His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued today a new law on the settlement of disputes arising from the execution of citizen home building contracts in Dubai.
This move aims to enhance citizen well-being and ensure social stability by swiftly and efficiently resolving disputes without hindering housing development projects.
“The law for settling disputes arising from the execution of citizen house building contracts reflects Dubai Courts’ ongoing commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system and ensuring all parties have access to swift justice,” said His Excellency Prof. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts.
Law to take effect on January 1, 2026
The law aims to develop an alternative dispute resolution system for home building contracts in Dubai, safeguarding the interests of all parties. It provides a swift and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes before resorting to litigation, promoting the continuity of contractual relationships through amicable and consensual solutions.
This approach also offers alternative solutions to traditional litigation in the construction sector for citizen housing, ensuring projects continue uninterrupted and homes are completed and delivered on schedule.
The law establishes a specialized branch within Dubai Courts’ Center for Amicable Settlement of Disputes, to handle disputes relating to the execution of citizen home building contracts. This branch will offer mediation within 20 days, extendable for another 20 days with mutual consent. Expert mediators will facilitate the process.
If mediation fails, a committee comprising a judge and two specialists will adjudicate within 30 days, also extendable for a similar period if necessary by a decision of the head of the committee. Parties can appeal committee decisions to the Court of First Instance within 30 days. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Stability for Emirati citizens enhanced
Directors General of key Dubai government entities affirmed that the new law issued by Sheikh Mohammed regarding the settlement of disputes arising from citizen home building contracts reflects His Highness’s commitment to ensuring a high quality of life and family stability for Emirati citizens. The law prioritizes citizen housing and leverages all available resources to enhance their well-being – a top priority in the Dubai leadership’s vision.
They highlighted that the law establishes a progressive legislative framework by providing flexible and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. This will expedite the completion of housing projects and ensure their sustainability. Furthermore, the law represents a valuable addition to Dubai’s judicial system, integrating amicable and judicial settlements within a clear timeframe, facilitated by specialized judges and experts, eventually fostering a supportive legal environment for sustainable social development.
“The law for settling citizen house building contract disputes relating to contract execution represents a significant step towards strengthening Dubai’s housing sector. It underscores the leadership’s commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for its citizens. Dubai Municipality is dedicated to leveraging all its resources to achieve the law’s objectives and effectively facilitate the implementation of citizen housing projects in accordance with the highest urban planning standards,” said His Excellency Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
Bin Ghalita further explained that the law streamlines the contractual relationships between citizens, contractors, and consultants, serving as a vital tool for ensuring the sustainability of housing projects and mitigating potential repercussions arising from construction disputes. He noted that this system will ultimately enhance citizen satisfaction and promote greater comfort and stability for families.
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Dubai eases home ownership
The new law on resolving citizen home building contract disputes in Dubai falls in line with the city’s efforts to raise home ownership among both citizens and residents. Earlier this month, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) launched the First-Time Home Buyer Program.
For his part, His Excellency Prof. Abdullah Saif Al-Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, affirmed that the law marks a valuable addition to Dubai’s judicial system, as it reflects the strategic focus on strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring swift and efficient justice.
“The mechanism stipulated in the law, to be implemented through the establishment of a specialised branch for the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes, represents an advanced model for resolving disputes amicably and effectively without resorting directly to litigation. Highly qualified specialized personnel will be available to ensure the speed and quality of procedures, serving the public interest and fulfilling citizens’ aspirations for a secure and stable housing environment,” he said.
