ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
ADGM Courts have announced the appointment of The Right Honourable Lord Patrick Hodge as the new Chief Justice, effective April 1, 2026, following the retirement of The Right Honourable Lord David Hope of Craighead after 11 years of service.
Lord Hodge brings decades of experience at the highest levels of the United Kingdom judiciary, including service as a Justice of the UK Supreme Court since 2013 and as its Deputy President since 2020. His career spans commercial courts, international arbitration, tax and company law, with extensive experience in complex cross-border disputes.
Prior to his appointment to the UK Supreme Court, Lord Hodge served as a judge of the Court of Session in Scotland and later as senior judge of its commercial court, where he led reforms to enhance judicial efficiency and modernise court procedures.
Chairman of ADGM, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, said, “I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Lord Hope for his exceptional service and leadership over the past 11 years. His stewardship played a foundational role in establishing ADGM Courts as a trusted and internationally respected judicial institution.”
He added: “We are pleased to welcome Lord Hodge. We are confident that, under his leadership and with his distinguished judicial career and deep expertise, the ADGM Courts will continue to deliver judicial excellence, innovation, and global connectivity.”
Commenting on his appointment, Lord Hodge said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Chief Justice of ADGM Courts. Over the past decade, the Court has earned an international reputation for judicial independence, procedural innovation and the principled application of English common law. I look forward to building on the strong foundations established under Lord Hope’s leadership and to working with my judicial colleagues to ensure that ADGM Courts continue to deliver efficient, fair and forward-looking justice.”
Reflecting on ongoing changes in the legal and business landscape, he added, “In an era of rapid global transformation, courts must remain steadfast in legal principle while remaining responsive to innovation. I am committed to supporting the ADGM Courts’ continued role as a trusted forum for resolving international commercial disputes and to upholding the highest standards of judicial excellence.”
Lord Hope said, “It has been a very real privilege to serve as Chief Justice of ADGM Courts since their formation. I have seen the Court evolve into a respected and innovative judicial institution, supported by an excellent team in its Registry and an outstanding international judiciary. Under Lord Hodge’s leadership, ADGM Courts will continue to flourish and serve the global business community with integrity, independence and distinction.”
A ceremony to formally welcome Lord Hodge and mark Lord Hope’s retirement took place on March 31, 2026.
ADGM Courts operate as an independent judicial system anchored in the direct application of English common law and play a central role in supporting investor confidence and the broader financial ecosystem of Abu Dhabi.