‏In a significant step toward enhancing citizen welfare and social stability, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a new law aimed at resolving disputes arising from the construction of citizen housing contracts in the Emirate of Dubai.

The law introduces an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that ensures efficient settlement of construction-related conflicts without disrupting housing development timelines. It promotes amicable resolutions among contracting parties and preserves contractual relationships to ensure timely project delivery.

As part of the new law, a dedicated branch of the Dubai Courts’ Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will be established to exclusively handle disputes involving citizen housing construction, provided the homeowner is one of the parties involved.

The branch will attempt to mediate settlements within 20 days, extendable upon mutual consent, and will operate from a fully equipped independent facility staffed by qualified conciliators from both governmental and non-governmental sectors.

If conciliation fails, the case will be referred to a panel comprising a judge and two construction experts, who must issue a decision within 30 days, extendable if necessary. Parties retain the right to appeal the panel’s decision in the Court of First Instance within 30 days from the ruling date.

The new law will come into effect on January 1 of the upcoming year, marking a proactive shift in Dubai’s approach to managing housing construction disputes.