Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, has issued Resolution No. 3 of 2026 establishing Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees in the emirate, in a move aimed at strengthening the legal framework governing family enterprises and ensuring their long-term economic sustainability.
The decision, issued in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, grants the Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees jurisdiction over disputes related to the memorandum of association, management, and ownership of family businesses headquartered in Abu Dhabi. This includes conflicts among partners, between partners and family members, or involving third parties.
The Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees will also hear grievances against decisions issued by Family Councils for Dispute Settlement under Federal Decree-Law No. 37 of 2022 on Family Businesses. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of notification, failing which they will be deemed invalid.
Under the resolution, the Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees are empowered to take urgent and preventive measures to ensure business continuity and mitigate reputational or financial risks during disputes. They may appoint experts from the Judicial Department’s registry, external specialists, or relevant government personnel, depending on the case requirements.
For amicable settlements, disputes will be referred to the Dispute Settlement Center if no Family Council exists or if parties opt out of that route. If resolution efforts fail, the Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees will issue expedited, reasoned decisions carrying the legal force of a Court of First Instance judgment, subject to appeal under applicable civil procedures.
The resolution underscores strict confidentiality provisions, imposing disciplinary and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of dispute-related information, including the identities of parties and companies involved.
Each Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees will be chaired by a judge and supported by two experts in legal, financial, or family business management fields, along with a secretary. Appointments will be made by the Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, with the chair nominated by the Judicial Council.
