Mansour bin Zayed Issues Decision to Establish Specialized Court for Human Trafficking Crimes in Abu Dhabi

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, has issued Resolution No. 40 of 2026 establishing a specialised court to hear human trafficking crimes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The move forms part of efforts to strengthen the specialised judicial system and provide the highest standards of prompt justice, representing a qualitative addition to the legal protection mechanisms and the safeguarding of human dignity and rights.

In line with the principle of comprehensive judicial specialisation, the new court unifies within its organisational structure an integrated procedural system, beginning with a specialised public prosecution responsible for investigation and prosecution in human trafficking crimes, through to courts of first instance and appeal with jurisdiction over such crimes, supporting greater efficiency in judicial procedures and faster case resolution.

As part of strengthening the comprehensive protection system and unifying efforts, the resolution defines the court's jurisdiction to hear all human trafficking cases occurring within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, requiring judicial circuits currently hearing human trafficking cases to refer them to the newly established court, unless pleadings in the case have already been closed, so as to ensure that all cases fall under the specialised justice system. The Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will issue the decisions necessary to implement the provisions of this resolution and ensure the court efficiently undertakes its jurisdiction.

Source: Emirates News Agency – WAM