Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Resolve disputes efficiently with UAE Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Commercial Mediation & ADR Services
When running a business in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’re likely to face disagreements with suppliers, partners, customers or employees. Going to court is often expensive, can take a long time, and can harm relationships that you need to maintain. Many businesses now prefer mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the UAE to resolve problems faster, cheaper and more confidentially.
At Moores Rowland UAE, we are here to help businesses in the UAE to resolve disputes through mediation and other ADR methods. Our team offers simple and effective solutions without hassle.
Don’t waste time, money and energy on disputes. Use mediation, a sensible and smoother way to resolve problems and move on.
Contact Moores Rowland UAE in Dubai for practical help in Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution in UAE. We understand the businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and are ready to help them find a lasting solution. Start your journey to quicker dispute resolution. Contact us today and let us help you resolve your matter in a constructive manner.

What Is Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution in UAE?
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. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong; you have full control over the process and outcome.
Dispute resolution methods such as mediation, conciliation, negotiation and arbitration (sometimes) are termed as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). These are alternative methods of civil and commercial dispute resolution outside the ordinary court system.
The principal legislation in this regard is Federal Decree-Law No 40 of 2023 on Mediation and Conciliation in Civil and Commercial Disputes. The law encourages the friendly settlement of disputes and provides a clear framework for mediation throughout the UAE.
Why Businesses Prefer Mediation Over Court Cases in UAE
Mediation is the preferred dispute resolution method for many business owners in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a number of reasons:
- Quicker resolution: Disputes can be resolved in weeks, not months or years.
- Less costly: You can avoid court fees, long legal processes and other expenses;
- Confidential: Everything you say is confidential and cannot be used against you later;
- Preserve Relationship : You can still work together if you wish after the dispute is resolved;
- More flexible: Agreement can include creative options which courts cannot offer;
- Success rate: A high percentage of mediated cases end up in a mutually acceptable agreement.
- Mediation is particularly suitable for disputes arising from commercial contracts, partnership disputes, real estate disputes, employment disputes and business family disputes.
Our Mediation & ADR Support for Businesses in Dubai, UAE
At Moores Rowland UAE, we provide practical support to companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi looking to resolve disputes through mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Our legal experts support you at every step of the process. It starts from preparing for mediation to reaching and documenting a fair settlement that both sides agree on.
Under UAE Law, the key features of mediation are as follows:
- Voluntary Process: Mediation is generally a voluntary process. Both need to agree to be involved. But sometimes, suitable cases will be referred to mediation by the courts.
- Confidentiality: All information that is discussed is kept confidential. This protection is clearly supported under Federal Decree-Law No. 40 of 2023.
- Binding agreements: if both parties agree the agreement can be written down and approved by the court which makes it as binding as a court judgment.
- Professional Mediators: Mediators are neutral professionals specially trained to resolve business disputes.
- Remote and In-Person Sessions: Many mediation meetings are now possible online, through the Ministry of Justice’s “Wasata” (eMediation platform). It offers an online alternative to the traditional litigation process for added convenience.
Types of Disputes We Help Resolve
We help businesses through mediation and ADR in the following areas:
- Commercial contract disputes
- Partnership and shareholder disputes
- Real estate and construction disputes
- Supplier and customer disputes
- Employment and workplace disputes
- Debtor and creditor disputes
- We provide practical solutions that suit your business in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Our Practical Mediation & ADR Support Services in Dubai
We provide straightforward help including:
- Dispute assessment: We assess your matter and advise whether mediation is appropriate.
- Mediation preparation: We help you in preparation of the documents, key points and negotiation strategy.
- Mediator selection: We help you find experienced and neutral mediators.
- Mediation support: We explain to you the complete mediation process.
- Drafting settlement agreement: We prepare a comprehensive, clear and legally defensible agreement.
- Support after settlement: We help you with the implementation and all further steps.
- Other ADR methods: Where appropriate, conciliation, negotiation or arbitration are explained.
- Our approach is simple and business-friendly. We explain everything clearly so you understand each step.
Who Needs Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution in UAE?
Mediation is the best solution for most businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
- Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Import export and trading companies
- Property developers and real estate owners
- Construction and building firms.
- Family owned businesses
- Service Providers & Consultants
- Early mediation in the UAE can help you avoid the problem escalating and becoming more expensive, no matter how big or small your case is. It is one of the most trusted ADR methods for businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Why Choose Moores Rowland for Mediation & ADR in UAE?
We are chosen by businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi because:
- We use easy to understand legal business English.
- Our team provides practical support that delivers real business outcomes.
- We address the entire process from start to finish.
- We are familiar with the local business environment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- We are up to date on Federal Decree-Law No. 40 of 2023 and its related regulations.
- We are your partner to efficiently resolve disputes, safeguard your interests, and preserve your relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is mediation in UAE?
Mediation is a voluntary and peaceful method of resolving civil and commercial disputes. It can be used for problems that have already occurred or may occur in future between parties in any business or non-business relation. A neutral third party (the mediator) helps both sides to talk and agree. Mediation can occur if both parties agree to it, or if a court orders the parties to try it. Mediation is governed by the Federal Decree-Law no. 40 of 2023.
Q2. Is mediation mandatory in UAE?
Mediation is usually voluntary, but sometimes courts may refer suitable matters to mediation. A mandatory conciliation step may be needed in some types of disputes.
Q3. Is the Mediation Agreement binding?
Yes. The settlement agreement after signing and ratifying the agreement to the court becomes enforceable equally as a court judgment.
Q4. What is the duration of mediation?
Most cases are settled within a few weeks – faster than going through the courts.
Q5. Is mediation confidential in UAE?
Yes. All communications during the mediation are confidential and are protected by law.
Q6. If mediation fails, can we go to court?
Yes. If parties cannot reach agreement, they still have options like litigation and arbitration.