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

Introduction to the New Dubai Mediation Law 2025

There is a clear before and after with the 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 the resolution of civil and commercial disputes through conciliation prior to litigation. While the 2021 framework marked an important step in strengthening alternative dispute resolution 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 procedures for registering and enforcing settlement agreements lacked clarity. This resulted, at times, 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 requirements for settlement agreements.
• Encourage amicable and confidential resolution rather than prolonged litigation.

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

Key Developments Under Dubai Mediation Law 2025

Expanded Scope of Mandatory Conciliation (Article 5)

The scope of disputes requiring conciliation prior to litigation has been significantly expanded. 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.
• Cases referred by the Dubai Courts pursuant to a prior agreement between the parties.

Exemptions from Conciliation

Certain disputes remain outside the scope of mandatory conciliation. These include interim and urgent applications, as well as disputes falling outside the jurisdiction of the Dubai Courts or where conciliation is legally prohibited.

The Inheritance Court, however, retains discretion to propose conciliation 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 case is overseen by a competent judge, ensuring transparency and judicial supervision.

In personal status disputes, the Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee continues to manage conciliation proceedings in accordance with applicable rules until new procedural resolutions are issued.

Both CASD and the Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee may appoint expert consultants to provide technical or specialised input, with clearly defined scope, duration, and fees.

When a settlement is reached, the parties sign a conciliation agreement approved by the conciliator and granted the legal force of a writ of execution.

Delegation of Conciliation Authority (Articles 7–8)

The law permits CASD to delegate its functions to government bodies or licensed entities authorised to conduct conciliations. Agreements reached through such entities must be registered in the Dubai Courts’ electronic system and endorsed for execution.

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

The amendments strengthen administrative governance and procedural consistency. Article 9 defines the oversight role of the Chief Justice of the Dubai Courts, while Articles 23 and 24 regulate the structure, enforceability, and completion of conciliation agreements.

A key update concerns language requirements. Settlement agreements must now be submitted as a single bilingual document, with the Arabic text prevailing in case of discrepancy.

Enforceability and Challenges (Article 27)

Authorised conciliators now have direct authority to certify and enforce settlement agreements by applying the executory formula. Challenges are limited to cases of fraud or deception and must be filed within five business days of certification. Judicial decisions on such challenges are final.

Jurisdiction and Escalation of Disputes (Article 28)

Dubai Courts may not register claims subject to mandatory conciliation unless the dispute has first been presented to the appropriate conciliatory body. Claims filed prematurely must be referred for conciliation before judicial proceedings continue.

Fees and Registration (Article 30)

The law introduces explicit fees for dispute registration and approval of conciliation agreements. A symbolic registration fee of under AED 500 applies, which is refundable if a conciliation agreement is reached and approved. No fee is charged where conciliation is achieved prior to registration.

Navigating the Conciliation Process

• A conciliator, supervised by a competent judge, facilitates discussions.
• Settlements become legally binding upon approval.
• Experts may be appointed where specialised input is required.
• Challenges are strictly limited to fraud or deception.

Who Benefits from the New Dubai Mediation Law 2025

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

What This Means for Dubai’s Dispute Resolution Landscape

The Dubai Mediation Law 2025 represents a significant step forward in Dubai’s alternative dispute resolution framework.

By granting conciliators direct enforcement powers, digitising procedures, and expanding mandatory conciliation, Dubai strengthens its position as a global leader in efficient and transparent dispute resolution.

At Rubert & Partners, we guide individuals and organisations through conciliation processes with clarity, confidence, and respect.

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

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Each situation is unique and tailored advice should be obtained.