New Abu Dhabi court for speedy trials of tourists

Abu Dhabi - Deemed the first-of-its-kind court in the world

Abu Dhabi has launched a specialised court and a tourism prosecution at the Abu Dhabi International Airport to handle tourists with minor offences.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department on Saturday announced that the Tourism Court along with its own public prosecution section is intended to provide speedy judicial services to the tourists and complete their trials in the shortest time possible as they have limited time in the country, according to judicial authorities.
Counsellor Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, Attorney-General of Abu Dhabi, said the tourism prosecution will work in cooperation with relevant authorities to provide quality services in accordance with international best practices, while emphasizing adherence to the rule of law through justice and the maintenance of rights and freedoms.
"The initiative will help in the creation of a clear database of legal issues tourists may face during their stay in the country, particularly those resulting from differences in people's cultures and the laws applicable in different countries," he said.
The decision to set up the tourism prosecution and court was taken early this year by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Deemed the first-of-its-kind court in the world, the move is also part of efforts aimed at promoting the economic competitiveness of the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a sustainable tourist destination, with a view to achieve the strategic goals of its government to become one of the five best governments in the world.
Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abry, Under-Secretary of the Department, stressed the importance of compliance of judicial services to the accelerating development in Abu Dhabi, and provision of judicial infrastructure that meets the growing needs of the community.
He quoted the statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, that the UAE would celebrate the export of last barrel of oil, as the country adopts the economic diversification policy.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi