Updates on the Value and Subject-Matter Jurisdiction of the Center for Amicable Settlement of Disputes in Dubai

Administrative Resolution No. (3) of 2026 has been issued to regulate the mechanism for registering and classifying disputes based on their value. It establishes binding procedural standards to govern the case registration process and ensure that disputes are accurately directed to the competent divisions. This Resolution is issued pursuant to the regulations governing small claims and disputes falling within the jurisdiction of the Center for Amicable Settlement of Disputes.

First: Classification of “Small Claims”

Pursuant to Article (2) of the Resolution, a dispute is classified as a “small claim” if its value does not exceed AED 500,000. This classification includes the following types:

• Civil disputes (small claims)
• Commercial disputes (small claims)
• Real estate disputes (small claims)

 Second: Jurisdiction over Disputes Involving Specific Categories of Individuals

The Resolution establishes special value thresholds for disputes involving the following categories:

• Senior Citizens (aged 60 and above):
  The Center has jurisdiction to register civil, commercial, and real estate disputes where the value ranges from AED 500,001 to AED 1,000,000.
• People of Determination and Beneficiaries of Social Welfare:
  Disputes exceeding AED 500,000 involving these categories fall within the Center’s jurisdiction in civil, commercial, and real estate matters.

 Third: Disputes Excluded from the Center’s Jurisdiction

Article (5) of the Resolution provides that certain disputes may not be registered within the Center’s jurisdiction, most notably:

• Banking and Financial Disputes:
  Where one of the parties is a financial institution regulated by the Central Bank under the applicable banking and financial institutions laws.
• Sovereign and Labor Disputes:
  Disputes involving government entities, as well as labor disputes.
• Personal Status Matters:
  Including family disputes, inheritance, and estate-related matters.
• Urgent Applications and Summary Proceedings:
  Including interim orders, urgent applications, and expedited claims.
• Non-Conciliable Disputes:
  Any dispute that is not capable of amicable settlement under applicable legislation.

Fourth: Entry into Force

This Resolution entered into force on 16 March 2026 and applies to all procedures for registering and classifying disputes before the Center for Amicable Settlement of Disputes from that date onward.