Since its inception in 2013, the Rental Dispute Resolution Centre in Dubai has successfully resolved a total of 142,122 rental disputes.

Of these, 124,522 cases were addressed by the primary court, while the appellate court dealt with 17,600 cases.

The centre was established following a decree by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of regulating the real estate market and ensuring stable relations between landlords and tenants.

Chief Judge of the centre, Abdul Qadir Mousa Mohammed, noted that there is a dedicated department for conciliation and reconciliation, which has facilitated the amicable resolution of 42,159 disputes.

This success emphasizes the centre's capability to deliver swift solutions without the need for extended litigation.

The Dubai Rental Dispute Resolution Centre is the sole authority for resolving rental disputes within the emirate and its free zones, excluding cases that fall under specific courts or judicial committees.

Additionally, the centre handles appeals against rulings and takes emergency measures to safeguard the parties' rights.

However, it does not entertain disputes arising from long-term rental agreements exceeding ten years or leasing contracts.

Among the centre's notable achievements is the digital transformation of litigation processes, allowing parties to file cases electronically via its official website or through real estate service providers.

The streamlined procedure encompasses registration, filing claims, submitting documents, and paying fees, with hearings conducted remotely through an electronic litigation system, culminating in the electronic delivery of judgments.

These advancements enhance efficiency and transparency in transactions.

Legally, the timeframe for settling disputes is capped at 30 days, but actual average processing time has reduced to 14 days, thanks to the implemented digital frameworks, indicating the effectiveness and speed of the centre's procedures.

Judge Mousa highlighted challenges faced by the centre, notably the lack of awareness regarding its functions and jurisdiction, which sometimes delays individuals from seeking assistance.

In response, the centre has intensified awareness campaigns, offering free legal consultations online and launching a 'Rental Status Certificate' service, enabling tenants and landlords to verify each other's records prior to signing contracts.

In 2018, the centre introduced a remote litigation system, which proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted court sessions.

In 2023, it unveiled a 'Virtual Court' utilizing metaverse technology, creating an interactive environment for remote hearings, underscoring Dubai's commitment to leading in digital judicial services globally.

A forthcoming initiative named 'Self-Judgment' will leverage artificial intelligence to issue prompt rulings in eviction cases due to non-payment, aiming to accelerate procedures and ease the burden on judges and stakeholders.

The Rental Dispute Resolution Centre is committed to providing comprehensive services that ensure efficient dispute resolution, including rent-related lawsuits, appeals, execution processes, and urgent requests such as interim orders.

It continues to enhance its systems to align with Dubai's Vision 2030, aspiring to be the leading global judicial reference for rental disputes, with a focus on speed, accuracy, and sustainability in service delivery.