Best Arbitration Lawyer in UAE

Expert Arbitration Services in the UAE: 14+ Years of Resolving Disputes with Confidence

Get confidential, flexible, efficient, and legally binding arbitration solutions with SK Legal. Our expert legal consultants in UAE offer seamless dispute resolution under UAE Arbitration Law.

Strategic, Confidential & Enforceable Resolutions with Skilled Arbitration Lawyers

Expert Arbitration Legal Services in UAE

Arbitration offers a cost-effective and private alternative to traditional litigation. But without the right legal advice, you could face procedural delays, unenforceable awards, or poorly drafted clauses. At SK Legal, we guide clients through every stage of the arbitration process be it domestic and international, to ensure proceedings are efficient, enforceable, and aligned with UAE law.

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Why us?

Why Choose SK Legal for Arbitration Services in the UAE?

SK Legal provides comprehensive arbitration services, representing clients in both ad hoc and institutional arbitrations (such as DIAC, ICC) across a broad spectrum of industries and disputes. Our team is adept at navigating all critical stages of the arbitration process, ensuring that our clients receive tailored guidance and representation. Our expertise includes:

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01

Advisory Services

We guide clients through the entire arbitration process, from understanding the nuances of arbitration agreements to strategizing for optimal outcomes.

04

Selection of Arbitrators

We help clients select impartial arbitrators suited to the specifics of the dispute and liaise with arbitral institutions to facilitate smooth proceedings.

02

Case Preparation

Our lawyers meticulously review documentation, interview witnesses, analyse facts, & provide advice on the merits of the case for a strong foundation.

05

Drafting and Advocacy

Our team excels in drafting pleadings, managing discovery processes, preparing witness statements and written applications. We also provide strategic advocacy during hearings.

03

Initiating Proceedings

We assist in drafting and issuing Notices of Dispute and Requests for Arbitration, ensuring compliance with procedural rules and timelines.

06

Expert Coordination

We collaborate with experts for delay analysis, quantum analysis, and other technical evaluations critical to strengthening our clients’ positions.

Get Expert Legal Advice on Arbitration with SK Legal

SK Legal provides expert arbitration services in Dubai, Sharjah, and across the UAE. Whether you need guidance on UAE Arbitration Law, assistance with Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) proceedings, or support for International Arbitration, our team is ready to help.

What is Arbitration in the UAE?

Arbitration is highly regarded across the world for its benefits such as confidentiality and flexibility. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution which involves resolution of disputes outside of the court system. It is a widely accepted dispute resolution method in case of commercial disputes wherein the parties agree to submit their disputes to one or more arbitrators. An arbitrator is an impartial and qualified third party appointed by or on behalf of the parties.

Unlike mediation, where a mediator facilitates negotiation without binding decisions, arbitration results in a binding outcome. In contrast to litigation, which involves public court proceedings, arbitration is a private process offering greater flexibility. It allows parties to select arbitrators with specialized knowledge and experience, ensuring a thorough analysis of complex issues. 

Additionally, technical experts can be appointed to provide in-depth insights into technical matters, making arbitration a preferred choice for those seeking dispute resolution for complex and technical disputes.

Arbitration services UAE

Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) – A Leading Arbitration Hub

The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), established under Decree No. 10 of 2004, is a leading arbitration body in the UAE. Its 2022 Arbitration Rules align with international standards, featuring tools like expedited and emergency arbitration.

Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, the rules meet the evolving needs of both businesses and arbitration professionals. Unless agreed otherwise, DIFC is the default seat, applying DIFC Arbitration Law. DIAC offers a reliable, efficient framework for domestic and international disputes.

ICC Arbitration in UAE: The Gold Standard of International Arbitration

The ICC International Court of Arbitration is a globally recognised autonomous body under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). As the most preferred and widely used arbitration institution, its function is to supervise and administer arbitrations throughout all stages of the process. 

All proceedings are conducted under ICC Rules of Arbitration, which only the ICC Court is empowered and authorised to administer. Most importantly, there are no restrictions as to nationality of parties or arbitrators, location, language or law, making ICC Arbitration a reliable alternative to court litigation. 

ICC Arbitration in UAE

Key advantages of ICC Arbitration

No nationality restrictions on arbitrators or parties.

Flexible choice of location, language, and governing law.

Streamlined dispute resolution, & faster alternatives to traditional litigation.

Discover key legal Considerations for foreign developers in UAE’s construction market. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and ensure successful investments in the UAE.

Construction Disputes Arbitration Ensure Smooth Project Completion

A construction dispute refers to a disagreement or conflict among the various parties involved in a construction project. These projects typically involve multiple stakeholders, including clients, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and suppliers, between whom disputes can arise. 

Construction disputes frequently arise due to non-payments, delays, contract variations, non-completion of work, defective work, design errors, and material quality. Construction disputes can have a cascading effect, leading to significant project delays and cost overruns, while also damaging working relationships and impacting future business opportunities.

