Sharjah Heritage Days celebrates UAE’s judicial evolution

Sharjah 24: Sharjah Heritage Days has made a remarkable addition to its activities this year with the Judge’s Exhibition, offering a comprehensive portrayal of the evolution of the judiciary in the UAE. The exhibition showcases the different phases of the legal system, including customary, Sharia, semi-formal, and formal judiciary, while highlighting the biographies of prominent judges, the establishment of the first courts, and the pioneering Emirati women judges of today. It also sheds light on the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in advancing the UAE’s judicial system.

Era of Customary Law

The exhibition begins with customary law, a system rooted in traditions, moral codes, and communal customs. This form of justice was practiced by well-known customary judges, including Rahma bin Abdullah Al Shamsi, Hussein bin Nasser bin Lootah, Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Abdouli, and Abdullah Al Niyar Ali bin Abdul Aal Al Niyar.

Sharia Law and its influence

Following this era came Sharia law, derived from Islamic principles. Islam has long emphasised the protection and guarantee of rights, and Emiratis historically turned to Sharia-based rulings for resolving personal and social matters. Esteemed scholars and jurists played a significant role in this period, with their judicial practices being sanctioned by the ruling authorities. Judges at that time were appointed directly by rulers, who ratified the documents they oversaw and the cases they adjudicated.

Rise of Formal Legal System

A later judicial phase saw the semi-formal judiciary emerge, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of a formal legal system. Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, the government has established numerous courts and public prosecution departments across all emirates, enacting comprehensive legislations to meet the nation's evolving social and economic needs. All enacted laws, along with their amendments, are published in the official gazette.

Empowering Emirati women judges

The UAE’s judicial landscape has since reached new heights, notably with the inclusion of Emirati women in the judiciary. Today, four distinguished female judges—Kholoud Ahmed Jouan Al Dhaheri, Ibtisam Ali Rashid Badowi, Salama Rashid Salem Al Ketbi, and Khadija Khamis Khalifa Al Mals—have broken barriers, affirming the country’s commitment to equal opportunities, justice, and progress across all sectors.

Honouring the Legacy of Sheikh Zayed

The exhibition also honors the pivotal role of Sheikh Zayed, whose visionary leadership laid the foundations of justice and governance in the UAE. He firmly believed in justice as the cornerstone of leadership and state-building, advocating that no nation can thrive without fairness and equity. His principles were not only reflected in his words but also in his actions, shaping a judiciary that stands today as a model of excellence and a source of national pride for every Emirati citizen.