Report No. 188

(IX) United Arab Emirates:

(http://www.ameinfo.cam/rews/Detailed/17527.html). (22.1.2003)

The proposal here was that there should be maritime or commercial courts in the United Arab Emirates, with properly trained judges. This was referred to by Mr. Mills, partner in the London based law firm Clyde & Co. He said, 'Part of the problem is that the judges who deal with petty squabbles between neighbours, etc. also deal with high value and complicated shipping, insurance and commercial cases. Many of the judges have had little or no experience of these cases and this can lead to misunderstanding.

There we need to ensure speedy settlement of case in the region. For example, the consolidation of various claims against a particular ship would be helpful, to avoid inconsistency and delay. He also suggested that Courts should also have the power to order substantial legal costs to the successful plaintiff. Under the existing system, the winning parties are only entitled to recover court fees and a nominal sum for lawyer's fees, leaving them substantially out of pocket. (see also www.seatiade-middleeast.com).