THE ADGM BOOK – ADGM Courts launch digital guide to court procedures

Abu Dhabi – The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts in collaboration with the London‑based Wilberforce Chambers have unveiled a new digital publication, “The ADGM Book”, aimed at providing legal practitioners with streamlined access to the courts’ procedural framework.

The online publication brings together the ADGM Courts Procedure Rules 2016 and the Court’s Practice Directions into a single, consolidated volume. Authored by barristers Daniel Lewis and Daniel Jukes of Wilberforce Chambers, the book is presented in a digital format with clickable links and promises to be updated regularly to reflect developments.

In his foreword, Lord Hope of Craighead KT, Chief Justice of the ADGM Courts, emphasises the importance of accessibility: “Until now the ADGM Courts Procedure Rules 2016 and the ADGM Practice Directions have existed separately. Bringing them together in a single volume makes access far easier. That is the service this book seeks to provide.”

Linda Fitz‑Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of the ADGM Courts, commented that the publication underscores the Courts’ ongoing commitment to “access, clarity and innovation in the rule of law”.

The launch of The ADGM Book comes at a time when the ADGM jurisdiction continues to attract global businesses, with its courts increasingly referenced in dispute‑resolution clauses of commercial contracts. One commentary noted that the timing is apt: “As capital flows and corporate activity increase, a growing number of finance, M&A and commercial agreements now include the ADGM law and Courts in their governing law and dispute resolution clauses.”

Among the key benefits highlighted:

• Consolidation of rules and practice directions into one digital resource – reducing fragmentation and enhancing ease of reference.
• A digital format enabling instant updates, avoiding the delays and costs of traditional print editions.
• Direct commentary and case law references from experienced practitioners, enhancing utility for lawyers working with ADGM Courts.
• Alignment with the ADGM’s wider mission of delivering world‑class judicial services in support of Abu Dhabi’s economic vision and positioning the Courts as a forward‑looking disputes‑resolution jurisdiction.

The publication is expected to deepen practitioner familiarity with the ADGM Courts’ procedural architecture and support more efficient and transparent interaction with the jurisdiction. As one commentary put it: “This reliable digital tool will help lawyers work more efficiently and with greater clarity, to the benefit of their clients.”

The ADGM Book is a timely addition to the dispute‑resolution landscape of the Middle East – combining digital convenience, practitioner insight and institutional ambition. It reaffirms the ADGM Courts’ role as an accessible, modern forum for commercial litigation, arbitration‑adjacent matters and cross‑border business disputes.