Dubai Modernises Dispute Resolution: Key Insights on the New Mediation Law 2025

Introduction to the New Dubai Mediation Law 2025

There’s a before and after Dubai Mediation Law 2025. In line with Dubai’s ongoing efforts to modernise its judicial system and enhance the efficiency of dispute resolution, Law No. (9) of 2025 Amending Certain Provisions of Law No. (18) of 2021 Concerning the Regulation of Conciliation in the Emirate of Dubai was issued in July 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The original Law No. (18) of 2021 established the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD) within the Dubai Courts, designed to promote resolution of civil and commercial disputes through conciliation before litigation. While the 2021 framework was an important step toward strengthening alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, certain procedural gaps limited its effectiveness.

The 2025 amendments replace ten key articles of the original law, introducing updated procedures, broader applicability, and greater legal certainty in conciliation matters.

The Rationale Behind Dubai Mediation Law 2025

Under Law No. (18) of 2021, conciliation was sometimes treated as optional, and processes for registering and enforcing settlement agreements lacked clarity. This occasionally resulted in inconsistent practices and unnecessary court congestion.

The 2025 amendments aim to:

• Reinforce conciliation as a mandatory step before litigation in certain disputes.
• Clarify registration, enforcement, and language procedures for settlement agreements.
• Encourage resolution of disputes through amicable and confidential processes rather than prolonged litigation.

This reform aligns with Dubai’s vision of promoting efficiency, transparency, and accessibility across all judicial services.

Key Developments Under Dubai Mediation Law 2025

Expanded Scope of Mandatory Conciliation (Article 5)

The scope of disputes requiring conciliation before litigation has been significantly broadened.

Conciliation is now mandatory for:

• Disputes referred by the President of the Dubai Courts.
• Personal status matters.
• Disputes voluntarily submitted to the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD).
• Cases referred by the Dubai Courts pursuant to a prior agreement between the litigants.

Exemptions from Conciliation

Certain disputes remain outside the scope of mandatory conciliation.

These include interim and urgent applications. Conciliation also does not apply to disputes:

• Falling outside the jurisdiction of the Dubai Courts, or
• Where conciliation is legally prohibited.

However, the Inheritance Court retains discretion to propose conciliation between parties even where formal referral is not required.

Streamlined and Digitised Conciliation Procedures (Article 6)

All conciliation applications must now be registered through the Dubai Courts’ electronic system. Each matter is overseen by a competent judge, ensuring procedural transparency and judicial supervision.

In personal status disputes, the Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee (FRGC) continues to manage conciliation proceedings in accordance with the rules set by the President of the Judicial Council or his authorised representative. Until new procedural resolutions are issued, Resolution No. (3) of 2021 remains applicable.

Both CASD and FRGC may appoint expert consultants to provide technical or specialised input, with clearly defined scope, duration, and fees.

When a settlement is achieved, the parties sign a Conciliation Agreement, approved by the conciliator and endowed with the legal force of a writ of execution.

Delegation of Conciliation Authority (Articles 7–8)

The law allows the CASD to delegate its functions to:

• Government bodies, or
• Authorised entities licensed to conduct conciliations.

These entities may manage disputes referred by CASD or initiated directly by parties.

All agreements reached through such entities must be entered into the Dubai Courts’ electronic system and endorsed for execution in accordance with the law.

Administrative Oversight and Conciliator’s Mandate (Articles 9, 23–24)

The amendments strengthen administrative governance and procedural consistency.

• Article 9 outlines the duties of the Chief Justice of the Dubai Courts, who is tasked with overseeing the implementation of conciliation mechanisms.
• Articles 23 and 24 define the structure and enforceability of conciliation agreements, as well as the conditions under which a conciliator’s assignment is deemed complete.

These provisions promote accountability, transparency, and uniformity across all conciliatory bodies.

Article 23 also introduces a major update to language requirements.

