Dubai has taken a bold step towards enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of its legal system with the issuance of Law No. (9) of 2025 , amending certain provisions of Law No.(18) of 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Total of the ten articles in the old law have been changed. The new law aims to transform the landscape of civil dispute resolution in the Emirate by introducing structural, procedural, and technological reforms.
Major Amendments
One of the most impactful changes introduced is the requirement for mandatory pre-litigation conciliation in certain types of disputes. This means that parties may need to attempt to resolve their differences amicably before being permitted to initiate court proceedings. Such a shift is designed to ease the burden on the judiciary, encourage dialogue, and foster faster, less adversarial outcomes for litigants.
Article 5 outlines disputes that qualify for mandatory conciliation. This includes:
- 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.
The law also embraces the ongoing digital transformation of the legal system. By facilitating digital submissions, virtual hearings, and remote interactions, it significantly improves access to justice and procedural efficiency. This move is in line with Dubai’s strategic push towards smart governance and is expected to save both time and resources for litigants and legal professionals alike.
Moreover, the powers of conciliators have been expanded under the new law. They are now equipped with broader authority to mediate and assist in resolving disputes, including the ability to document settlement agreements that carry the force of a court judgment. These enhancements provide greater legitimacy and enforceability to out-of-court resolutions, encouraging more parties to pursue conciliation seriously.
The new framework also introduces defined timelines to ensure that cases move forward without unnecessary delays. The clear structure aims to deliver timely justice and reduce procedural bottlenecks that often frustrate litigants.
Article 6 reaffirms that cases referred to the CASD or Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee will be reviewed by a Conciliator. The revised law also enhances the authority of the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD) and the Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee by expressly permitting them to appoint independent experts to provide technical assessments in appropriate cases. When such an expert is engaged, the decision must clearly define the scope of work, the timeframe for completion, the agreed fees, and which party shall bear the cost of the expert’s services. This addition ensures greater procedural clarity and transparency, particularly in cases involving complex or technical subject matter. The procedures will adhere to binding resolutions, including Resolution No. (3) of 2021, until replaced.
According to Article 27, in instances where the conciliation process results in a mutual agreement between the disputing parties, the settlement is formalised through a written conciliation agreement. This agreement is then signed by both parties and approved by the appointed conciliator. Once endorsed and stamped with the executory formula, the conciliation agreement acquires the legal status of an enforceable instrument, equivalent to a court judgment or writ of execution. This provides parties with both finality and legal certainty, further encouraging the use of amicable dispute resolution pathways.
Another important Article is Article 28 that outlines the conditions for Dubai Courts to accept lawsuits that have not undergone prior conciliation, which ensures compliance with ADR procedures.
These reforms are particularly significant for investors, business owners, and legal professionals operating in Dubai. It complements the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which envisions the city as a global legal and economic powerhouse. By prioritising dispute resolution over litigation and efficiency over complexity, Law no.9 of 2025 is a welcome development that reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking governance.
As legal practitioners, it is crucial that we stay abreast of these changes and adapt our practices accordingly. The shift toward early dispute resolution, digital platforms, and empowered conciliators is not just a legal update; it is a cultural one that reshapes how disputes in Dubai will be resolved going forward.