
Abu Dhabi's ADGM Courts enhance access to justice with pro bono mediation scheme
ABU DHABI (WAM)ADGM Courts announced Wednesday the launch of its Pro Bono Mediators Panel, marking a significant step in expanding access to justice and further strengthening its Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme, which was established in 2019 as a first for the region.The new panel will comprise internationally accredited mediators who wish to contribute their expertise on a pro bono basis, while gaining valuable experience through court-annexed mediations.The initiative supports parties seeking early resolution of disputes within ADGM Courts' jurisdiction who may benefit from mediation, and seeks to foster the next generation of global mediation talent.The first cohort of pro-bono mediators is now in place, with further application rounds to be announced.Mediation offers parties a confidential forum to negotiate the resolution of their dispute via a process during which they retain full control. In the context of court-annexed mediation, a written settlement agreement signed by all parties becomes legally binding.|If proceedings have commenced, the court will issue an order giving effect to the settlement agreement, which may be enforced at a party's request.With the objective of promoting and fostering mediation as an effective, efficient and viable method of dispute resolution, the Pro Bono Mediators Panel offers access to internationally accredited mediators from diverse jurisdictions and sectors who possess high standards of skill, knowledge and expertise, while also supporting emerging talent.Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, stated, 'Since its inception in 2019, the Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme has demonstrated substantial impact, achieving a settlement rate of around 80 percent year-on-year. The establishment of the Pro Bono Mediators Panel marks an important next step in the evolution of the Scheme and reflects ADGM Courts' long-standing commitment to promoting mediation as an outstanding method of dispute resolution, especially for the new wave of disputes in technology and climate. "Whilst strengthening the support available to parties seeking early settlement of disputes, I am delighted that we can now offer emerging mediators a valuable opportunity to practise within a leading international commercial framework.'
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Gulf Business
03-07-2025
- Gulf Business
ADGM Courts introduces pro bono mediators panel to support dispute resolution
Image: ADGM/ For illustrative purposes ADGM Courts announced the launch of its Pro Bono Mediators Panel, marking a key milestone in strengthening its Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme, introduced in 2019 as a regional first. The initiative aims to broaden access to justice while fostering global mediation The new panel will consist of internationally accredited mediators who volunteer their services on a pro bono basis. In return, they gain practical experience handling mediations under a leading international commercial framework. The first cohort of mediators has already been appointed, with additional application rounds to follow. The panel supports parties seeking early, cost-effective dispute resolution within ADGM Courts' jurisdiction and enhances mediation as a viable alternative to litigation. 'Mediation offers parties a confidential forum to negotiate the resolution of their dispute via a process during which they retain full control,' the court said in a statement. If a written settlement agreement is reached and signed, it becomes legally binding, and in cases where proceedings are ongoing, Mediators panel an important next step in the evolution of the scheme Registrar and chief executive of ADGM Courts, Linda Fitz-Alan, said the Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme has achieved an average settlement rate of 80 per cent year on year since its inception. She described the launch of the Pro Bono Mediators Panel as 'an important next step' in the evolution of the scheme. 'This reflects ADGM Courts' long-standing commitment to promoting mediation as an outstanding method of dispute resolution, especially for the new wave of disputes in technology and climate,' Fitz-Alan said. Court-annexed mediation under ADGM Courts may be conducted either by court officers or by independent pro bono mediators appointed by the registrar. The initiative aligns with ADGM's broader goals of enhancing dispute resolution infrastructure and promoting efficient legal processes in Abu Dhabi's international financial centre.


Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi's ADGM Courts enhance access to justice with pro bono mediation scheme
2 July 2025 14:59 ABU DHABI (WAM)ADGM Courts announced Wednesday the launch of its Pro Bono Mediators Panel, marking a significant step in expanding access to justice and further strengthening its Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme, which was established in 2019 as a first for the new panel will comprise internationally accredited mediators who wish to contribute their expertise on a pro bono basis, while gaining valuable experience through court-annexed initiative supports parties seeking early resolution of disputes within ADGM Courts' jurisdiction who may benefit from mediation, and seeks to foster the next generation of global mediation first cohort of pro-bono mediators is now in place, with further application rounds to be offers parties a confidential forum to negotiate the resolution of their dispute via a process during which they retain full control. In the context of court-annexed mediation, a written settlement agreement signed by all parties becomes legally binding.|If proceedings have commenced, the court will issue an order giving effect to the settlement agreement, which may be enforced at a party's the objective of promoting and fostering mediation as an effective, efficient and viable method of dispute resolution, the Pro Bono Mediators Panel offers access to internationally accredited mediators from diverse jurisdictions and sectors who possess high standards of skill, knowledge and expertise, while also supporting emerging Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, stated, 'Since its inception in 2019, the Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme has demonstrated substantial impact, achieving a settlement rate of around 80 percent year-on-year. The establishment of the Pro Bono Mediators Panel marks an important next step in the evolution of the Scheme and reflects ADGM Courts' long-standing commitment to promoting mediation as an outstanding method of dispute resolution, especially for the new wave of disputes in technology and climate. "Whilst strengthening the support available to parties seeking early settlement of disputes, I am delighted that we can now offer emerging mediators a valuable opportunity to practise within a leading international commercial framework.'


Khaleej Times
17-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Showroom ordered to pay Dh83,000 after selling customer's car without paying
A car showroom has been ordered to return Dh68,000 to a customer, along with an additional Dh15,000 in compensation. A ruling from the Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Claims came after the showroom sold the customer's car, which had been given to them in trust, but failed to hand over the sale proceeds. The customer had given his car to the showroom under an agreement to sell it. He was asked to transfer the vehicle's ownership to the showroom to facilitate the sale process. The customer agreed, but after the sale was completed, the showroom did not pay him the agreed amount. The owner filed a lawsuit against the showroom, requesting the court to compel it to pay Dh68,000 for the sale price along with 9 per cent annual interest from the date of the claim until full payment. He also demanded Dh30,000 in compensation for material and moral damages, in addition to legal fees and court expenses, according to Al Khaleej local newspaper. In his complaint, the plaintiff explained that he had agreed with the showroom to leave the car in their custody for sale at the best possible price. After some time, the showroom informed him that a buyer had been found and that the agreed price was Dh68,000, which the customer accepted. Later, the showroom told him the buyer wanted to apply for bank financing, which required transferring ownership to the showroom. The customer cooperated and used his digital ID to complete the transfer of ownership. However, despite completing the sale and receiving the money from the buyer, the showroom stalled payment and refused to transfer the amount to the original owner. This prompted the customer to take legal action. The court reviewed the evidence and found that the showroom had failed to fulfil its obligation. It ruled in favour of the claimant, ordering the payment of Dh68,000 and an additional Dh15,000 as compensation for the financial and emotional harm suffered.