What is the Dubai Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes?
If you do business in Dubai or with anyone who does, there’s something you need to know about: the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD) in Dubai Courts. It changes the way commercial conflicts are resolved in the UAE.
Dubai Courts aims to resolve disputes outside of formal court proceedings through mediation, with the goal of achieving an amicable and cost-effective settlement. Established by Law No. (16) of 2009, the CASD operates under the supervision of a judge from the Dubai Courts and offers a forum for parties to resolve disagreements before resorting to litigation.
Before many civil and commercial cases are allowed to proceed in Dubai Courts, they’re first referred to this centre. Why? Because it gives parties a chance to resolve their disputes quickly, confidentially, and most importantly, without the cost and complexity of litigation.
What is the process?
Once a case is referred, trained mediators under the supervision of the court facilitate a structured process.
The goal? Help parties find a middle ground.
The process – is time-bound, often resolved within a month, and agreements reached here have the force of a court judgment.
That’s a major win for businesses looking for certainty and closure.
Limited Scope of the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes:
However, the CASD’s jurisdiction is not all-encompassing. It generally handles disputes related to:
- Subdivision of co-owned property.
- Claims not exceeding 200,000 Dirhams.
- Applications for ratification of amicable settlements.
- Applications for appointing experts before judicial proceedings.
The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes generally does not include:
- Substantive labor disputes.
- Family affairs.
- Disputes where one party is a private financial establishment.
In a global business hub like Dubai, fast and fair resolution of disputes isn’t just a legal process; it’s a commercial advantage.
Resolving disputes through mediation saves relationships, protects reputations, and keeps businesses moving forward.
At Crowther Mediation, we see the CASD as a clear signal: Dubai is serious about modern, efficient, and business-friendly dispute resolution.
If you’d like to know how mediation can support your business in the region, get in contact with a member of our team.
