Mediation has long formed part of dispute resolution in the DIFC, but recent developments have significantly strengthened the framework supporting it. The Courts Law 2025 established a dedicated Mediation Service Centre and introduced mechanisms for the direct enforcement of qualifying settlements, whether approved by the Centre or ratified by the DIFC Courts. The Centre’s launch, the UAE’s accession to the Singapore Convention and proposed legislative reforms mark further steps towards a more comprehensive mediation framework. This chapter examines how these developments fit together, the opportunities and limitations they present, and their practical implications for commercial parties.

Authors: Prateek Bagaria, Natasha Kalavakkat and Sanchit Suri

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