Mediation is a voluntary and an alternative method for resolving civil and commercial disputes that have arisen or may arise between parties in a legal relationship, irrespective of whether it is based on a contract. In mediation, the parties seek the help of an impartial third party, known as the mediator. Mediation process is conducted within a judicial or a non-judicial context. (Reference is Federal Law No.6 of 2021 below).

• Applicable law on mediation

Mediation is governed by the Federal Decree Law No. 40 of 2023 on Mediation and Conciliation in Civil and Commercial Disputes (in Arabic, PDF 372 KB). The law introduces a framework in which mediation can occur in the UAE and sets out the obligations of the mediators and all parties involved.

• Wasata - eMediation platform

Wasata is an eMediation platform, launched by Ministry of Justice to offer an online alternative to the traditional litigation process. This platform is designed to facilitate the resolution of civil and commercial disputes by connecting users with registered mediators who specialise in conducting proceedings in either Arabic or English.

The platform encompasses a comprehensive set of procedures, including mediator’s registration, renewal and delisting, along with procedures for both, non-judicial and judicial mediation. It manages mediator-related tasks, requests and sessions, facilitates the payment of mediation expenses and mediator's fees, and helps in the preparation of the final mediation report.

The purpose of this platform is to expedite the resolution of disputes, while reducing the burden on the courts’ systems.

In 2022, the utilisation of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods for civil and commercial disputes resulted in a settlement rate of 61.3 per cent.

Refer to Ministry of Justice for more information on mediation services.

Useful links:

• Electronic mediation – blog on this portal.