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New Dubai law to speed up housing contract dispute resolution

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5 months ago

July 21, 2025

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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 that introduces a streamlined legal framework to resolve disputes related to citizen housing construction contracts in the emirate.

The legislation, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026, is designed to protect the rights of all parties involved in housing projects, promote faster dispute resolution, and ensure construction timelines remain unaffected during disagreements.

The new law aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to enhance social stability, citizen satisfaction, and long-term urban development.

Key Objectives of the New Law

The law aims to:

Establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system specific to citizen housing construction contracts.
Encourage amicable and consensual settlements while preserving contractual relationships.
Create a fast-track mechanism for resolving disagreements, with minimal impact on ongoing projects.
Ensure that construction progress continues uninterrupted, even during contractual disputes.

How Disputes Will Be Handled

To implement the law, a specialised branch under the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will be set up to oversee and manage housing contract disagreements.

The process includes:

Mediation phase: All disputes will first go through mediation, to be resolved within 20 days, with a possible extension of another 20 days if both parties agree.
If mediation fails, the case is escalated to a three-member committee (one judge and two industry experts), which must issue a decision within 30 days (extendable once).
Parties may appeal the committee’s decision to the Court of First Instance within 30 days.

Officials Welcome the Move

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the law is a “significant step” for the housing sector and will improve contractual relationships between citizens, contractors, and consultants.

“This law will help ensure the sustainability of housing projects, reduce risks, and ultimately enhance comfort and satisfaction for Emirati families,” he added.

Prof Abdullah Saif Al Sabousi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Judicial Council, described the law as a “valuable addition” to Dubai’s legal system.

“It offers an advanced model of resolving disputes without immediately resorting to litigation. With highly trained personnel and efficient procedures, it serves the public interest and citizens’ aspirations for a stable housing environment,” he said.

Related Topics:citizenhousing housing housingdisputes newdubailaw Sheikhmohammed

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dubai-India travel: Security procedures triggered for Emirates flight following bomb threat email, flight lands safely

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2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport activated full emergency protocols on Friday after receiving a bomb threat email linked to Emirates flight EK526 travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD).

According to GMR officials, the threat email landed in the airport’s customer support inbox around 7.30am on December 5. Despite the alert, the flight continued under strict monitoring and landed safely at 8.30am.

Once on the ground, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated bay. Passengers were safely deboarded, and security te

ams carried out standard bomb threat checks. Investigations are currently underway.

Emirates confirmed the incident in a statement to local media, saying authorities had alerted them to a “potential security threat” to EK526.
“All standard security procedures were implemented by the relevant local authorities with full co-operation from Emirates’ ground teams,” the airline said, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority.”

Authorities say all threats are being investigated, and extra security measures remain in place at the airport.

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Driving through Abu Dhabi this week? Here are the road closures you need to know about

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2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi motorists can expect some delays over the next few days, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announcing a series of partial road closures across key routes in the capital. Drivers are being urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and follow diversions to avoid congestion.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street

A major set of phased lane closures will take place near Sheikh Zayed Bridge from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, December 22, 2025.

Three left lanes will be closed from 12am on December 9 until 10pm on December 15.
Two right lanes will then shut from 10pm on December 15 until 6am on December 22.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street

Another temporary closure is scheduled on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from 5pm on December 5 until 5am on December 8.

Authorities explained that these restrictions are part of ongoing road enhancement projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes wherever possible during the maintenance period.

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Sharjah Police give deadline to remove National Day stickers, or face fines

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2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If your car is still sporting National Day decals, it’s time to take them off. Sharjah Police have announced that all vehicle owners must remove their UAE National Day celebration stickers by Saturday, December 6, and those who miss the deadline will face violations.

The reminder follows a crackdown during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, where authorities impounded 106 vehicles and nine motorbikes for dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

According to Sharjah Police, the violations included:

Creating loud noise and disturbing residents
Driving recklessly and endangering others
Operating vehicles without a valid licence

Police officials urged motorists to celebrate responsibly and avoid turning festivities into safety risks.

However, there has been a shift in decorating trends this year. Many residents opted for cleaner, simpler, more elegant designs to showcase their UAE pride ahead of the long weekend, and demand for custom decals surged.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure all celebratory stickers and decorations are removed by the set deadline to keep roads safe and avoid penalties.