Given the complexity of construction projects, arbitration has become the preferred method for resolving these disputes in the recent years due to:

SK Legal has extensive experience in handling construction dispute arbitrations in UAE

Our team is skilled in navigating the complexities of construction law and arbitration procedures. Whether the dispute involves delays, non-payment, defective work, or variations, SK Legal offers strategic advice and effective legal representation. We help clients select the most suitable arbitration forum, prepare necessary documentation, and ensure the timely resolution of disputes. With a deep understanding of both legal and technical aspects of construction projects, SK Legal ensures that our clients’ interests are protected.

SK Legal has represented clients in a range of high-value construction arbitrations across leading forums including ADCCAC, DIAC, and ICC. Our experience includes disputes involving misrepresentation and breach of contract between international contractors and consultants on major development projects in Abu Dhabi; delay and variation claims relating to the construction of Concourse 2 at Dubai International Airport; performance-related disputes over residential developments in Dubai Marina; and cross-border claims arising from large-scale energy and industrial infrastructure projects, including a gas processing facility in Oman and a chemical processing plant in Abu Dhabi.

Commercial Disputes Arbitration

Commercial disputes in the UAE typically arise from issues such as breach of contract, non-performance, payment defaults, or disagreements over the terms of business transactions. Arbitration provides an efficient and confidential alternative to litigation, making it an increasingly popular choice for businesses.

The UAE’s legal framework for arbitration is governed by UAE Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 (UAE Arbitration Law), which aligns with international standards such as the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration.

Arbitration can be conducted through various institutions, including the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), offering flexible dispute resolution mechanisms that allow businesses to resolve conflicts effectively. Arbitration is particularly beneficial in commercial disputes involving international parties, as it offers flexibility in terms of location, governing law, and the selection of arbitrators

UAE Corporate Law Updates

SK Legal has extensive experience in handling commercial disputes through arbitration in the UAE

Our team is well-versed in the arbitration process under both UAE law and international arbitration frameworks, ensuring that our clients’ interests are effectively protected. Whether the dispute involves breach of contract, partnership issues, or disputes related to commercial agreements, we offer tailored strategies to achieve favourable outcomes.

We assist clients in selecting the most appropriate arbitration institution, prepare and submit documents, and represent them throughout the arbitration proceedings to ensure swift, fair, and legally sound resolutions. Our expertise ensures that clients receive efficient dispute resolution with minimised risks and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Expert Arbitration Services in UAE

The UAE hosts several arbitration centres, including the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC), ICC Arbitration Centre (Abu Dhabi Branch), and Ras Al Khaimah Reconciliation and Arbitration Centre. DIFC-LCIA was also prominent but recently merged into DIAC.

Yes, arbitration is fully recognised and legal in the UAE. It is governed by Federal Law No. 6 of 2018, aligned with UNCITRAL principles. Parties can resolve disputes privately through arbitration instead of using local courts.

Experts provide technical or specialised knowledge on complex issues. They help arbitrators understand matters outside the tribunal’s own expertise. This ensures informed and accurate decision-making in technical disputes.

Article 53 outlines the limited grounds for setting aside an arbitral award. Examples include procedural irregularities, lack of jurisdiction, or public policy breaches. It ensures that annulment is only available in exceptional, narrowly defined cases.

No, they are entirely different concepts. Arbitrage is a financial strategy that exploits price differences in markets. Arbitration is a legal process to resolve disputes privately and efficiently.

Article 26 provides for the Equal Treatment of the Parties to Arbitration. It states that the parties to arbitration shall be treated with equality and each party shall be given an adequate and sufficient opportunity for submission of its claims and defences.  

Arbitration resolves legal disputes with binding, enforceable awards. Expert determination addresses technical or factual issues, often without legal formality. Arbitration involves legal procedures; expert determination is typically faster and narrower.

Expert determination is when parties appoint a neutral expert to decide a technical issue. It’s typically used where a dispute turns on factual or specialist matters, not legal ones. The expert’s decision may be binding or non-binding, depending on the agreement.

Arbitration law governs how disputes can be resolved outside courts through arbitration. It sets rules on forming agreements, appointing arbitrators, and enforcing awards. In the UAE, this is mainly covered by Federal Law No. 6 of 2018.

Party-appointed experts help strengthen each side’s technical arguments. They provide an independent opinion on the technical issues. However, the tribunal retains the discretion to assess and weigh the expert’s opinion as it deems appropriate.

Mediators and arbitrators serve different roles in dispute resolution. A mediator facilitates negotiation and settlement without imposing a decision. In arbitration, the arbitrator hears evidence and renders a binding or final award.

An arbitrator is an impartial decision-maker chosen by disputing parties. They conduct hearings, review evidence, and issue awards resolving disputes. Arbitrators function like private judges but outside the formal court system.

The costs of expert determination are usually shared or split as per agreement. If not pre-agreed, the expert’s determination may specify how costs are allocated. Parties should clarify cost-sharing upfront to avoid later disputes.

Expert determination may lack procedural safeguards and formal evidence testing. There’s often no appeal or review if the expert makes a mistake. Also, decisions can sometimes be non-binding, causing enforcement difficulties.

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Get Expert Legal Advice on Arbitration with SK Legal

SK Legal provides expert arbitration services in Dubai, Sharjah, and across the UAE. Whether you need guidance on UAE Arbitration Law, assistance with Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) proceedings, or support for International Arbitration, our team is ready to help.

For personalised legal consultancy on arbitration, contact us at [email protected] 

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