With the entry into force of amendments to DIFC Wills rules to encompass Ras Al Khaimah, first steps have been taken to deliver on the wide-ranging series of cooperation agreements signed in December last year.

With the entry into force of amendments to DIFC Wills rules to encompass Ras Al Khaimah, and plans for seminars between Ras Al Khaimah Courts judges and DIFC Courts judiciaires, the RAK government and DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority have taken the first steps to deliver on the wide-ranging series of cooperation agreements signed in December last year.

Effective March 5, the new DIFC Wills & Probate Registry (WPR) Practice Direction extends the application of the WPR rules to Ras Al Khaimah, enabling all property in Ras Al Khaimah to be disposed of by an English language common law will, and permitting registration of a will at the Registry, for eligible persons.

In a related move, the DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority Academy of Law (AOL) confirmed plans for professional development seminars for the judiciary, law practitioners and law students in Ras Al Khaimah. The first course, led by DIFC Courts’ Justice Al Madhani, is designed specifically to promote collaboration between the two judiciaries.   

Mark Beer, chief executive and registrar of the DIFC Courts, said: “By opening up access to the DIFC Courts’ English-language legal system, Ras Al Khaimah has given its investors, businesses and residents a new level of choice about how to resolve their commercial disputes. In the months since signing the series of agreements, we have enjoyed working together closely on the practical implementation and are delighted with the progress made to date.”   

Chancellor Ahmed Mohammed Al Khatri, chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Courts Department, said: "The Government of Ras Al Khaimah is committed to providing the structures and institutions that will support the emirate’s investors, residents and commercial operations in their chosen endeavours. The agreements that have been established with the DIFC and its associated entities form part of that commitment. We believe that these innovations will further encourage investors in particular to look favourably on Ras Al Khaimah as a place in which to establish themselves, confident in the knowledge that a legal environment exists here which offers choice and is both transparent and secure. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Dispute Resolution Authority in these matters.”

The latest steps in the collaboration were agreed during the inaugural joint committee meeting attended by representatives of Ras Al Khaimah Government and the DIFC Courts, including Chancellor Al Khatri, chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Courts Department, and Dr Michael Hwang, SC, Head of the DRA. - TradeArabia News Service