Abu Dhabi courts announced yesterday the formation of a committee of volunteer mediators, marking a significant advancement in improving access to justice and expanding the scope of the judicial mediation program established at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in 2019, which was the first of its kind in the region.
The committee comprises internationally accredited mediators who are eager to volunteer in the field of mediation and share their expertise at no cost, benefiting from the practical experience provided by the judicial mediation model at ADGM.
This initiative aims to support parties within the regulatory frameworks of ADGM, assisting them in seeking early resolutions to disputes, while also contributing to the development of the next generation of global talents and competencies in mediation.
The first batch of volunteer mediators has been approved, and future application rounds will be announced shortly.
Mediation offers the involved parties a confidential space to negotiate dispute resolutions, allowing them to decide all steps taken without any pressure.
Within the judicial mediation context, a written agreement signed by all parties becomes legally binding.
If there is a case pending before the court, the court can issue an order to enforce the agreement, which can be executed upon request by one of the parties.
The volunteer mediators committee aims to emphasize mediation as an effective and viable option for resolving disputes, providing access to internationally accredited mediators from various jurisdictions and sectors, who possess advanced skills, knowledge, and experience, alongside supporting emerging talents in the field.
Linda Fitz Allan, the registrar and CEO of ADGM Courts, stated, “Since the launch of the judicial mediation program at ADGM in 2019, the program has proven to be highly effective, achieving a resolution rate of approximately 80% annually.
The establishment of the volunteer mediators committee is a crucial step in developing this program and reflects ADGM Courts’ ongoing commitment to enhancing mediation as an exceptional method for dispute resolution, especially in light of recent technological and environmental changes.”