A complete guide to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
Judicial departments are the backbone of a stable and just society. They ensure fair and consistent application of laws, preventing chaos and upholding order. By resolving disputes peacefully and interpreting laws to protect individual rights, they safeguard against abuse of power and promote fairness. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) plays a similar role in the UAE capital.
This guide will review all the services offered by the Judicial Department of Abu Dhabi, including courts, prosecution and other digital services.
All About Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) is the primary legal and judicial authority within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The department was established in 2007 by (Late) His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to establish a just, safe and stable society.
The core function of the Judicial Department of Abu Dhabi is to ensure the delivery and administration of justice fairly and equally to all citizens and residents.
The ADJD’s court system operates through a three-tiered structure: the Court of Cassation, the Court of Appeals and the Courts of First Instance. These handle a broad spectrum of civil, family and criminal cases. Additionally, specialised courts cater to specific legal areas like traffic, labour and commercial disputes.
Beyond the court system, service divisions provide crucial support such as issuing Fatwas (religious legal opinions), attestations, notary services, family guidance and reconciliation and settlement committees.
Abu Dhabi’s Judicial System
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is currently chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. His leadership has established a judicial system known for its accuracy and speed in executing legal procedures.
The current judicial system has three main components:
- The Judicial Council
- Judicial Department Administration
- Public Prosecution
The Court System in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi court system operates with three tiers: Courts of First Instance handle initial cases, followed by the Courts of Appeal for review. The highest court, the Court of Cassation, reviews judgments from the Courts of Appeal and resolves jurisdictional conflicts within the emirate.
Additionally, specialised courts may be established upon the Judicial Council’s recommendation to address specific disputes and define their areas of jurisdiction. However, a single court may include first instance, appeals and enforcement functions.
An example of a specialised court is the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. The court handles legal matters related to family law for non-Muslim residents. It was established in 2021 and operates under a non-Sharia legal framework.
The court deals with a range of family law issues, including:
- Civil marriage and pre-nuptial agreements
- Divorce proceedings (including no-fault divorce)
- Child custody arrangements
- Paternity disputes
- Inheritance matters related to non-Muslim residents
Those interested in knowing more about the judicial system of Dubai can read our guide on courts in Dubai for detailed information.
Digital Services for Courts
The ADJD services are now available on mobile apps via Apple Store and Google Play. Here are the digital services offered by courts in Abu Dhabi:
- Case Roll
- Appeals Case Register
- Courts Request
- Case Inquiry
- Child Visitation
- Legal Aid
- Smart Fees Calculator
- Court Forms
- Cassation case register
- First Instance Cases Registration
- Request to Rental Deposit
- Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court
- Public Notices
- Legal Notice
- Request for a Certificate of Payment of Rental Value
Public Prosecution
The public prosecution plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system of Abu Dhabi:
- Initiating and managing criminal cases: They launch criminal investigations, gather evidence and present indictments before the competent court if sufficient evidence suggests the accused’s involvement.
- Following cases through the court system: They represent the prosecution throughout the trial process, ensuring the case is pursued until a final judgment is reached.
- Additional legal competencies: They fulfil all other legal responsibilities assigned by law or necessary for their administrative functions.
- Intervention in specific civil cases: They may intervene in civil lawsuits and personal status cases involving incompetent individuals, absentees, missing persons, charitable endowments, wills, gifts, and instances where recusal of judges or prosecution members is required, as outlined by relevant laws.
- Execution of criminal judgments: They oversee the implementation of verdicts and rulings issued in criminal cases.
Digital Services for Public Prosecution
You can benefit from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department online process to avail services like:
- Open Petition Permission
- Requests related to criminal cases
- Grievance Against Decisions Issued in Criminal Cases
- Judgment Payment
- Request to transfer traffic violations to court
- Inquiries
- Lawyer Case Cassation Request
- Rehabilitation Request
- PPS Appointment
- Passport Seizure Statement Request
- Appeal Request
- Objection Request
- Human Right
Other Services Offered by the ADJD
Other than courts and public prosecution to safeguard the rights of the citizens, there are ADJD services the public can access, including Notary, Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and more.
Notary
In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, a notary public is any individual authorised by the Judicial Department to notarise customary documents. These notary services are available on the app:
- Power of Attorney
- Signature Approval
- Pledges
- Partnership Contracts
- Service Agent
- Sales Contracts
- Proof of Date
- Mortgage Contract
- Duplicate Copy
- Digital authentication
- Islam and Doctrine
- Employment Contracts
- Administrative Agreements and Settlement
- Marriage Declarations
- Receipt, Concession and No Objection Declarations
- Monthly Income and Ownership Declarations
- Succession Notice, Guardian Appointing and Proof of Major Age
- Parentage, Kinship and Adoption of Orphans
- Marital Status, Custody and Dependency
- Donation, Will, Endowment and Indebtedness
- Divorce
- Marriage Contract
- Executory Wording
Alternate Dispute Resolution
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department recognises and promotes Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to settle disputes outside the traditional court system. The most popular ADR methods include conciliation, mediation and arbitration.
Either through the website or the ADJD application, you can opt for services like:
- Family Guidance
- Conciliation and reconciliation (civil and commercial)
- Application for Registration After Referral
- Family Guidance Consulting
Are you wondering how to file a civil lawsuit in the UAE? Our blog outlines all the important information you might need to file a suit.
FAQs About Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
How can I contact the judicial department of Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department location is at 16 Al Nawfal Street in Al Rawdah. You can contact the department via:
- Email: info@adjd.gov.ae
- WhatsApp: +971-60-059-9799
- Telephone: +971-2-651-2222
What other courts are located in Abu Dhabi City outside the headquarters of the Judicial Department?
- The Municipality Court and its headquarters are in Abu Dhabi Municipality.
- The Traffic Court and its headquarters are based in the Traffic and Patrols Directorate building in Al-Zafarana, Sultan Bin Zayed First Street.
- The Nationality and Residence Court is located in the General Administration of Residence and Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi Building.
- A labour court in Mohammed bin Zayed City is based in the Mazyad Mall building.
How can I apply for a Marriage Officer to contract marriage outside ADJD?
This can be done through the ADJD website through e-Services marriage contracts or call the toll-free number +971-60-059-9799.
What does the law say about court marriages in the UAE?
Court marriages are legal in the UAE. Read our guide on court marriages in the UAE to know about the documents required, procedures and legalities.
This concludes our guide to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. To access digital services, users can use TAMM Abu Dhabi or the ADJD mobile application.
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Featured image credit: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Facebook page.
