulings in Dubai†and UAE and guarantee that their judgments will be enforced across GCC countries†and many other countries in the world.î Judge Al Sawalehi stated that the DIFC Courts were established under two laws†enacted by the late Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Maktoum,†then by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister†of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Both laws describe the jurisdiction of the Courts and†provide for the independent administration of justice in the DIFC. Judge Al Sawalehi explained that DIFC courts were established to ensure the highest†international standards of legal procedure expected by the global institutions operating†in Dubai. He added that the existence of DIFC Courts helped advance many important†business and commercial projects in the country and assured foreign and local†companies doing business in UAE legal protections. He explained that DIFC court†system is capable of resolving all civil and commercial disputes such as disputes arising†out of financial transactions, debt collection or employment matters. Judge Al Sawalehi praised the law governing DIFC Courts stating that such advanced†laws permit parties within DIFC to select a legal jurisdiction of their choice other than the†DIFC at the time they enter into contracts. However, if parties choose not to do so, the†DIFC laws will be applicable by default. Moreover, since the end of 2011, parties†outside the DIFC can now opt-in to DIFC Courts jurisdiction, either in their contracts or†after a dispute has arisen. H.E Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi has a great experience in international financial†service disputes in both Common and Civil law systems. He joined the DIFC Courts in†2010 as a Judicial Officer before becoming a Small Claims Tribunal Judge and then a†Court of First Instance Judge. Prior to joining the DIFC Courts, Justice Shamlan served as Director of Strategic Affairs†at the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,†UAE.