His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has enacted a new law addressing dispute resolution in citizen home building contract executions in Dubai.
The legislation is designed to enhance citizens’ quality of life and promote social stability by resolving disputes swiftly and effectively, thereby preventing delays in housing development projects.
It introduces an alternative dispute resolution framework tailored to home building contracts, ensuring the protection of all parties involved. The law facilitates the prompt resolution of conflicts through amicable and consensual means, minimising the need for formal litigation and supporting the smooth continuation of contractual relationships.
This model provides a viable alternative to conventional legal proceedings in the construction sector, especially for citizen housing. It aims to prevent disruptions and ensure the timely completion and delivery of homes.
A dedicated branch within Dubai Courts’ Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will be created to manage these matters. It will offer mediation within 20 days, extendable by another 20 days with mutual agreement, led by qualified mediators.
Should mediation not succeed, a committee comprising one judge and two experts will issue a decision within 30 days, extendable once upon approval from the committee’s head. Appeals may be submitted to the Court of First Instance within 30 days. The law will come into force on 1 January 2026.
