As part of the continuing efforts of the Legal Affairs Department to promote the legal profession in Dubai, the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the newly formed Academy of Law, a division of the DIFC's Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA). The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the parties to support the continuing professional development of the Emirates advocates and legal consultants.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding mapping out specific areas that will further their shared goal of enriching and advancing the legal sector in line with international standards. The MOU is within the scope of the new Continuing Legal Professional Development program (CLPD), developed by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department. This agreement is the first such agreement the Legal Affairs Department has signed with any training provider -.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Legal Affairs Department has made the DIFCs Academy of Law an accredited training provider. They are also considering jointly establishing a scheme to mentor new advocates entering the profession, and have agreed to share training facilities, if required.

The agreement aims to build on the support for legal education and advancement initiatives in the Emirate, specifically the Legal Affairs Departments CLPD initiative, which is the first of its kind in the region and the courses the DIFC Courts have been running since 2012, including advocacy training and a course in Arabic and English about DIFC laws and court procedures.

To maintain legal professional standards in the Emirate the parties will share information concerning the registration of individual advocates and legal consultants; and the licensing of advocacy and legal consultancy firms, upon request. They will also work to engage the legal profession around pro bono initiatives designed to help people in the local community.

The Director General of the Legal Affairs Department, His Excellency Dr Lowai Mohammed Belhoul, said: Under the powers granted to it by its establishing law, the Legal Affairs Department continues to enhance and develop the legal framework in the Emirate. The Memorandum of Understanding with the Dispute Resolution Authority of the DIFC marks another step in the journey, through utilizing education as a pillar, to promote best practice and innovation in the legal industry.

As the regulator the Department consistently works with its members and partners to promote excellence in the practice of law, for the benefit of the public in line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ' 2021 vision."

Chief Justice Michael Hwang, Head of the DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority & DIFC Courts, said: The DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority is an important part of making Dubai and the UAE one of the best places in the world to do business, an objective that requires the creation of a large community of well trained and highly professional locally-based lawyers. Our collaboration with the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department recognises this imperative and will add significantly to the overall level of professionalism in the Emirates legal community over time.

Among its responsibilities, in accordance with its establishing law, the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department regulates the advocacy and legal consultancy professions by in the Emirate of Dubai. The Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA) was established in 2014 by a Law issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and comprises the DIFC Courts, an arbitration institute, and other institutions, including the DIFC Academy of Law.