The Chief Executive and Senior Registrar of the DIFC Courts, Mark Beer, OBE, was today named President-elect of the International Association for Court Administration (IACA), where he will work to raise the requirements of justice systems worldwide. Mark, who will be the very first individual operating in a Middle Eastern judiciary to hold the respected position, will combine the function of IACA President with his existing DIFC Courts duties.

Mark's two-year period will begin in 2018 when he will seek to use his experience got from the DIFC Courts to assist raise worldwide standards of court governance, management and operations, especially in emerging judiciaries. As IACA President, he will drive forward a vibrant agenda concentrated on four key areas required to build and sustain world class judiciaries: technological innovation, judicial excellence and well-being, service standards and international connectivity.

Whether dealing with criminal or civil matters, modern courts are environments where operational excellence is the expected standard. IACA was established to ensure this become the norm, not the exception, worldwide, commented Mark Beer. "The selection of a Dubai-based court leader to be IACA President speaks volumes for the emirate's status as a centre of legal excellence and for the DIFC Courts' standing as one of the world's leading commercial courts. As IACA President, I look forward to sharing some of Dubai's experience and to teaming up with our members to raise international standards of court administration."

Headquartered in Virginia, USA, IACA combines organisations and people from worldwide who share a common interest in achieving excellence in judicial systems worldwide. Its work is focused particularly on emerging markets and other nations pursuing the rule of law, with a variety of international conferences, online forums, and education and training programs on court administration and management held throughout the year. IACA likewise serves as a resource for judges, court administrators and managers, and other government officials searching for ways to assess and enhance court and justice systems.

Catherine Hiuser of the International Association for Court Administration said: "Under Mark's management, the DIFC Courts have protected a reputation as one of the most efficient commercial courts in the world. On the other hand, his tireless work to formalise relationship with the judicial systems of the UAE's essential trading partners has actually produced among the world's most linked courts. The IACA board is delighted to invite such a qualified and capable prospect as president choose of the organisation as it continues its objective to promote court quality throughout the world."

Mark will take over as President-elect from Vladimir Freitas from Brazil, who has become IACA's President.

As part of the DIFC Courts' dedication to court quality, HE Justice Ali Shamis Al Madhani will continue to act as Chair of IACA's Middle East Board, a function he has held given that 2013.