Imad El Din Farouq, Senior Legal Advisor at Dubai Land Department, discussed the important role of legislation in promoting stability within Dubai's real estate market. Mohamed Massaad Al Sharif from the Property Court at Dubai Court, on the other hand, explained the 'Property Legislation System in Dubai.' He spoke about the three major areas of the system, namely, the legislative development for the committee on rental and property disputes; the property legislative system; and its implementation.

Counsel Bakri Abdullah Hasan, Advisor - Technical Office of the Dubai Public Prosecutor, delivered an overview of the Special Judicial Committee to settle disputes between landlords and tenants, during which he addressed four major areas: the formation of the committee and the outlining of its functions; prohibitions and restrictions on criminal proceedings and the committee's authorities; its judicial decisions; and the obstacles it faces.

Dr. Jamal Hussein Al-Sumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute, said: "The financial crisis has impacted various legal areas, including disputes and problems related to property transactions. Legislation in general and property laws in particular around the world, including the UAE, have shown vulnerabilities in solving challenges stemming from current economic conditions. This seminar represents our support for the plans and strategies of Dubai Government and the Federal Government focused on addressing imbalances and avoiding gaps in their respective legislations, in line with latest developments at the local, regional and international levels."

"As part of its aim of overcoming the repercussions of the crisis and continuing the growth witnessed by the UAE real estate market over the past three years, the Dubai Government issued decree No. 56 for the year 2009, which provides for the formation of judicial committees that will settle disputes over bounced cheques in the real estate sector," he added.

"Property disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the courts, but given the importance of the real estate sector and the necessity of resolving such disputes, the Dubai Government has suggested resolving some property and rental disputes through special committees. In this regard, we believe that seminars, workshops and related events will be effective means for promoting the legal and judicial culture within society, family, property sector and other vital areas. Such initiatives are in line with the emirate's vision of creating an integrated society and achieving comprehensive development in the long run," concluded Al-Sumaiti.

The Dubai Judicial Institute was established in 1996 as an independent department. The Institute was mainly found to provide rehabilitation programs and all-year training courses for aspiring judges, lawyers, district attorneys and their legal agents. Its main goal is to be the regional center for promoting judicial transparency, raising judicial training standards and encouraging promising and qualified UAE nationals to occupy key positions in the judicial system. The Institute, as part of its future plans, aims to provide legal consultancy to various public and private organisations in the UAE and conduct research and studies in all legal and judicial areas.