Sharjah Champions Restorative Justice at Book Fair Dialogue

Sharjah is taking bold strides in promoting restorative justice and community reconciliation. On Wednesday evening, a landmark dialogue session titled “Dispute Resolution in Sharjah: New Horizons for Amicable Solutions and Sustainable Justice” convened at Expo Centre Sharjah as part of the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair. The session brought together judicial leaders, law enforcement, and experts to explore practical methods of resolving disputes before they escalate to legal conflicts.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Judicial Council, highlighted the crucial role of reconciliation in maintaining social cohesion. He emphasized that proactive resolution of disputes strengthens family stability, fosters tolerance, and ensures societal harmony. Referencing the “Direct Line” program, His Highness encouraged initiatives that raise community awareness of amicable conflict resolution and the importance of avoiding litigation whenever possible.

Judicial leaders shared insights into Sharjah’s growing framework for restorative justice. Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Head of the Judicial Department, outlined reforms aimed at balancing justice with reconciliation. Key initiatives include the Alimony Fund to ease family disputes and parental agreements to define ethical responsibilities within families. These measures are intended to provide structured, non-litigious solutions while reinforcing social values.

Counselor Dr Salah Al Hammadi, Head of Prosecution, stressed the importance of mediation and family-oriented reconciliation programs. By offering online complaint waivers and encouraging early conflict resolution, the Public Prosecution aims to reduce court workload while ensuring fair outcomes for all parties. This approach aligns with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family, reflecting leadership priorities in family welfare and societal harmony.

Brigadier Dr Mohammed Khamis Al Othmani, Director of the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy, highlighted community policing as a cornerstone of Sharjah’s restorative justice model. Emphasizing the motto “Reconciliation before Litigation,” he noted that trained specialists mediate disputes, strengthen family bonds, and work closely with government and charitable organizations to maintain a safe, inclusive community.

The dialogue also featured international perspectives, with Dr Emad El-Din Hussein discussing global advancements in mediation techniques. His insights highlighted the economic and social benefits of reconciliation, demonstrating that restorative justice is both a practical and strategic approach to fostering community stability.

The session concluded with His Highness receiving awards and publications from judicial professionals, showcasing the emirate’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and continuous advancement in legal and judicial practices.

Sharjah’s integrated efforts across judiciary, law enforcement, and community institutions signal a progressive model of restorative justice—one that prioritizes understanding, reconciliation, and the preservation of social harmony.