Dubai: International Arbitration Centre Mediation Rules Come into Force

The Mediation Rules approved by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre in July 2023 have come into force. They came into force on 1 October and mean all new mediation requests submitted to the Centre after this date will be governed by the Rules.

This will be subject to the introductory provisions set out in the Rules.

The Rules will apply where the parties have agreed to mediate their dispute at the Centre. Any party may refer a dispute to mediation at the Centre regardless of whether there is a pre-existing agreement to mediate.

Where there is a pre-existing agreement to mediate, the Rules will apply to mediations which start after the date the Rules came into force regardless of the date on which the agreement to mediate was entered into.

The parties may agree in writing to modify the Rules to the extent that the modifications are within the spirit of the Rules and do not render them inoperable, providing the modifications are approved by the mediator.

The aim is for all mediations to be conducted fairly, impartially, efficiently and proportionately with the sum(s) claimed and/or counterclaimed and the complexity of the dispute being taken into account.

The mediator, the parties and the parties’ representatives undertake to conduct the mediation in line with this objective. The party requesting mediation must submit an application to the Centre in the specified form and send a copy to the responding party at the same time.

The responding party will submit a reply in the specified form to the Centre and send a copy to the requesting party at the same time within 15 days of being notified of the application.

The Centre may grant the responding party an extension of up to seven days to file a reply, provided that the request for an extension contains the responding party’s consent that the dispute be referred to mediation under the Rules, if requested.

If no reply is received from the Centre within the specified time limits or within the additional time determined by the Centre in its discretion, it will be considered that the responding party does not consent to the dispute being referred to mediation under the Rules and the mediation will not proceed.

Where the parties reach an agreement to refer the dispute to mediation in line with the Rules, the mediation will start on the date the Centre sends written confirmation to the parties that agreement to this effect has been reached.

The Rules also contain provisions on notifications, communications and calculation of time limits, mediation costs, appointment of mediators, conduct of the mediation and conclusion of the mediation.

In addition, they contain provisions on confidentiality, the functions of the Centre and Arbitration Court, exclusion of liability and document retention.

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Dubai: Land Department Launches Munaqasat Service

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 2 October 2023: Dubai’s Land Department has announced it has launched a new Munaqasat service to improve transparency in the sector and ensure top-quality services at competitive prices.

It will be available via the Real Estate Regulatory Agency and will regulate tendering processes for all matters related to services and maintenance for jointly owned properties.

It will facilitate and simplify the tender process and establish a direct link between jointly owned property companies and service providers.

Jointly owned properties will have to submit all tenders through the service following the submission of their 2024 budgets which must be submitted by October 2023.

A specialist technical team will then submit tasks, assess firms, and provide recommendations. A finance team will then review the technical aspects and set prices for each necessary service.

The average of the technical and financial scores determines the final tender selection.

Tenders will then be initiated, allowing service providers to participate via the new service. They can register as suppliers, which will give them access to all relevant tenders based on their registered activities.

Additional features will be added by 2024 that will allow property owners to evaluate the performance of service providers. Owners’ committees will also have access to view presented tenders, which will improve transparency further and engage the real estate sector.

It has been launched in line with Dubai’s Digital Strategy.

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Dubai: New Training Programme for Prospective Employees to be Launched

Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates), 18 September 2023: Dubai’s Health Authority has announced it is going to launch a new training programme for prospective employees.

The Elite Programme will give prospective Emirati employees training across specialised and advanced programmes to develop their personal, scientific, and professional skills and capabilities.

It will give them the chance to gain experience and gradually take on additional roles, tasks, and responsibilities for one year.

Those who prove their competency during training will be appointed based on their progress.

The Programme has been launched to improve Emiratisation rates at the Authority and attract more specialist Emirati talent.

Trainees will receive monthly financial rewards as well as the opportunity to be trained and gain hands-on experience in tasks and responsibilities necessary for the industry.

The Programme will be launched soon and Emiratis interested in applying can apply via the Dubai Careers website.

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