Dubai has introduced Law No. 9 of 2025, bringing significant amendments to its mediation and conciliation framework. These changes streamline dispute resolution, cut down delays, and elevate mediation to a central role in the UAE’s legal system. In this article, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what the law is, why it matters, its key provisions, penalties, and how to navigate it with expert legal support.

Summary of Dubai Mediation Law Amendments

The Dubai Mediation Law (Law No. 9 of 2025) updates the earlier Law No. 18 of 2021, which had left gaps in enforceability. Previously, even if parties reached an agreement through mediation, they still needed a judge’s ratification for it to become binding.

Now, with the amendments:

• Conciliators can directly ratify settlements, giving them immediate legal enforceability.
• The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD) has expanded powers.
• Oversight mechanisms and clearer procedures strengthen trust in mediation outcomes.

 

Why the Amendments Matter for Residents and Businesses

The changes were introduced to solve real pain points. Under the old system, settlements often dragged in courts, adding cost, time, and stress.

The impact of the amendments includes:

• Faster enforcement: Settlements carry the same weight as court judgments.
• More certainty: Parties know upfront if their dispute must go through mediation.
• Global alignment: Dubai’s approach now mirrors international best practices, making it more attractive to investors and businesses.

In practice, this means mediation in Dubai is no longer a “secondary option” but a primary tool for resolving disputes efficiently.

 

Key Provisions of Dubai Law No. 9 of 2025

The new mediation law introduces several landmark changes:

1. Mandatory Mediation in Specific Cases
   • Applies to personal status disputes, claims referred by Dubai Courts, disputes where parties agree to mediate, or contracts requiring mediation first.
2. Exemptions for Sensitive Matters
   • Urgent interim orders, guardianship, inheritance, certain marriage/divorce verifications, and disputes outside Dubai Courts’ jurisdiction are excluded.
3. Judicial Oversight and Digital Registration
   • Cases must be filed through the Dubai Courts’ electronic portal, with a competent judge supervising the process.
4. Delegation of Mediation Authority
   • CASD can transfer cases to specialized government agencies or authorized entities (e.g., economic departments for consumer disputes).
5. Executory Settlement Agreements
   • Mediators can ratify agreements directly. Challenges are allowed only for fraud or deception, filed within five working days.
6. Formal Language Rules
   • Settlements must be documented properly, and in bilingual agreements, Arabic text prevails.

 

Penalties and Challenges

The law doesn’t impose conventional penalties but does restrict how settlements can be challenged.

• Challenges are limited to fraud or deception.
• Must be filed within five working days.
• A competent judge rules on the challenge within the same timeframe.

This strict window reinforces the finality and enforceability of mediated settlements.

 

How to File or Report Disputes

Disputes subject to mediation must now be initiated through Dubai Courts’ digital case registration system. Once filed, the case is referred to CASD or an authorized conciliator. Throughout the process, a judge provides oversight to ensure transparency and fairness.

 

How LYLAW Can Help

The new mediation framework requires precision. Settlement agreements must be properly structured, documented, and compliant with formal requirements.

At LYLAW, our team can:

• Draft and review settlement agreements.
• Represent you during mediation sessions.
• Ensure enforceability and compliance with Dubai Law No. 9 of 2025.

Whether you’re facing a family matter, business dispute, or contract disagreement, our dispute resolution lawyers help you protect your rights and resolve cases efficiently.