Arbitration

Counsel in institutional and ad hoc arbitration, and in the court proceedings that follow.

Arbitration offers a flexible and specialist forum for resolving disputes, particularly where parties require procedural control, technical expertise or a mechanism suited to cross-border matters. We assess the arbitration agreement, the governing law, the relief sought and the location of relevant parties and assets before determining the most effective strategy.

We represent clients throughout domestic and international arbitration proceedings, from commencing or responding to a claim and appointing the tribunal to interim applications, written submissions, evidentiary hearings and the issuance of the award. We also advise on recognition, enforcement and challenges to arbitral awards, working closely with clients, experts and counsel to present complex legal, factual and technical issues clearly and effectively.

Our practice covers institutional and ad hoc arbitrations seated within and outside the UAE, including proceedings conducted under the DIAC Arbitration Rules, the arbitrateAD Arbitration Rules and the ICC Rules of Arbitration. We also advise at the contract stage on the drafting of arbitration agreements, including the choice of seat, governing law, institution, language and number of arbitrators, as these decisions can significantly affect the conduct and enforceability of future proceedings.

What we do

• Arbitration clause drafting and review — The cheapest hour you will ever spend on arbitration. We draft and review clauses to fix seat, forum, rules, language, tribunal size and governing law, and to avoid the pathological clauses that produce a jurisdictional fight before the merits are reached.
• Institutional arbitration — Counsel in proceedings under the DIAC, ICC and LCIA Rules and before arbitrateAD, from request to award, including document production, witness and expert evidence, and hearings.
• Ad hoc arbitration — Arbitrations conducted outside an institution and governed by Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 as amended, where the parties and the tribunal carry procedural responsibilities an institution would otherwise absorb.
• Construction and engineering arbitration — The largest category of UAE arbitration by value. Delay, disruption and quantum claims are won on programme analysis and expert evidence, and we build those cases with the experts from the start rather than at the end.
• Cross-border and international disputes — Arbitrations involving parties, assets or governing law in more than one jurisdiction, including applicable law questions, parallel proceedings and anti-suit relief.
• Interim and emergency relief — Emergency arbitrator applications, interim measures from the tribunal, and supporting court applications to preserve assets or evidence while the arbitration runs.
• Ratification and enforcement of awards — Recognition and execution of domestic and foreign awards before the UAE courts, and enforcement against assets in the Emirates.
• Challenges and set-aside — Defending awards against nullification applications, and bringing them where there are genuine grounds: improper constitution of the tribunal, want of jurisdiction, or a breach of due process.

Who we act for

Employers and contractors, corporates in cross-border contracts, joint-venture partners and shareholders, and parties enforcing or resisting awards.

Common questions

Is arbitration faster than court?

Not always, but it is more predictable and you have some influence over the timetable. The durable advantages are confidentiality, tribunal expertise and international enforceability.

Our contract has an arbitration clause but the other side has gone to court. What now?

The court should decline jurisdiction if the clause is valid and the objection is raised at the first opportunity. Raising it late can waive it, so this needs immediate attention.

Can an arbitral award be appealed?

Not on the merits. It can be challenged on limited procedural grounds and resisted at the enforcement stage. Both routes are narrow by design.

How much does arbitration cost?

More than court in fees, because you are paying the tribunal and the institution. Whether it is cheaper overall depends on the value at stake and where the assets sit.