A draft law to establish the centre has been sent from the Land Department to Dubai's Executive Committee for approval.

Alternative dispute experts have said the legislative framework needs to keep pace with legal developments. Some have argued this means the civil procure law needs to be replaced with a new arbitration law.

Experts have also said real estate sale and purchase contracts should include clauses which clearly state a dispute resolution procedure and specifically list mediation and arbitration as possible solutions before court action.

This story was first reported in Middle East Company News Wire, AME Info and Gulf News (United Arab Emirates).