DIFC Academy and LexisNexis MENA strengthen strategic partnership with the launch of two new technology initiatives

The DIFC Academy and LexisNexis MENA are strengthening their strategic partnership with two new initiatives: "The Annual Technology Adoption Index” and "The Legal Tech Glossary."

These projects follow five years of fruitful collaboration, including the publication of the official DIFC Law Commentaries and Law Reports book collections. Through a joint training programme, the DIFC Academy and LexisNexis MENA have co-hosted hundreds of courses and trained thousands of legal practitioners in all areas of law.

Annual Index: The first edition of the Annual Index of Technology Adoption in Dubai's Legal Industry will be published in October 2020. The index will measure the implementation of legal technology within law firms and in-house legal teams, and will be updated annually.

The Legal Tech Glossary: In order to increase awareness of the impact of machine learning, smart contracts, and technology tools on the practice of law in Dubai, key terms and concepts will be defined and made accessible.

Alya Al Zarouni, Executive Vice President of Operations and Head of DIFC Academy, DIFC Authority said: “During the last five years, DIFC Academy and LexisNexis have collaborated on projects which support the continued professional development for legal practitioners within and outside the Centre. It is more important than ever to prioritise technology and innovation in order to effectively increase financial and legal sector diversification and contribute to a competitive knowledge-based economy. We look forward to working in closer co-operation with LexisNexis to drive the legal sector adoption of technology and innovation.”

“We are very proud to have built the largest legal and tax information platform in the region. The Lexis® Middle East solution has revolutionized access to the law for all practitioners. LexisNexis is also a major global player in LegalTech and we believe that artificial intelligence will continue to have a big impact on the practice of law in the years ahead. Our strengthened partnership with the DIFC Academy will enable us to better understand local market trends and facilitate access to knowledge for the entire legal community in Dubai. It is an honour for us to have the confidence of a prestigious and influential player such as the DIFC Academy,” said Guillaume Deroubaix, Managing Director of LexisNexis Middle East and North Africa.

The objective of the partnership is to strengthen the services and the sharing of knowledge offered to the legal community in Dubai in the next few years in order to bring it to the level of excellence that Dubai's standards require.

About Dubai International Financial Centre 

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of USD 7.7 trillion. 

With a 16-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of more than 25,000 professionals working across over 2,500 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance. Today, it offers one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. 

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.