International Arbitration Lawyers in Dubai

Arbitration or Court: Key Differences

The Arbitration Process

1. Notice of arbitration under the contract's clause and the chosen rules.
2. Constitution of the tribunal: a sole arbitrator or a panel of three.
3. Written submissions with documents, witness statements and expert reports.
4. Hearing, in person or remotely.
5. Award, which is final and binding.
6. Enforcement through ratification by the competent UAE court, or abroad under the New York Convention.

Drafting an Arbitration Clause That Works

• Name the institution and rules (for example DIAC Rules).
• State the seat (for example Dubai onshore or the DIFC), the language and the number of arbitrators.
• Make sure the person signing has authority to agree to arbitration.
• Avoid "pathological" clauses that name a non-existent institution or mix court and arbitration.

Challenging or Enforcing an Award

An award can be set aside only on limited grounds, such as an invalid arbitration agreement, lack of proper notice, the tribunal exceeding its mandate, or conflict with public order. Deadlines for annulment actions are short. To enforce, the award is ratified by the court and then executed like a judgment.

Our Role

We act as counsel in arbitrations, advise on clauses in commercial contracts, and handle enforcement before the UAE courts. For court disputes, see litigation lawyers; for cross-border matters, see international lawyers and corporate lawyers.