Resolve commercial disputes quickly, confidentially and cost-effectively - and keep valuable business relationships intact.

Delivered by The Mediation Hub in collaboration with the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre and the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, the scheme offers qualifying parties a free one-hour conflict management consultation and a 50% reduction in DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre fees.

Scheme period: 1 July – 31 December 2026

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A faster, smarter way to resolve commercial disputes

Commercial disputes drain cash, consume management time and put valuable business relationships at risk. Rising costs, supply chain disruption and payment pressures are making disagreements more common - and litigation is rarely the quickest or most commercial answer.

The Commercial Mediation Scheme 2026 gives businesses a practical alternative. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which an independent mediator helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable settlement - often in a fraction of the time and cost of formal proceedings.

Through the scheme, The Mediation Hub arranges a free one-hour consultation with one of its registered mediators, assigned on a case-by-case basis, and eligible parties who proceed to mediation through the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre receive a 50% reduction in Centre fees during the scheme period.

The scheme is open to eligible commercial parties across a broad range of sectors, both within the UAE and internationally.

Why apply?

•     Start with a free consultation. A free one-hour session with a Mediation Hub registered mediator to understand the issues, consider your options and decide whether mediation is the right next step.

•     Resolve disputes faster. Address disputes early, before they escalate into litigation. Mediation can often be arranged and completed far more quickly than court or arbitration proceedings.

•     Reduce dispute costs. Eligible parties who proceed to mediation receive a 50% reduction in DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre fees during the scheme period.

•     Keep discussions confidential. Mediation is private. Parties can discuss the issues openly and explore settlement options without prejudicing their wider legal position.

•     Preserve commercial relationships. Particularly suitable where parties want to keep working together, complete an ongoing contract, renegotiate terms or avoid losing a valuable relationship.

•     Reach practical commercial solutions. Explore flexible outcomes courts cannot order - revised payment terms, adjusted delivery obligations, amended timelines and other practical arrangements.

•     Work with experienced mediators. Access The Mediation Hub’s network of experienced mediators, including specialists in complex commercial and sector-specific disputes.

Who can apply?

The scheme is not limited to one sector - it may suit disputes in construction, logistics, supply contracts, services, trading relationships and other commercial arrangements. It is available where:

1.  Commercial dispute. The dispute relates to a commercial, contractual or business relationship.

2.  Mutual willingness to mediate. Mediation is voluntary - both parties must be willing to participate in good faith. You can also apply alone for an initial enquiry or the free consultation, and we can guide you on inviting the other party.

3.  Intention to preserve the relationship. The scheme is designed for parties who wish to explore settlement and, where possible, preserve, continue or restructure their commercial relationship.

4.  Dispute suitable for mediation. The dispute must be capable of resolution by agreement between the parties.

5.  Scheme period. The scheme is open for eligible enquiries received between 1 July and 31 December 2026.

Typical disputes include price adjustments under long-term supply contracts; increased costs relating to energy, freight, raw materials or supply chains; delayed or disputed payments; payment term adjustments; renegotiation of long-term contracts; delay-related and contract performance issues; construction-related commercial disputes; and logistics and supply chain disputes. Each enquiry is considered on its own facts.

How it works

1.  Submit your application. Complete the Mediation Request Application Form. Only a short, general description of the dispute is needed - do not include confidential or privileged information.

2.  Your enquiry is reviewed. We confirm whether the dispute is suitable for the scheme and whether it qualifies for the free consultation or the mediation pathway. Further information may be requested.

3.  Both parties agree to participate. If you apply alone, we can share the request with the other party, who has seven working days to confirm whether they wish to mediate.

4.  Free consultation. The Mediation Hub assigns a registered mediator for a free one-hour conflict management consultation to assess the situation, clarify options and agree practical next steps.

5.  Mediation. Where the parties choose to proceed, the mediation is conducted through the DIFC Courts Mediation Service Centre under its Rules - with a 50% reduction in Centre fees for eligible parties.

6.  Settlement. If agreement is reached, it is recorded in a settlement agreement between the parties.

What does it cost?