تعديلات قانون الوساطة الجديد لعام 2025 في دبي
Welcome back to Lawgical with Ludmila, where we untangle the legal knots so that you do not have to. I am Ludmila Yamalova, a US qualified lawyer based in Dubai. In each episode, we break down complex law into clear, practical insights that you can actually use. In today’s episode, we will explore Dubai’s new mediation framework and the changes that are set to redefine how disputes are resolved moving forward.
Overview of Law No. 9 of 2025
This shift comes with the recently enacted Dubai Mediation Law, Dubai Law No. 9 of 2025. At a high level, this law amends ten articles of the original Law No. 18 of 2021 on mediation or conciliation in the Emirate of Dubai.
How the new law reshapes the landscape
- Enhances enforceability
- Expands scope
- Clarifies procedure
- Increases oversight
Structural Changes and Authority
From a structural standpoint, these amendments allow the Center for Amicable Settlement of Disputes, known as CASD, to mediate and settle family or personal status disputes, with some exceptions. They also give authorized conciliators or mediators working through CASD or delegated entities the power to ratify settlement agreements so that they become executory documents that are legally enforceable without going through judge ratification.
Why These Amendments Were Needed
There are several reasons that required the modifications and the specific amendments.
Key drivers
- Modernize the legal regime and increase efficiency
- Address limitations in Law No. 18 of 2021 where judicial ratification was still required after conciliation
- Reduce delay, cost, and uncertainty
- Improve effectiveness for family and personal status disputes that often lingered in courts
- Strengthen the perceived weight of mediation which was often seen as voluntary and not always effective
Institutional Momentum Toward Mediation
More broadly, there has been an institutional push toward mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods. Courts, government bodies, and private firms are calling for faster, cheaper, and less adversarial options. Since 2022, the Legal Affairs Department of Dubai has partnered with the European ADR Center to build mediation capacity in the Emirate by training government employees, lawyers, and the wider business community in mediation skills. It is worth noting that I am now a certified mediator under the same program. This momentum is not limited to onshore Dubai. The DIFC has also introduced reforms that place strong emphasis on mediation. These local reforms align with and build upon broader developments at the federal level.
Federal Context
Today we are focusing on the Dubai mediation framework. Dubai is one of the Emirates in the UAE. At the federal level, there is a nationwide framework within which Dubai operates.
Relevant federal foundation
- Federal Law No. 6 of 2021 sets out a nationwide regime for mediation and conciliation of civil and commercial disputes, including provisions for mediator lists, neutrality, and registration
- Government and professional bodies continue to invest in mediation skills and infrastructure
- Private mediation centers are being formally regulated through licensing, premises requirements, and insurance obligations
- Public awareness is growing and more parties expect mediation to appear in dispute resolution clauses or as a required step before litigation
Comparative Perspective from the United States
It is useful to step back and consider mediation’s role in the West, particularly in the United States. Having practiced in the UAE for many years, I can say that mediation here, until recently, was not prominent and not always effective in bringing parties together. In contrast, in the United States I witnessed and participated in many successful mediations. I have long wished for mediation to become a more integral part of UAE legal practice, which is also why I became certified by the Legal Affairs Department as a mediator. The European Center on ADR that supports the Dubai program bases its techniques on Western mediation systems, specifically the US system.
Why mediation is valued in the United States
- Can save months and even years of litigation
- Reduces costs and preserves relationships
- Maintains privacy which is valuable across industries
- Courts frequently pause proceedings and refer parties to mediation before trial
Illustrative US Case Example
When I practiced in the United States, we had a contract dispute for a client. Both parties had fully briefed their cases, the court proceedings were ongoing, and each side had legal counsel. At some point, the judge paused the case and scheduled mediation. The court required the parties to attempt mediation. The mediator was appointed through JAMS, Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services. The parties paused court proceedings and undertook mediation.
Why timing mattered
- By that point, documents, disclosures, and depositions were complete
- The court had seen the substance of both sides
- Counsel summarized their cases for a mediator who was new to the dispute and working within a short timeline
- The mediator shuttled between the parties and ultimately brought them to agreement
For today’s discussion, I will stay focused on Dubai’s mediation laws. There was the 2021 law and now the 2025 law. Together they create a framework that is evolving. The point of the US example is to show why mediation is not only helpful but, in some jurisdictions, a mandatory step in many proceedings. By virtue of the recent amendments, we are beginning to see a similar direction in Dubai.
