UAE Rolls Out New Mediation Framework for Civil, Commercial Disputes

The Federal Supreme Council of the Judiciary has announced the launch of an integrated legislative and regulatory framework governing mediation and conciliation in civil and commercial disputes, marking a major step in the UAE’s alternative dispute resolution system.

The framework implements Federal Decree-Law No. (40) of 2023 on Mediation and Conciliation in Civil and Commercial Disputes and is supported by eight strategic resolutions designed to modernise dispute resolution, enhance digital transformation, and reinforce a flexible and secure legal environment.

Under Resolution No. (90) of 2025, specialised mediation and conciliation centres will be established in Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Dibba Al Fujairah. These centres will operate as formal platforms for resolving disputes outside the court system, with clearly defined jurisdiction, functions, administrative affiliation and oversight mechanisms.

The regulatory framework began with Resolution No. (18) of 2025, which approved a comprehensive bylaw governing both judicial and consensual mediation and conciliation. The bylaw sets out detailed rules on case referrals, mediator selection, fees and expenses, voluntary and mandatory conciliation procedures, session management and confidentiality safeguards.

It also regulates the drafting of settlement agreements and provides for their endorsement with an enforcement formula, granting them the same executory force as court judgments. In addition, it establishes objection procedures and introduces an electronic mediation and conciliation platform.

Resolution No. (19) of 2025 established a Committee for the Admission of Mediators and Conciliators within the Judicial Inspection Department. The committee is responsible for registration, renewal and removal, the nomination of conciliators, and the examination of complaints and grievances. It provides a transparent grievance mechanism, allowing objections within 30 days and requiring decisions within 15 days, alongside the creation of official registers to ensure quality control.

Resolution No. (20) of 2025 regulates the professional affairs of conciliators, setting out appointment conditions, training requirements, duties and powers, cases of recusal and removal, replacement mechanisms, technical supervision and disciplinary measures.

Ministerial Resolution No. (711) of 2025 further strengthens oversight by establishing procedures for disciplining conciliators. A specialised committee will investigate violations and impose sanctions ranging from written warnings and salary deductions to suspension or recommendations for dismissal in serious cases.

Resolution No. (91) of 2025 introduces a Code of Professional Conduct for mediators and conciliators, anchored in integrity, transparency and impartiality. It imposes strict confidentiality obligations, prohibits media engagement that could compromise proceedings, bars advertising of services, and regulates mediators’ fees through written and fair arrangements not linked to case outcomes.

Resolution No. (92) of 2025 governs the affairs of mediators, covering registration, renewal and removal, mandatory training periods, insurance requirements, grounds for ineligibility, challenge and recusal procedures, and prohibited practices.

Supporting the UAE’s digital transformation agenda, Resolution No. (710) of 2025 regulates the conduct of mediation and conciliation sessions through remote means. It recognises the legal validity of attendance via visual communication technologies, subject to identity verification through UAE PASS or Emirates ID. The resolution prohibits recording or photographing sessions, allows remote witness hearings and the use of interpreters, permits electronic notifications by agreement, and mandates the use of approved systems compliant with information security standards.

Commenting on the framework, Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Federal Supreme Council of the Judiciary, said the resolutions represent “a qualitative leap in the development of alternative justice”, aligned with the UAE’s vision for a digital, flexible and proactive judicial system.

He noted that the measures will accelerate dispute resolution, reduce costs, and enhance confidence in the justice system, while granting settlement agreements the same enforceability as judicial rulings.

The Minister added that integrating mediation, conciliation and commercial arbitration into mainstream judicial practice strengthens investment attractiveness through faster procedures and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, now regarded as a core pillar of the UAE’s business-friendly legal environment.

He also commended the working teams for delivering the integrated framework within a record timeframe.

The new regulations reflect the Federal Supreme Council of the Judiciary’s commitment to building a modern, efficient and proactive justice system, expanding reliance on digital and alternative solutions to support sustainable justice.

The initiative aligns with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision and supports Sustainable Development Goal 16, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a competitive global model in judicial development and legal innovation.

 

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.