Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees Formed in Abu Dhabi

New dispute resolution committees have been established in Abu Dhabi to address conflicts within family-owned businesses and support their continuity.
The decision was issued by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department under Resolution No. 3 of 2026.
The committees will oversee disputes related to the structure and operation of family businesses headquartered in Abu Dhabi, including issues tied to ownership, management and partnership arrangements. Their jurisdiction extends to disputes between partners, family members, the business entity itself and third parties. They will also review grievances against decisions issued by Family Councils for Dispute Settlement under Federal Decree-Law No. 37 of 2022, with a 30-day window for filing appeals.
The resolution grants the committees authority to take preventive and urgent measures to ensure business continuity, including steps to avoid operational disruption or reputational and financial impact during disputes.
Committees may also appoint technical experts from the judicial department’s registry or external sources, including government entities, depending on the nature of the case.
Disputes may first be referred to a Family Council or the Dispute Settlement Centre for amicable resolution. If unresolved, the committees will assume jurisdiction and issue decisions with the legal force of a Court of First Instance judgment, subject to appeal under civil procedures law.
Each committee will be chaired by a judge and supported by two specialists in legal, financial or family business management fields, alongside a secretary. The framework also includes strict confidentiality provisions, with legal consequences for any unauthorised disclosure of information related to disputes or involved parties.