In a move designed to streamline commercial conflict resolution and bolster investor confidence, ADGM Courts and The Mediation Hub MENA (TMH) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Announced on May 7, 2026, the agreement reinforces a shared commitment to making mediation the preferred tool for settling local and international disputes across the UAE and the wider MENA region.
The partnership creates a collaborative framework focused on enhancing the efficiency and adoption of mediation, aligning the region with international best practices for dispute resolution.
Strengthening the mediation infrastructure
Under the new agreement, TMH will play a critical role in supporting the ADGM Courts’ Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme. Key operational goals include:
-
Qualified Nominations: TMH will nominate suitably qualified mediators to support court-annexed schemes.
-
Pro Bono Panel Expansion: The partnership will strengthen and expand the existing Pro Bono Mediators Panel, ensuring broader access to legal relief.
-
Capacity Building: The two organizations will explore joint training programs and stakeholder engagement sessions to professionalize the regional legal landscape.
“Mediation Before Litigation”: A cultural shift
A central pillar of the MoU is the potential endorsement of the “UAE Mediation First Pledge”. This initiative calls on businesses to prioritize amicable resolution as a primary strategy to preserve the professional relationships that drive the regional economy.
Linda Fitz-Alan, registrar and chief executive of ADGM Courts, noted that the legal tide is turning toward commercially sensible outcomes. “Parties are increasingly seeking efficient outcomes, and mediation has a central role to play,” Fitz-Alan stated. By working with TMH, ADGM Courts aims to expand access to experienced mediators and provide a more flexible approach to resolving conflicts.
Christine Maksoud, founder and executive director of The Mediation Hub MENA, emphasized that mediation is no longer a peripheral tool but a cultural cornerstone for building trust with global investors. “Together, we are making an amicable resolution the first option, not the last resort,” Maksoud commented.
Strategic context
ADGM is a leading international financial centre (IFC) and the only one in the region to directly apply English Common Law. By integrating TMH’s expertise into its technology-enabled dispute resolution forum, ADGM Courts continues to strengthen its position as a progressive, business-friendly environment intended to facilitate sustainable economic growth.
The post ADGM Courts and The Mediation Hub MENA Partner to Elevate Mediation in the UAE appeared first on The Fintech Times.
