Abu Dhabi Expands Private Mediation with 61 Newly Sworn Mediators

Sixty-one private mediators for civil and commercial disputes have taken the legal oath in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony took place before Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), marking the official start of their duties under applicable legislation.

The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported the development on 12 October 2026. It is the latest step in Abu Dhabi's efforts to expand mediation as an alternative way to resolve disputes.

For businesses, the development means a larger group of authorised professionals is available to help parties work towards settlements without relying solely on court proceedings.

How Private Mediation Works

Mediation allows parties in a dispute to work towards an agreement with the help of a neutral mediator. The mediator guides discussions but does not impose a decision.

For example, two businesses disagreeing over a contract payment may use mediation to discuss possible settlement terms. If they reach an agreement, the outcome reflects what the parties have accepted rather than a judgment imposed by the mediator.

Al Abri described private mediation as a flexible legal alternative that complements the courts. He also highlighted confidentiality and the importance of resolving disputes efficiently.

Mediation does not guarantee a settlement. Although some disputes are subject to mandatory referral procedures, the parties are not required to agree to settlement terms simply because mediation takes place.

How Abu Dhabi's Mediator Pool Has Developed

The October announcement follows several earlier steps in developing Abu Dhabi's private mediation system.

In June 2025, ADJD graduated 21 participants from its first specialised training programme for certified private mediators. The programme included 31 sessions totalling 49 hours, covering neutrality, confidentiality, settlement agreements, session management and remote mediation.

In August 2025, Gulf News reported that ADJD had approved the registration of 40 private mediators who completed accredited training at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Academy.

A further milestone came in November 2025, when the first group of 58 accredited private mediators took the legal oath before Al Abri. That group was described as the first authorised to practise before Abu Dhabi courts.

The registration process continued in 2026.

On 11 February, ADJD approved another 24 mediators for registration following specialised training. In June, its committee approved the registration of 26 additional mediators in the Private Mediators Register.

The 61 mediators sworn in during October represent a further development. These reported figures describe different stages of training, registration and oath-taking, so they should not be added together to calculate the total number of active mediators.

Registration is subject to professional requirements. According to Gulf News' August 2025 report, these included recognised qualifications, good conduct, training and interviews. The report also described eligibility for UAE nationals and exceptions for non-citizens with at least four years of relevant experience in the UAE.

Prospective applicants should confirm the current eligibility and registration requirements directly with ADJD rather than relying solely on those previously reported conditions.

What Businesses Should Check

A larger pool of private mediators may give businesses more options when addressing contract, payment or other civil and commercial disagreements.

However, private mediation should not be confused with the procedures handled by ADJD's Mediation and Conciliation Centres.

According to ADJD's published FAQ, civil and commercial financial claims below AED 10 million are generally subject to referral for reconciliation and mediation before proceeding to court. Exceptions include claims involving government parties, urgent cases, certain rental disputes and labour cases.

The October announcement does not explain whether using a private mediator satisfies these referral requirements in every applicable case. Businesses should confirm the correct procedure before starting a claim.

The legal status of a settlement is another consideration.

For example, ADJD has stated that settlement agreements reached through the Abu Dhabi Chamber Mediation Centre are ratified by a supervising judge, allowing them to become enforceable under the applicable legal framework.

That procedure should not automatically be assumed to apply to every private mediation arrangement.

Before choosing a mediator, businesses should verify the person's registration with ADJD, understand the fees and confidentiality arrangements, and confirm how any settlement would be documented and made enforceable.

The latest expansion reflects Abu Dhabi's continued development of alternatives to litigation. Its practical value will depend on the circumstances of each dispute, the applicable procedures and the willingness of parties to reach an agreement.

Key Takeaways

• Abu Dhabi reported the oath-taking of 61 private mediators for civil and commercial disputes on 12 October 2026.
• The development follows earlier mediator training, registration and oath-taking milestones in 2025 and 2026.
• Mediation supports negotiated settlements, but mandatory referral requirements and enforcement procedures may differ depending on the dispute.
• Businesses should verify mediator registration, costs, confidentiality terms and settlement enforcement procedures before proceeding.

Sources: WAM – 12 October 2026, WAM – 30 June 2025, Gulf News, Zawya – November 2025, WAM – February 2026, Zawya – June 2026, ADJD, WAM – July 2026.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, cybersecurity, medical, business, career, or other professional advice. Verify important information with official sources or qualified professionals before acting.