International Technique and JAMS Influence
The current international techniques introduced and taught in the UAE draw on JAMS. JAMS is a private alternative dispute resolution provider based in the United States and widely regarded as the world’s largest private ADR provider. JAMS has built a reputation for highly skilled mediators, often retired judges or senior lawyers, who bring credibility, neutrality, and deep subject matter expertise.
What private mediation means in practice
- A body of qualified individuals serves as mediators
- Not all must be lawyers and can include industry experts such as an IP engineer
- Experienced professionals resolve disputes quickly and effectively
The European Center of Mediation partnered with Dubai in 2022 and is modeled on the JAMS approach. This shows that Dubai’s reforms are part of a broader global trend that treats mediation as a central pillar of modern dispute resolution. Against this backdrop, Dubai’s latest reform takes on greater significance. By drawing from proven international models while addressing local shortcomings, Law No. 9 of 2025 aims to give mediation real bite.
What The New Law Changes
Under the previous framework, Law No. 18 of 2021, mediators had limited authority to make settlement agreements directly executable. Parties still needed judicial ratification which delayed enforcement and weakened mediation’s impact. The new amendments allow the mediator or conciliator to ratify the agreement and make it an executory document without going to court.
Practical effect
- Settlements can be enforced directly without judicial stamping
- No need to relitigate the settlement if a party fails to comply
- Certainty approaches that of a court judgment without procedural hurdles
The previous law also excluded or made optional certain dispute categories, including personal status and family matters and interim or urgent cases. The new law tightens the categories where mediation is mandatory and clarifies exemptions.
Mandatory Conciliation and Article 5
Certain disputes must first pass through CASD or through delegated mediators or conciliators before the court will accept them.
Situations where this applies
- Personal status disputes
- Family related matters
- Cases referred by the President of Dubai Courts
- Disputes where the parties themselves agree to attend mediation first
- Disputes where a prior agreement exists between litigants to pursue mediation as a first step
Practice note
- Personal status disputes such as divorce are already being referred to mediation at the outset
- The court may pause proceedings and send cases to mediation in a manner similar to the United States
- Agreements to mediate in contracts now have a practical path to compel attendance through CASD
Exemptions From Mandatory Mediation
Not all cases can be referred to mediation on a mandatory basis.
Key exemptions
- Urgent interim orders
- Guardianship cases
- Inheritance disputes
- Certain marriage matters
- Divorce verification matters
- Disputes outside the jurisdiction of Dubai Courts
Mediation works best when parties are willing to resolve the dispute, which may not be the case in urgent or highly sensitive matters.
Judicial Oversight and Court Portal
The amendments strengthen the court’s role in overseeing mediation.
Oversight features
- Referrals occur through the court’s electronic case registration system
- A competent judge supervises the process to ensure fairness and accountability
- Mediation is managed within the Dubai Courts portal which is efficient and technologically advanced
Delegation of Functions
CASD can delegate mediation and conciliation functions to government agencies or other authorized entities.
Why delegation matters
- Expands reach and capacity
- Reduces bottlenecks
- Directs specialized disputes to bodies with the right expertise
Examples
- Consumer disputes may go to the economic department or consumer protection
- Family related matters may go to a specialized agency
Enforceability and Formalities
The law strengthens the enforceability of settlement agreements and tightens formalities.
Enforceability and challenge windows
- Conciliators can ratify settlements and issue executory documents directly
- Once parties reach agreement, it carries the force of a court judgment and can be enforced immediately
- Challenges remain available on narrow grounds such as fraud or deception within specified five working day windows
Formal documentation
- يجب تسجيل الاتفاقيات كتابة والتصديق عليها من خلال نظام الوساطة
- في حالة استخدام الاتفاقيات ثنائية اللغة، تسود النسخة العربية في حالة وجود تعارض
دور CASD والكيانات المعتمدة
CASD هي مؤسسة قائمة تتعامل مع التوفيق والتسويات الودية. بموجب القانون المعدل، قامت بتحديث السلطات والالتزامات. قد تعمل الكيانات المعتمدة كموفقين عند تفويضها وتخضع للترخيص والرقابة التنظيمية بما في ذلك المعايير والمباني والتأمين.
