(Dubai) – In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Decree No. 26 of 2013 establishing the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre as part of the Land Department in the emirate of Dubai. The establishment of the centre aims to enhance legal procedures that facilitate the settlement of rental disputes which, in turn, will reflect positively on socio-economic stability among members of the community.
The regulations set forth by the decree apply to the Special Judicial Committee for Rental Disputes which was established by Decree No. 2 of 1993 and its amendments. The mandate of the centre, as per Decree No. 26 of 2013, includes the settlement of all rental disputes for properties in Dubai and free zones within the emirate (unless such disputes are assigned to judicial committees or special courts for the purposes of rent dispute settlement), lawsuits arising from such disputes, requests for urgent action by either of the disputing parties, appeals on rulings and sentences which may be challenged for appeal as per the decree and its ensuing regulations and decisions.