Dubai Enacts New Law to Modernise Dispute Resolution

Dubai Overhauls Dispute Resolution with New Conciliation Law

In a significant reform to Dubai’s judicial framework, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (9) of 2025, amending key provisions of the original Conciliation Regulation Law No. (18) of 2021. This latest amendment is a strategic move to modernise dispute resolution in the emirate, aiming to reduce litigation load, encourage amicable settlements, and enhance legal efficiency.

The law, now published in the Official Gazette and effective immediately, reinforces the emirate’s ongoing drive to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms while safeguarding due process.

Key Amendments to Dubai’s Conciliation Law

Mandatory and Voluntary Conciliation

Article 5 outlines disputes that qualify for mandatory conciliation, including:

• Cases referred by the President of Dubai Courts;
  
  
  
• Personal status disputes;
  
  
  
• Disputes mutually agreed to be settled through the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD);
  
  
  
• Cases redirected to CASD by the courts based on prior litigant agreement.
  
  
  

Certain categories remain exempt from conciliation, such as:

• Urgent and interim measures;
  
  
  
• Guardianship and inheritance issues (although inheritance courts may still suggest settlements);
  
  
  
• Disputes concerning marriage or divorce verification;
  
  
  
• Matters outside Dubai Court jurisdiction or where conciliation is legally prohibited.

Conciliation Process and Judicial Oversight

Article 6 reaffirms that cases referred to the CASD or Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee will be reviewed by a Conciliator, under the supervision of a Competent Judge. Procedures will adhere to binding resolutions, including Resolution No. (3) of 2021, until further updates are introduced.

Importantly, the law empowers these bodies to appoint technical experts, whose responsibilities, fees, and timelines must be clearly defined.

If conciliation is successful, a Conciliation Agreement is drafted, signed by all parties, and approved by the Conciliator. Once stamped with the executory formula, the agreement carries the same legal weight as a court judgment.

Legal Certainty and Challenge Mechanisms

Under Article 27, once a Conciliator approves an agreement, it becomes legally binding and enforceable unless a party successfully proves fraud or deception. Challenges must be raised within five business days, and a Competent Judge must rule within the same period. This ensures swift resolution and legal certainty.

Article 28 establishes conditions for Dubai Courts to accept lawsuits that have not undergone prior conciliation, ensuring compliance with ADR procedures.

Broader Legal and Commercial Impact

By reinforcing conciliation as a preferred pathway for dispute resolution, the law:

• Eases court caseloads by resolving disputes outside litigation;
  
  
  
• Protects confidentiality and fosters a collaborative legal environment;
  
  
  
• Reduces time and cost burdens for individuals and businesses;
  
  
  
• Enhances Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for business-friendly, innovative legal governance.
  
  
  

Advisory for Businesses and Legal Practitioners

With this legal shift, it’s imperative for legal departments, HR teams, and business owners to update internal protocols and contractual frameworks to account for conciliation requirements, especially in family, civil, and commercial contexts.

At Al Kabban & Associates, we are closely monitoring how Dubai Courts will apply the amended law and advise all stakeholders, corporate and private, on:

• Determining if a dispute qualifies for mandatory conciliation;
  
  
  
• Preparing effective conciliation submissions;
  
  
  
• Drafting enforceable Conciliation Agreements;
  
  
  
• Challenging Conciliator decisions where necessary;
  
  
  
• Integrating ADR clauses into contracts under Dubai jurisdiction.

For legal support and to stay ahead of the regulatory curve, contact Al Kabban & Associates today to speak to our litigation experts, and ensure that you are always protected and up to date with the latest legal developments.

For more information or legal assistance, contact us at +971 4 453 9090 or visit www.alkabban.com. 

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