إجراءات الحماية الخاصة بالعمليات
- يجب أن يكون الموفقون مفوضين رسميًا
- تظل الإجراءات تحت الإشراف القضائي
- قد يتم إشراك الخبراء في التقييمات أو عمليات التدقيق أو التقارير الخاصة
- يتم تحديد الأطر الزمنية والرسوم لضمان الكفاءة والشفافية
دراسات الحالة في الممارسة
نزاع الأسرة والأحوال الشخصية
في السابق، كان على الأزواج المتنازعين على ممتلكات الزوجية الذهاب إلى محكمة الأحوال الشخصية والحصول على التصديق على أي تسوية. الآن يجب أن تمر القضية أولاً من خلال CASD وتحديدًا لجنة التوجيه الأسري والمصالحة. إذا تم التوصل إلى اتفاق مع موفق، فيمكن التصديق عليه مباشرة كأداة تنفيذية ويتم تخطي خطوات المحكمة الإضافية.
دعوى مدنية نموذجية مقدمة في محاكم دبي
في السابق، كان التقاضي يسير على الفور وكان التوفيق اختياريًا. الآن، إذا كان النزاع مؤهلاً بموجب المادة 5، فسترفض المحكمة تسجيل القضية ما لم يحاول الطرفان أولاً التوفيق من خلال CASD أو موفق معتمد. يمكن للمحكمة إيقاف الإجراءات وإحالة الأطراف إلى الوساطة.
نزاع عقد الأعمال
في السابق، كانت التسويات التي تتم بوساطة لا تزال تتطلب موافقة قضائية من أجل الإنفاذ. بموجب القانون رقم 9، إذا وافق الطرفان وتم تفويض الوسيط، فيمكنهما توقيع اتفاقية وساطة يتم إدخالها من خلال نظام محاكم دبي ويوافق عليها الوسيط، مما يجعلها قابلة للتنفيذ بشكل مباشر. تقتصر التحديات على أسس ضيقة مثل الاحتيال أو الخداع.
الآثار العملية
ما يجب أن تتوقعه الأطراف والممارسون
- وصول أسرع إلى التسويات القابلة للتنفيذ وتقليل الاعتماد على إجراءات المحكمة الطويلة
- مزيد من اليقين بشأن ما إذا كان يجب أن تمر النزاعات من خلال المصالحة
- زيادة استخدام الإدارات والوكالات الحكومية لحل النزاعات من خلال التفويض
- المزيد من المتطلبات الإجرائية الرسمية بشأن التوثيق والتسجيل والإشراف والمواعيد النهائية بما في ذلك نوافذ محددة لمدة خمسة أيام عمل لتحديات معينة
- ضرورة قيام المحامين والأطراف المتعاقدة بتحديث الاتفاقيات لتعكس مسارات الوساطة والصياغة الصحيحة لبنود الوساطة
- الوعي بأن الوساطة قد تظل مطلوبة حتى لو كانت العقود صامتة
الخلاصة والوجبات الرئيسية
يقدم قانون الوساطة الجديد في دبي، القانون رقم 9 لعام 2025، ستة إصلاحات رئيسية تعيد تشكيل كيفية حل النزاعات في الإمارة.
- التوفيق الإلزامي لبعض النزاعات من خلال مركز التسوية الودية قبل أن تستمع إليها المحاكم
- استثناءات للأمور العاجلة أو الحساسة أو الخارجة عن الولاية القضائية لتجنب التأخيرات غير الضرورية
- الرقابة القضائية من خلال البوابة الإلكترونية للمحكمة مع وجود قاض مختص يشرف على العملية
- تفويض المهام إلى الوكالات الحكومية والكيانات الخاصة المعتمدة لتوسيع القدرات
- سلطات التوفيق القوية، بما في ذلك القدرة على التصديق على اتفاقيات التسوية وإصدار الوثائق التنفيذية، مما يجعل النتائج قابلة للتنفيذ بشكل مباشر
- الشكليات وقواعد اللغة التي تتطلب تسجيل الاتفاقيات بشكل صحيح، مع اللغة العربية السائدة في حالة التعارض
تعمل هذه التغييرات معًا على رفع الوساطة من خيار ثانوي إلى ركيزة أساسية لحل النزاعات في دبي. الإصلاح جوهري ويتوافق مع أفضل الممارسات العالمية. بالنسبة للأفراد والشركات والمستشارين القانونيين، يتطلب هذا القانون تصميمًا دقيقًا للعملية وإعدادًا أقوى وفهمًا واضحًا للنزاعات التي تندرج الآن ضمن حل النزاعات البديل الإلزامي. سيعتمد النجاح في مشهد حل النزاعات المتطور في دبي على مدى تكيف الأطراف مع الوساطة كقاعدة جديدة.
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