Arbitration

Institutional and ad hoc arbitration for UAE-related disputes, seat and clause strategy, and enforcement.

We act in institutional and ad hoc commercial arbitration, advising on seat and clause strategy at the drafting stage and on enforcement once an award is obtained. Clause drafting agreed years before a dispute arises often determines how straightforward that dispute later proves to resolve.

We appear in DIAC, ICC, LCIA and other institutional arbitrations for commercial and construction disputes with seats in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, DIFC, London and Singapore; among others. We work alongside our DIFC and ADGM Courts practice where enforcement or a parallel court process is involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on arbitration in the UAE.

Arbitration clauses are generally enforceable under UAE law and under the DIFC and ADGM frameworks, provided the clause is validly drafted and the dispute is capable of being arbitrated. Enforceability issues most often arise from poor drafting. We advise on drafting clauses that hold up, and on existing clauses where a dispute has emerged.

An arbitral award can generally be enforced through the courts, including onshore in the UAE, though the process depends on where enforcement is needed and the assets involved. We advise on the enforcement route available for a specific award.

Within Disputes