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The DIFC Courts has launched a new Commercial Mediation Scheme through its Mediation Service Centre, to provide businesses with an additional dispute resolution pathway to resolve commercial disputes early, preserve commercial relationships and maintain business continuity. Delivered in collaboration with The Mediation Hub MENA, the six-month initiative will run from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
During the scheme period, qualifying businesses will receive a complimentary one-hour conflict management consultation with a registered mediator from The Mediation Hub MENA together with a 50% reduction in DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre’s administration fees where they proceed to mediation. The scheme also provides access to accredited mediators, streamlined procedures and, where appropriate, enforceable settlement agreements.
H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of the DIFC Courts, said: “The Commercial Mediation Scheme reflects the DIFC Courts’ strategic commitment to developing an integrated commercial dispute resolution ecosystem that gives businesses greater choice in how they resolve disputes. Through the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre, we are expanding access to early, practical and structured resolution pathways that help preserve commercial relationships, support business continuity and provide confidence through a trusted legal framework. This initiative forms part of our wider vision to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for efficient, business-focused dispute resolution”.
The scheme is designed for commercial disputes where parties wish to preserve ongoing business relationships, continue performing existing contracts and explore practical solutions through mediation where appropriate.
The initiative responds to evolving economic and commercial conditions affecting supply chains, operating costs, contractual obligations and payment terms. It provides businesses with an additional dispute resolution pathway that complements the DIFC Courts’ wider services, allowing parties to explore an agreed resolution through mediation where appropriate while supporting business continuity.
The scheme is open to eligible commercial parties across a broad range of sectors, both within the UAE and internationally, reflecting the DIFC Courts’ ability to support eligible parties beyond traditional jurisdictional boundaries.
Delivered through the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre, it provides businesses, investors and individuals with a structured mediation pathway supported by the DIFC Courts’ legal framework. Where parties reach agreement, settlements can, where appropriate, be formalised and enforced through the DIFC Courts.
The Mediation Hub MENA supports delivery of the scheme by receiving enquiries, providing the complimentary one-hour conflict management consultation, assigning registered mediators on a case-by-case basis and supporting the administration of eligible mediation matters.
Applications for the complimentary consultation and the Commercial Mediation Scheme may be submitted directly to The Mediation Hub MENA, which will assess enquiries and appoint a registered mediator where appropriate.
The Commercial Mediation Scheme will run until 31 December 2026. Eligible businesses can find further information, eligibility criteria and application details below.
Parties may submit an enquiry online through the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre and participate in mediation virtually or in person.
Further information and application details are available at:
https://www.difccourts.ae/difc-courts/services/mediation-service-centre
For enquiries and applications, including the complimentary one-hour consultation:
The Mediation Hub MENA
Email: Initiatives@mediationhub.ae
Website: www.mediationhub.ae