Issued on: 26 March 2025

In a significant move to enhance dispute resolution in Dubai, Resolution No. (4) of 2025 has been issued, expanding the jurisdiction of the Amicable Settlement Center. This resolution, signed by the Acting President of Dubai Courts, Dr. Saif Ghanim Al Suwaidi, outlines new categories of disputes that fall under the Center’s purview.

Key Points of the Resolution:

1- Expanded Jurisdiction:

The Center now has the authority to handle and settle various types of disputes and requests, in addition to its existing responsibilities under Law No. (18) of 2021.

2- Types of Disputes Covered:

• Requests for division of common property, excluding disputes related to inheritance.
• Approval of settlement agreements, regardless of their value.
• Disputes with claims not exceeding AED 500,000, except for substantive disputes involving financial institutions subject to Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2018.
• Requests for appointing experts, provided the dispute falls within Dubai Courts’ jurisdiction and is not related to an ongoing or previously adjudicated case.
• Disputes involving UAE nationals over 60 years old, with claims not exceeding AED 1,000,000.
• Disputes involving persons with disabilities or beneficiaries of social financial benefits under Law No. (7) of 2012.

3- Judicial Supervision:

The President of the Court of First Instance will assign one or more judges to oversee the Center’s operations and adjudicate on matters presented to it.

4- Repeals:

This resolution repeals Resolution No. (8) of 2022 and any provisions in other resolutions that contradict it.

5- Effective Date:

The resolution is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

This new resolution aims to streamline the dispute resolution process in Dubai, particularly for certain categories of individuals and specific types of disputes. By expanding the Center’s jurisdiction, the Dubai Courts seek to promote amicable settlements and reduce the burden on the court system.

The inclusion of disputes involving elderly UAE nationals, persons with disabilities, and beneficiaries of social financial benefits highlights the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring their access to justice through more accessible means.

Legal professionals and residents in Dubai should take note of these changes, as they may affect how certain disputes are handled in the emirate. The resolution’s focus on amicable settlements aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of creating an efficient and fair legal system that caters to the diverse needs of its population.

As this resolution takes effect, it will be interesting to observe its impact on dispute resolution practices in Dubai and whether it leads to a more streamlined and efficient process for the categories of disputes now under the Center’s jurisdiction.