Khaleej Times, 21 July 2025: A new law has been issued which focuses on resolving disputes involving housing building contracts with nationals in Dubai.

The new law will come into force on 1 January 2026 and will introduce a dedicated legal framework to swiftly and efficiently handle disagreements, without disrupting the progress of housing development projects. There will be a new alternative dispute resolution system for construction projects, which will protect all parties’ rights. Amicable and consensual solutions will be promoted. The aim will be to ensure construction work continues even where there are disagreements.

The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will set up a new specialist section to cover this area. First there will be mediation, which will be concluded in 20 days, although it will be possible to extend this for up to 20 more days if both parties agree.

If mediation fails, the case can then be referred to a special committee made up of one judge and two industry experts. This committee must issue a decision within 30 days – although a 30-day extension is possible. Parties will have the right to appeal to the court of first instance within 30 days of that decision.

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