The Legal 500

Haider K Afridi and Chatura Randeniya
Afridi & Angell

How is commercial arbitration used in your jurisdiction? What are the recent trends? What are the general advantages and disadvantages of arbitration compared to court litigation in your jurisdiction? 

Few things are as certain as disputes in construction projects. The Middle East has been, and will continue to be, a hub for construction activity.

Please give a brief overview of the use of commercial arbitration in your jurisdiction, including any recent trends. What are the general advantages and disadvantages of arbitration compared to court litigation in your jurisdiction?

On a first reading this might seem like a particularly narrow question. Perhaps geographically of limited utility.

Commercial disputes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are generally resolved through litigation in the courts or arbitration. Arbitration is becoming an increasingly popular way to resolve disputes. The UAE recently signed the UN Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958 (New York Convention).

If enacted, two draft arbitration laws released for consultation in February 2008 stand to put the UAE at the forefront of arbitration in the Middle East.