Corporate & Commercial Law
Shareholder arrangements, commercial agreements and governance documents, drawn and reviewed as instruments that have to hold.
Service 05
Arbitration
Advisory and procedural support through arbitration seated in the UAE and enforcement of awards.
Arbitration is a vital mechanism for resolving disputes in Dubai and across the UAE, offering a faster, confidential, and flexible alternative to traditional court litigation. With the UAE’s growing business environment and complex commercial landscape, arbitration has become the preferred choice for individuals, companies, and multinational corporations seeking efficient dispute resolution.
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process where parties agree to submit their disputes to a neutral third-party arbitrator instead of going to court. The arbitrator’s decision is legally binding and enforceable under UAE law.
What we do
Arbitration in UAE
Confidentiality
Arbitration proceedings are private, protecting sensitive business information.
Flexibility
Parties can choose procedures, rules, and even arbitrators.
Efficiency
Disputes are generally resolved faster than in traditional courts.
Evaluate disputes to determine suitability for arbitration.
Guide legal rights and obligations.
Advise on domestic vs. international arbitration options.
Draft legally compliant arbitration clauses for contracts.
Ensure clarity on arbitration procedures, venue, and rules.
Customize agreements to suit the needs of businesses or individuals.
How the work runs
- 01
Initial Consultation
Understand the dispute and evaluate suitability for arbitration.
- 02
Case Assessment
Review contracts, agreements, and legal obligations.
- 03
Strategy Development
Plan the arbitration process, including choice of rules and arbitrator.
- 04
Arbitration Proceedings
Represent clients, present evidence, and negotiate settlements.
- 05
Award and Enforcement
Assist in obtaining and enforcing the arbitration award.
- 06
Post-Arbitration Support
Provide ongoing advice to prevent future disputes.
Questions we are asked
What is arbitration in the UAE?
Arbitration is a legal process where disputes are resolved by a neutral arbitrator instead of going to court. The arbitrator’s decision is binding and enforceable.
Which law governs arbitration in the UAE?
Arbitration seated in the UAE is governed by Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 on Arbitration, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 15 of 2023. The principal onshore institutions are the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, applying the DIAC Arbitration Rules 2022, and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, known as arbitrateAD.
How long does arbitration take in UAE?
Arbitration is generally faster than court litigation, with timelines depending on the complexity of the dispute and agreed procedures.
Why should I hire the firm for arbitration services?
We provide expert legal guidance, personalized strategies, full representation in proceedings, and ensure efficient resolution of disputes in Dubai and across the UAE.
Is an arbitral award enforceable in the UAE?
Awards are enforceable subject to the ratification procedure before the competent court, and foreign awards may be recognised under the New York Convention. Enforcement is not automatic, and it can be resisted on defined grounds, so the procedural record matters throughout.
How long does an arbitration take?
Longer than parties expect and shorter than litigation across several instances. The duration depends on the number of arbitrators, the complexity of the evidence and the tribunal's timetable. Institutional rules commonly set a target period which can be extended.
Is arbitration cheaper than going to court?
Usually not, in fees. Parties pay the tribunal and the institution as well as their own advisers. It is chosen for confidentiality, for expertise on the tribunal, and for cross-border enforceability, not for economy.
What makes an arbitration clause defective?
Naming an institution that does not exist, failing to state a seat, providing for an even number of arbitrators, or contradicting a jurisdiction clause elsewhere in the same contract. Each of these generates a preliminary dispute about the dispute, before the merits are reached.
General information about this service, not advice on your matter. Legislation is named for orientation. See our terms of use.