Following the legislative and judicial developments that shaped the DIFC Courts’ jurisdictional framework in 2025, this chapter examines how the breadth and limits of that jurisdiction have been tested over the past year. Recent decisions have clarified the reach of statutory gateways over contractual and tortious claims, the joinder of defendants without an independent connection to the DIFC, and the jurisdictional foundation for protective and anti-suit relief. Further developments concerning parallel proceedings before Dubai judicial bodies have refined the circumstances in which jurisdictional conflicts arise and the effect of their resolution. Together, these decisions illustrate the distinction between establishing jurisdiction, exercising judicial powers and resolving competing claims to jurisdiction.

Authors: Prateek Bagaria, Natasha Kavalakkat and Sanchit Suri

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