Instead of submitting separate Arabic and translated versions of settlement agreements, parties must now use a single bilingual document. In the event of a discrepancy between the two languages, the Arabic text shall prevail.

Enforceability and Challenges (Article 27)

One of the most significant reforms concerns the enforceability of mediation agreements.

Under the previous framework, agreements required approval by a competent judge. Now, authorised conciliators have the direct power to certify and enforce settlements, applying the executory formula themselves.

Challenges are only permitted in cases of fraud or deception, and must be submitted within five business days of certification.
The competent judge must rule within the same five-day period, and that decision is final.

The law also limits the issuance of duplicate copies of settlement agreements; additional copies may only be obtained by court order in the event of loss or damage to the original.

Jurisdiction and Escalation of Disputes (Article 28)

To reinforce the mandatory nature of conciliation, Dubai Courts are now prohibited from registering any claim subject to prior conciliation unless it has first been presented to:

• The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD),
• The Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee (FRGC), or
• Another authorised conciliatory body.

If a claim is filed without prior conciliation, the court must refer it to the appropriate entity before proceeding.

Fees and Registration (Article 30)

For the first time, the law explicitly defines fees for:

• Registering disputes, and
• Approving conciliation agreements.

In this regard, a fee of less than AED 500 (this may be subject to change but expected to be a symbolic registration fee) will be charged for registering a dispute on the system. If the parties reach a conciliation agreement that is approved and stamped with the executory formula by the competent judge, this fee will be refunded.

If conciliation is reached before registration of the dispute, no fee will be charged, provided that the conciliation agreement is still registered on the system.

Where the disputants fail to reach a conciliation and the dispute proceeds before the competent judge or is referred to court, the usual court fees under Law No. (21) of 2015 and other applicable legislation will apply, after deducting the  registration fee already paid.

This measure enhances transparency and ensures consistent administrative practice across Dubai’s conciliation framework.

Navigating the Conciliation Process

Under the new structure:

• A Conciliator, supervised by a competent judge, facilitates discussions between parties.
• If an agreement is reached, a Conciliation Agreement is signed and becomes legally binding upon approval.
• Experts may be appointed to assist with technical or specialised matters.
• Challenges are limited to cases involving fraud or deception, filed within five working days of the agreement’s approval.

This approach makes the process faster, more predictable, and more secure for all parties involved.

Who Benefits from the New Dubai Mediation Law 2025

The new law delivers practical advantages across sectors:

• Families: Gain a confidential, respectful process for resolving personal disputes.
• Businesses: Avoid lengthy and costly litigation through structured, enforceable conciliation.
• Courts: Reduce case backlogs and focus on complex disputes requiring judicial determination.

Together, these benefits foster a culture of amicable settlement and strengthen community and commercial relationships across Dubai.

What This Means for Dubai’s Dispute Resolution Landscape

The Dubai Mediation Law 2025 represents a major step forward in Dubai’s commitment to modernising its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) framework.

By granting conciliators direct enforcement powers, digitising registration, and broadening access to mandatory conciliation, Dubai reinforces its position as a global leader in efficient and transparent dispute resolution.

These amendments:

• Enhance legal certainty and procedural integrity.
• Promote amicable settlement as a first resort.
• Support business continuity and family harmony.
• Ensure confidentiality and enforceability in all conciliation outcomes.

For individuals and organisations operating in Dubai, understanding and complying with these procedures is essential to avoid procedural delays or unenforceable settlements.

At Rubert & Partners, we combine legal expertise and a commitment to fair and efficient outcomes. Whether you are involved in a commercial, family, or workplace dispute, our team is dedicated to guiding you through the conciliation process with clarity, confidence, and respect.

We hope this overview has provided useful insight into the recent developments in Dubai’s Conciliation Law and the evolving dispute resolution landscape in the UAE. If you have any questions or require tailored advice regarding your specific matter, our team is here to assist.

For more practical content, explore our Publications and the Videos by our Partner, Maria Rubert.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Each situation is unique and you should seek tailored advice for your specific case.