Secretary for Justice Paul Lam concluded his visit to the Middle East in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), today with his delegation.

Mr Lam had a meeting with Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais this morning, to discuss and explore business opportunities in both places and related matters.

This was followed by a visit to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. The DIFC is an onshore financial centre in the UAE offering an independent legal and regulatory framework as well as a common law system. Operated as an independent English language common-law judiciary, the DIFC Courts has jurisdiction to hear civil and commercial disputes both regionally and internationally.

During the visit, Law Society of Hong Kong President Chan Chak-ming and DIFC Courts Director Omar Al Mheiri signed a memorandum of understanding. Mr Lam was pleased to note that both sides would strengthen their co-operation to promote exchanges and the development of the legal professional services between Hong Kong and Dubai.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam and his delegation visited Dubai International Arbitration Centre to meet its Chairman of the Board Tariq Humaid Al Tayer to exchange views and share experiences on the provision of a full spectrum of alternative dispute resolution services.

For the last stop in Dubai, the justice chief and the delegation met Dubai Chambers President and CEO Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah to learn more about local businesses and their need for multi-jurisdictional legal services, highlighting Hong Kong's robust legal system and its strengths in international legal and dispute resolution services.

Mr Lam will arrive back in Hong Kong tomorrow.