Law No. (1) of 2026 on the Rental Dispute Resolution Center in the Emirate of Ajman

Law No. (1) of 2026 represents a fundamental shift in the management of rental disputes in the Emirate of Ajman. Rather than operating solely as a traditional adjudicatory body, the Rental Dispute Resolution Center is restructured into an integrated, digitally driven judicial system aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and speed in resolving conflicts between landlords and tenants. This approach reflects Ajman’s commitment to achieving a balance between legal protection and economic stability within its real estate market.

The new framework establishes a structured institutional model consisting of primary committees responsible for adjudicating unresolved disputes, an appellate committee to review contested decisions, and an execution unit tasked with enforcing rulings within the emirate. The establishment of a Case Management Office further strengthens procedural organization, reduces administrative delays, and ensures smoother handling of cases from filing through final resolution.

With regard to jurisdiction, the law grants the Center exclusive authority over all rental disputes between lessors and lessees, including applications for orders on petitions, payment orders, and urgent requests such as the suspension of service disconnections or site inspections. This consolidation of authority eliminates jurisdictional overlap and provides clearer legal pathways for all parties involved.

Procedurally, the law emphasizes swift justice by requiring committees to resolve cases within strict timelines, generally not exceeding 60 days. It fully embraces digital transformation by mandating that filings, judicial notifications, and hearings be conducted through electronic systems operated by Ajman Municipality. This transition reduces bureaucracy, shortens litigation timelines, and enhances procedural transparency.

The law also regulates appeal timelines, setting a 15-day period for challenging judgments and 10 days for payment orders, urgent applications, and appealable execution decisions, with appeals suspending enforcement where applicable. While appellate decisions are final and binding, the law preserves the right to request reconsideration under specific conditions outlined in the Civil Procedures Law.

Overall, this legislation constitutes a significant advancement in rental dispute governance in Ajman, combining rapid resolution and digital innovation with robust legal safeguards. It establishes a foundation for a more stable, predictable, and investment-friendly rental market, effective from February 1, 2026.