The Ministry of Justice has announced the launch of a new "virtual lawyer" project, a first of its kind in the UAE and the wider region. The initiative was revealed during the activities of GITEX 2024 and aims to simplify legal proceedings in minor cases, speeding up litigation processes and improving access for litigants.
This virtual lawyer will operate using the “Unified National Legislative Texts Database”, which will be developed by the Ministry of Justice. Law firms wishing to utilize the service will need to register the virtual lawyer with the Ministry and contribute to its database. A trial version of the virtual lawyer is set to be launched in 2025, focusing on assisting lawyers in simple cases. Key features will include the ability to interact with human judges, convert voice to text and vice versa and submit documents and memoranda.
The project is designed to enhance the future-readiness of the UAE's justice sector, using advanced technology and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency and speed of legal services. It is part of a broader effort to introduce new government models aimed at improving customer experiences in an increasingly digital litigation environment.
Developed in partnership with the Office of Government Development and the Future and the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, the virtual lawyer project is aligned with the UAE's vision of future government services.
Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, emphasized that the Ministry is committed to integrating new innovations and technology into the judicial system to improve efficiency. He noted that artificial intelligence can enhance accuracy in decision-making and reduce the administrative burden on the judiciary.
Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, highlighted the project’s role in the "Emirates Future Mission", which aims to develop proactive government models for future readiness. The initiative, she said, is a key step in transforming government operations and creating significant leaps in digital transformation.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stressed the importance of accelerating the adoption of technology in government operations, particularly in legal sectors.
The virtual lawyer project will also prioritize user privacy and data protection, operating within the UAE government's cloud infrastructure to ensure cyber security for all clients. Alongside the project, the Ministry of Justice is working on new legislation to keep pace with evolving legal professions and ensure that the use of digital infrastructure in legal services meets the highest security standards.