Arbitration in Dubai and the UAE
Domestic and international arbitration for commercial and contract disputes, from the clause you sign today to enforcing the award years later.
Arbitration is a private alternative to the courts, agreed in a contract, in which an independent tribunal decides the dispute and issues a binding award. In the UAE it is governed by the federal arbitration law, and major centres include the Dubai International Arbitration Centre.
We draft clauses that work, prepare and manage claims and defences in arbitral proceedings, advise on challenges to awards, and take the steps to have awards recognised and enforced in the UAE or abroad.
How we can help
Drafting arbitration clauses and agreements
A clause should name the seat, the rules, the number of arbitrators and the language. A vague clause can mean a year lost arguing about where to argue.
Proceedings before institutions and ad hoc tribunals
We prepare requests for arbitration, statements of case, evidence and witness statements, and manage the procedure with the tribunal.
Challenges to awards and annulment
Awards can be set aside only on limited grounds and within short deadlines. We assess whether a challenge is realistic, or how to defend an award against one.
Recognition and enforcement of awards
The UAE is a party to the New York Convention, so foreign awards can be enforced here and UAE awards abroad. We prepare the enforcement application and supporting documents.
From first call to resolution
Read the clause
The arbitration agreement decides the rules, the seat and the institution. We start there.
Assess the claim
What happened, what you can prove and what an award is likely to be worth after costs.
Commence or respond
We prepare the request for arbitration or the answer, and help select arbitrators.
Run the case
Written submissions, document production, witness evidence and the hearing.
Enforce
Recognition and enforcement of the award where the other side has assets.
When arbitration makes sense
Arbitration suits commercial parties who want confidentiality, a tribunal with relevant expertise, proceedings in English and an award that can be enforced across borders. It can cost more than litigation at the outset, so for smaller or simpler claims we may recommend the courts or mediation instead. We tell you which forum is likely to serve you best.
Our approach
Our team includes advisers with international commercial arbitration and construction contract experience. We focus on building the documentary record early, because in most arbitrations the contemporaneous documents decide the case.
Arbitration: your questions
Yes. A final award is binding on the parties and can be enforced through the courts after ratification, subject to the limited grounds for challenge in the arbitration law.
Yes. The UAE is a party to the New York Convention, so awards made in other member states can be recognised and enforced, subject to its conditions.
The Dubai International Arbitration Centre, one of the main arbitral institutions in the UAE, which administers arbitrations under its own rules.
Fees are quoted after the first consultation, based on the size and stage of the dispute, and agreed in writing before work begins.
Who you will work with
Related practice areas
Let’s talk about your matter.
In person or by call. We reply within one working day.
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