INDUSTRY WATCH
Dispute settlement
BOOST FOR AMICABLE RESOLUTIONS The Department of Economic Development (DED) in co-operation with the Dubai Courts (DC) will soon establish the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes in the Business Village. This will be a one-stop shop offering an integrated package of services for quick and cost-effective settlements for businessmen and investors in the emirate.
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he new headquarters was announced at a press conference in the presence of His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Saeed Bin Hazim, Director General of Dubai Courts. The initiative is based on a study submitted by Dubai SME, an agency of DED, to Dubai Courts on the development needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for 95% of all businesses, 42% of the workforce, and 40% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in Dubai. The study pointed to the necessity for an investment environment that meets the needs of SME owners and allows for faster and affordable disputes settlement. DED decided to extend the new approach to all businesses given its wider relevance.
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The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes comes in line with DED’s strategy to create a competitive investment environment to attract domestic and foreign investment and organise businesses in accordance with best international practices. It also aligns with the vision of Dubai Courts to uphold justice through precision and promptness in litigation, implementation of court orders and documenting legal instruments by involving qualified national cadres and using advanced systems, procedures and technologies. “This initiative reflects our keenness to build bridges of communication and cooperation with the government authorities concerned, as a means of further strengthening economic and business standards in Dubai and enhancing our customer service levels. There is no doubt that this service will enable speedier and affordable settlement of disputes, compared to what legal firms and offices offer, and without the need to go to the court,” said Al Qamzi. His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Saeed Bin Hazim said, “The initiative to move the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes to the Business Village is to support economic activity
SME ADVISOR MIDDLE EAST NOVEMBER 2011
in the Emirate and contribute to resolving disputes in such a way so as to ensure economic and social stability.” The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will have offices where legal suits can be filed, as well as a judge specialised in the settlement of disputes, in addition to a group of experienced and qualified arbitrators. Dr Bin Hazim said, “Dubai Courts aims to expand the powers of the centre and add new categories of disputes to the reconciliation process. The number of disputes that are resolved amicably is expected to increase through the increased awareness of the importance of this process in imparting justice quickly and easily.” Abdul Baset Al Janahi, Chief Executive Office of Dubai SME, said, “We seek to support entrepreneurs, and encourage young people to develop SMEs through innovations. SMEs are engines of economic development and a strategic catalyst in building a culture of innovation and creativity. Our approach stems from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to leverage SME performance and spread an entrepreneurship culture across the various economic sectors.” Mohamed Amin Mubashri, Head of the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes in Dubai Courts, said, “The centre works to resolve disputes amicably within a period of one month from the date of the parties presenting themselves with the arbitrators. If reconciliation is reached, it is validated through an agreement signed by the two parties and approved by the competent judge. In case an amicable settlement is not reached, the dispute will be referred to court”. “The centre aims to provide a soft alternative to the judicial process, through facilitating amicable and affordable settlement of disputes before referring them to the prosecution. It also provides a mechanism to document dispute settlement processes,” added Mubashri.